English
Head of English Liesl Schultz
Phone +6 13 8805 3800
Email shul@knox.vic.edu.au
Rationale
The English language is central to the way in which students understand, critique and appreciate their world, and to the ways in which they participate socially, economically and culturally in Australian society.
The study of English encourages the development of literate individuals capable of critical and imaginative thinking, aesthetic appreciation and creativity. The mastery of key knowledge and skills underpins effective functioning in the contexts of study and work as well as productive participation in a democratic society in the twenty-first century.
The subject is divided into the dimensions of Reading, Writing, and Speaking and Listening. Students will develop competence and confidence in creating written, oral and multimodal texts. They will appreciate and analyse the ways in which texts, both contemporary and classic, are constructed and interpreted.
By understanding and working with texts, students acquire the knowledge, skills and personal qualities that enable them to read, view and listen critically and to think, speak and write clearly and confidently.
Domain Goals
- Equip students with literacy and language skills to both meet National Literacy benchmarks and function effectively in general employment and society.
- Encourage students to explore the meaning of texts and how meaning is formed.
- Introduce students to critical approaches to the ideas and thinking contained in texts and provide opportunities and appropriate metalanguage to describe, discuss and apply particular structures and features of language
- Teach strategies for communicating effectively in oral, written and multimodal modes, taking into account purpose, audience, form and context.
- Inspire students to appreciate, enjoy and use language to develop a sense of its richness and its power to evoke feelings.
Implementation
The Year 7 - 10 English courses will be developed according to the VELS documentation. The VCE courses are developed and updated according to the guidelines in the Study Design.
The English programs are developed by teams of teachers at each year level, under the leadership of the Faculty Head. These teachers will deliver a course which is consistent across the classes. A teacher from each year level will be nominated by the Faculty Head as a representative of the year level team.
The courses are developed to incorporate the three VELS dimensions: Reading, Writing, and Speaking and Listening for Year 7-10. They will continue to develop to incorporate Personal and Interpersonal Development, as well as links with other Domains.
Essentially English is a text-based course, and the texts selected for studying may take various forms. The selection of texts will be made by year level teams, in consultation with the Faculty Head.
In line with the VCE Study Design, each year level must study at least one Australian text. This may take the form of a novel, play or film, or alternatively may take the form of a short story or text from the Australian Media.
Unit One and Two English (Year 11) is compulsory for all students. This ensures that a strong foundation is laid for Units Three and Four, regardless of whether students choose to complete the course in English or Literature.
