English learning area subjects offer students opportunities to enjoy language and be empowered as functional, purposeful, creative and critical language users who understand how texts can convey and transform personal and cultural perspectives. In a world of rapid cultural, social, economic and technological change, complex demands are placed on citizens to be literate within a variety of modes and mediums. Students are offered opportunities to develop this capacity by drawing on a repertoire of resources to interpret and create texts for personal, cultural, social and aesthetic purposes. They learn how language varies according to context, purpose and audience, content, modes and mediums, and how to use it appropriately and effectively for a variety of purposes. Students have opportunities to engage with diverse texts to help them develop a sense of themselves, their world and their place in it.
Year 7-9
Years 7-9 English courses are aligned to the Australian National Curriculum. Content in Years 7-9 English involves three interrelated strands:
- Language: knowing about the English language
- Literature: understanding, appreciating, responding to, analysing and creating literary texts
- Literacy: expanding the repertoire of English usage.
Students will study, analyse, explore, create and transform a variety of texts such as:
- Literary texts: novels, drama, poetry
- Mass-media texts: film and television, advertising, emerging forms of media
- Non-fiction texts: articles, blogs, speeches, images
Assessment tasks cover a range of genres, including but not limited to: essays, narratives, monologues, speeches and discussions. These are written for a range of purposes and audiences, where students can demonstrate their understanding of how purpose, audience and context can affect language choices within a genre. Years 7-9 English courses follow a ‘spiral’ curriculum design, where students revisit similar assessment types with more challenging texts, concepts and conditions.
For more information about specific units and content, please see the Junior Secondary Curriculum Guide.
Year 10
The Year 10 English curriculum aligns to the Australian National Curriculum, but is also designed to prepare students for the QCAA Year 11 and 12 English syllabuses.
There are two versions of Year 10 English. Both assess the same skills, and are marked to the same standards. These courses are not electives, and students are placed into them based on their English results in Year 9.
Standard course – English A
The standard Year 10 English is called Year 10 English A. This course prepares students primarily for Year 11-12 General English, Essential English or English as an Additional Language.
Extension course – English B
If students achieve a B or higher in Year 9 English for their overall result at the end of Semester 2, they will be automatically placed in Year 10 English B. This course prepares students for Year 11-12 General English or Literature. It assesses the same skills as Year 10 English A, but features more complex texts and concepts.
For more information about specific units and content, please see the Senior Secondary Curriculum Guide.
Year 11-12
Students must meet prerequisite grades in Year 10 to select Year 11-12 English subjects. Year 11 and 12 English subjects follow QCAA syllabuses. For more information about specific units and content, please see the Senior Secondary Curriculum Guide.
English (General)
The subject English focuses on the study of both literary texts and non-literary texts, developing students as independent, innovative and creative learners and thinkers who appreciate the aesthetic use of language, analyse perspectives and evidence, and challenge ideas and interpretations through the analysis and creation of varied texts. This is the standard Senior English course.
English as an Additional Language (General)
The subject English as an Additional Language is designed to develop students’ knowledge, understanding and language skills in Standard Australian English (SAE), and provides students with opportunities to develop higher-order thinking skills through interpretation, analysis and creation of varied literary, non-literary, media and academic texts. Students who have passed Year 10 English but have struggled with the English language should choose this subject, as it is specifically designed to assist students with their English language ability.
Literature (General)
The subject Literature focuses on the study of literary texts, developing students as independent, innovative and creative learners and thinkers who appreciate the aesthetic use of language, analyse perspectives and evidence, and challenge ideas and interpretations through the analysis and creation of varied literary texts. Students who have enjoyed and excelled in Year 10 English (particularly English B) are encouraged to study Literature. It is ideal for students who are able to critically analyse literary texts and write creative responses which prompt emotional and critical reactions from audiences.
Essential English (Applied)
This is a more accessible course designed to ensure students learn the necessary language, reading and communication skills required for a variety of contemporary contexts (including everyday, social, community, further education and work-related contexts). The subject Essential English develops and refines students’ understanding of language, literature and literacy to enable them to interact confidently and effectively with others in everyday, community and social contexts. The subject encourages students to recognise language and texts as relevant in their lives now and in the future and enables them to understand, accept or challenge the values and attitudes in these texts.
English & Literature Extension (General, Year 12 only)
To be invited to apply students must achieve a minimum result of 85% for Year 11 English or Literature (equivalent of a B+ or higher). Students submit a written application after attending an information night, and teacher feedback on work ethic is also considered. Only the most suitable student applicants are invited to apply. After applications are reviewed, successful candidates are offered positions in this subject. Students study this course in addition to Year 12 English or Literature.
The English & Literature Extension course offers more challenge than other English courses and builds on the literature study students have already undertaken. It is a highly academic, theoretical subject that is ideal for hardworking students who excel in English and are pursuing tertiary education.