English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Students learn about the English language through written, spoken and visual texts of increasing complexity as they progress through their schooling.
An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for intellectual, social and emotional development.
The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
In Year 11 and 12, the study of English is mandatory. Courses offered include:
- English Advanced
- English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
- English Extension 1
- English Extension 2
- English Standard
- English Studies.
Years 7-10
The aim of English in Years 7 to 10 is to enable students to understand and use language effectively, appreciate, reflect on and enjoy the English language and to make meaning in ways that are imaginative, creative, interpretive, critical and powerful.
There is a significant focus on Australian texts in the following:
- prose - fiction and non-fiction
- poetry
- film study
- drama scripts
- media and multi-media
- visual literacy (picture books, graphic texts, advertising, film)
- Shakespearean drama is introduced in year 8 and plays and films are studied in year 9 and 10. ICT skills are incorporated into many units.
- Students prepare for the School Certificate Literacy Test in year 10 and the NAPLAN tests in years 7 and 9.
Senior English
Year 11 and 12
On offer for students in Years 11 and 12 are the following classes:
- Advanced English
- Standard English
- English Studies
- Extension English
HSC English
- Advanced English (with the option to do Ext 1 and Ext 2 English)
- Standard English
- Work Place Communications (combined TAFE / school delivery)
- English Studies (HSC Content Endorsed Course, non ATAR)
HSC Extension 1 English
One module is studied, with a selection of texts, which builds on the Advanced English course.
HSC Extension 2 English
Students who are studying Advanced and Extension 1 English may choose to do the Extension 2 course which is an individual major project, externally marked for the HSC. Projects could be short story writing, script writing, poetry, filmmaking or critical responses. English as a Second Language students can be catered for either a small class group or individually with additional ESL tutoring support.
Faculty Extension Programs
There are many opportunities to extend students in English including:
- Academic competitions
- Year 10 students are invited to write and publish the 12 page school newspaper supplement and create the Year 12 Valedictory Book
- Debating teams in state and local competitions for years 7 & 8, 9 & 10 and 11 & 12 students.
- Public Speaking competitions for juniors and seniors.
- Writing competitions and workshops.
- Drama performances
Support Programs
- Literacy support is provided for students with learning difficulties or special needs by the Support Teacher Learning Assistance.
- Life Skills English is available for SC and HSC students who have special needs.
- Peer Support reading and literacy programs are also run during roll call time for identified Year 7 students (mentored by Year 10 students).
