The English Department

In the English learning area, your child will learn about the English language: how it works and how to use it effectively in a variety of forms and situations.  They learn to speak, listen, view, read and write effectively.

In the Year 8 group each class will follow the same general learning program.  Literacy assistance will be available to some students.  Year 8 English introduces your child to literary concepts, text forms such as essays, and reinforces general skills learnt in primary school.  Students in Year 8 are expected to complete home study on a regular basis.  This may be in the form of finishing off work started in class, research, writing assignments, review work, reading and rehearsing.

Year 8, 9 & 10 students keep portfolios of work that reflect their knowledge and skills in the four strands of English: Reading, Writing, Viewing, and Speaking and Listening.  They will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their ability through varied activities including narrative story writing, extended informative writing, drama, film study, public speaking, and using technology to create texts.  Students are encouraged to work in cooperative groups as well as individually.

The lower school English course provides an excellent foundation for the transition into upper school English. Here the different Courses of Study are designed to allow students to select  the course most suited to their own pathway and on completion of Year 12, move to further study at TAFE, university, or to traineeships and employment.

For comprehensive information about our Upper School subjects and Career Pathways, download the Senior School Handbook here.