ENGLISH

Welcome back to the wonderful world of English. A particular welcome goes to our Year 7s and other students joining the school for the first time. In 2023 we also welcome several new staff who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to McKinnon.

2023 saw excellent VCE results in the English faculty, with our Year 12 results ranking McKinnon as one of the highest achieving public schools in Victoria. These results are a reflection of the dedication and hard work of students and teachers from Year 7 through to Year 12. Congratulations to all students and staff for achieving such terrific outcomes.

Our continued primary focus in all English subjects for 2023 will be on the key skill of this subject and arguably all school outcomes and social interactions: writing. Whether it be in school assessments, online or in the workplace, our ability to effectively express ourselves through clear and engaging writing has never been more important.

Outside the classroom, we have an exciting year ahead of theatrical performances, excursions, presentations from authors, writing workshops and much more. Book Club will run fortnightly, beginning at the East campus on Thursday 9 February and at the Main campus from Monday 13 February.

Inter-school debating will begin soon, Writer Of The Month starts in Term 2 and the McKinnon Spelling Bee makes it return later in the year; speak to your English teacher and keep an eye on Compass for information. 

Students in Years 7-9 are reminded that they must bring a reading book to each English lesson. A strong culture of reading continues to be a valuable aspect of our students’ intellectual development and we hope that it will also strengthen the culture of writing at the school. The Library is open for borrowing throughout the term, with the team there happy to recommend a good book.

We look forward to a fantastic year with the school community exploring texts, challenging ideas and thinking creatively.

Sam Florence

English KLA Manager