Junior English

The study of English is central to the learning and development of all young Australians. It helps create confident communicators, imaginative thinkers, and informed citizens. It is through the study of English that individuals learn to analyse, understand, communicate, and build relationships with others and with the world around them.

The study of English helps young people develop the knowledge and skills needed for education, training and the workplace. It helps them become ethical, thoughtful, informed and active members of society and plays an important part in developing the understanding, attitudes and capabilities of those who will take responsibility for Australia’s future.

The English curriculum across the range of subjects offered aims to ensure that students:

• learn to listen to, read, view, speak, write, create, and reflect on increasingly complex and sophisticated spoken, written, and other forms of texts across a growing range of contexts with accuracy, fluency, and purpose
• appreciate, enjoy, and use the English language in all its variations and develop a sense of its richness and power to evoke feelings, convey information, form ideas, facilitate interaction with others, entertain, persuade, and argue
• understand how Standard Australian English works in its spoken and written forms and in combination with non-linguistic forms of communication to create meaning
• develop interest and skills in inquiring into the aesthetic aspects of texts and develop an informed appreciation of literature including text from different periods, styles, genres, and contexts
• develop skills to convey ideas, feelings, observations, and information effectively in written, spoken, and other forms of texts to a range of audiences
• think critically about the ideas and arguments of others and the use of language to persuade and influence audiences
• extend their competence in planning, creating, reviewing, and editing their texts for precision and clarity, tone and stylistic effect

Year 7 - English

The study of English is central to the learning and development of all young Australians. It helps create confident communicators, imaginative thinkers, and informed citizens. It is through the study of English that individuals learn to analyse, understand, communicate, and build relationships with others and with the world around them. The study of English helps young people develop the knowledge and skills needed for education, training, and the workplace. In Year 7 English, students study a variety of different text types throughout the two semesters. Students create a range of imaginative, informative, and persuasive writing pieces. These may include narratives, procedures, performances, presentations, and reports. Students are encouraged to read a variety of texts including non-fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, and historical genres. Key learning areas in English include the modes of ‘Reading and Viewing,’ ‘Writing,’ and ‘Speaking and Listening,’ as well as the strands of language, literature, and literacy.

Future Directions
Core English Year 8 and 9, Literature Enrichment Program.

Year 8 - English

In Year 8 English, students communicate with a range of audiences through many contexts. They look at the Australian Story and how they fit in. Students study a range of Literary texts. These texts explore themes of interpersonal relationships and ethical dilemmas within real-world and fictional settings and represent a variety of perspectives. Students will also study how to create persuasive texts as well as analyse how others persuade.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 English.

Year 9 - English

Year 9 English curriculum is built around the three interrelated strands of Language, Literature and Literacy. Together the strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating. Year 9 English builds on concepts, skills and processes developed in earlier year levels and introduces students to the analysis of how authors use language for different purposes.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed into Year 10 English or Year 10 Advanced English.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Literature

The aim of the Literature EP is to allow students the opportunity to complete an in-depth study of a range of texts including myths, legends, fairytales and poetry. The course provides students with necessary text analysis skills to ensure they are able to look for deeper meanings being conveyed by authors. The course also shares links with historical concepts and sources and a study of society, both past and present.

Throughout the course, students will be exposed to a range of text types which will involve reading, viewing and listening to develop their skills in annotation and to continue to explore how literary devices can be used by authors to affect a specific audience. They will explore how particular social and cultural contexts can change a person’s perception of a text and how these elements play a role in creating meaning for a reader. Throughout the course, students will compare and contrast texts and discuss why different authors present material in different ways. They will also build their writing skills by developing a folio of written tasks looking at different text types.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject may result in students reapplying the following year or may assist them in being considered for Year 10 Advanced English.