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English

In the English domain, texts and language constitute the central and essential concepts. The concept of texts focuses equally on creating and analysing texts, understanding and interpreting texts, and moving beyond interpretation to reflection and critical analysis. The concept of language includes the use of language and the development of linguistic competence, and the development of knowledge about language.

The study of English involves students in reading, viewing, listening to, writing, creating, comparing, researching and talking about a range of text types from the simple to the complex, from texts dealing with concrete and straightforward information to those dealing with increasingly complex and abstract issues and ideas. English teachers encourage students to explore the meaning of texts and how meaning is conveyed. They introduce critical approaches to the ideas and thinking contained in texts and support students in the development of critical understanding about the ways writers and speakers control language to influence their listeners, readers and viewers.

Students develop an understanding of the way purpose, audience and situation influence the structures and features of language and learn to apply their knowledge in their reading, writing, viewing, speaking and listening.

Students learn terminology or metalanguage to describe and discuss particular structures and features of language produced in a variety of contexts. They learn to control language by applying their understanding of the grammatical structures of Standard Australian English, by learning to spell accurately and use punctuation effectively, as well as by imitating good writers and speakers.

Dimensions

• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking and listening

The learning in these dimensions is interrelated. For example, Speaking and listening contribute to the development of students’ reading responses. Writing contributes to communication about texts read or viewed and to reflection and learning. To help support student progress in all three dimensions, learning contexts are diverse and include situations that are informal, formal, planned and spontaneous.

All levels also study a film during the year.

Excursions and Incursions
2008 excursions include taking our Year 11 students to see “Macbeth” and our Year 10 students to see “Romeo and Juliet”, performed by Carnival Night Shakespeare. Our year 9 students will be visiting the Jewish Holocaust Museum as well as the Immigration Museum in order to enrich their appreciation of the text which they will be studying, “Boy in the Striped Pyjamas”.

English Competitions
All students studying English at Scoresby Secondary College have the opportunity to enter the Australian English Competition as well as other more specialist activities such as poetry and short story competitions.

Wide Reading
A key aspect of the College's English program is the encouragement given to each student's reading and comprehension skills. Wider reading programs are conducted at Years 7-10. Year 7 students will be involved in the Premier’s Reading Challenge.
English Literature is offered as a separate study in the VCE (Years 11 and 12).

Computers in English
All English classes across Years 7-10 have frequent access to the computer rooms for word processing, work on English programs such as the Grammar Show, preparation of power point displays for oral presentations, research for issues, and other activities. As well as having computer labs adjacent to English rooms, many classrooms now have several computers which students can access as required.

Team Teaching
Team Teaching is especially popular in the Junior school and in 2008 we will see it extend to the Middle school. As well as offering students variety, team teaching has a number of educational benefits. Our new classrooms allow two teachers to combine their classes and work together on many projects. Teachers also have the opportunity to use the new Interactive White Boards.

Transition in English
A major part of the Year 7 English programme is for students to write letters to their Grade 6 teachers informing them about life at a secondary school.

Foundation English Year 10
Foundation English is designed for those students who would have difficulty with the mainstream English course. It is designed to improve reading, writing and speaking skills through activities that are interesting and manageable. Students will need to have a basic level of literacy and be prepared to work hard with the support of their teachers.

As can be seen in English, students are encouraged to achieve their potential through a variety of stimulating activities.