Language plays a central role in human life: it provides a vehicle for communication, a tool for thinking, a means of creativity and a source of pleasure. In the English course, through the use of oral, written and visual communication texts students examine the relationship between language and power, and learn how to become competent, reflective, adaptable and critical users of language. Students learn about the English language, how it works and how to use it effectively.

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ATAR, General and Foundation

ATAR

The English ATAR course focuses on developing students’ analytical, creative, and critical thinking and communication skills in all language modes, encouraging students to critically engage with texts from their contemporary world, the past, and from Australian and other cultures. Through close study and wide reading, viewing and listening, students develop the ability to analyse and evaluate the purpose, stylistic qualities and conventions of texts and to enjoy creating imaginative, interpretive, persuasive and analytical responses in a range of written, oral, multimodal and digital forms. Year 11 Courses: English ATAR Unit 1 & 2. Year 12 Courses: English ATAR Unit 3 & 4

General

The English General course focuses on consolidating and refining the skills and knowledge needed by students to become competent, confident and engaged users of English in everyday, community, social, further education, training and workplace contexts. The course is designed to provide students with the skills to succeed in a wide range of post-secondary pathways by developing their language, literacy and literary skills. Students comprehend, analyse, interpret, evaluate and create analytical, imaginative, interpretive and persuasive texts in a range of written, oral, multimodal and digital forms. Year 11 Courses: English General Unit 1 & 2. Year 12 Courses: English General Unit 3 & 4.

Foundation

The English Foundation course aims to develop students’ skills in reading, writing, viewing, speaking and listening in work, learning, community and everyday personal contexts. This course is for students who have not demonstrated the literacy standard in the OLNA. Such development involves an improvement in English literacy, where literacy is defined broadly to include reading ability, verbal or spoken literacy, the literacy involved in writing, and visual literacy. Students undertaking this course will develop skills in the use of functional language conventions, including spelling, punctuation and grammar. Good literacy skills are required for comprehending and producing texts; for communicating effectively in a learning or working environment, or within a community; or for self-reflection; and for establishing one’s sense of individual worth. Year 11 Courses: English Foundation Unit 1 & 2. Year 12 Courses: English Foundation Unit 3 & 4.