English 

English Faculty Update – Term 2

Term 2 has been a busy and productive term for students in the English Faculty at Epping Boys High School, with a range of enrichment opportunities supporting classroom learning across all year groups.

Our Year 12 students attended the English Teachers Association HSC English Paper 2 Study Day at the University of Sydney. The event provided students with the opportunity to hear from experienced teachers, HSC markers and subject specialists who offered valuable insights into the demands of the examination and effective approaches to textual analysis. Students engaged positively with the day and gained practical strategies that will support their preparation for the HSC.

Year 12 Advanced English students also attended a Richard III Symposium, where they explored Shakespeare's play through a range of academic and critical perspectives. The symposium allowed students to deepen their understanding of the text, its historical context and its continuing relevance to contemporary audiences. Exposure to university-level discussion and scholarship provided students with valuable perspectives as they continue their study of the module.

Students in Year 10 participated in the Stage 6 English Taster Course. This program was designed to assist students as they begin making decisions about their senior studies. Through a series of lessons and activities, students explored the expectations of English Studies, English Standard, English Advanced and English Extension courses. The taster course provided students with a clearer understanding of the skills, workload and content associated with each pathway, enabling them to make informed decisions about their subject selections for Years 11 and 12.

Across the faculty, students have continued to engage with a broad range of texts and ideas. Year 11 Advanced students have been exploring narratives that shape our world through a comparative study of Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra and the film V for Vendetta. Students have examined how texts construct perspectives on power, identity, leadership and resistance while developing their analytical and comparative writing skills.

As we move into Term 3, our focus will shift towards revision and preparation for the HSC examinations. Year 12 students will begin intensive revision programs across all English courses as they prepare for the Trial HSC examinations. Our faculty is fortunate to include a number of experienced HSC markers who will be delivering targeted revision lectures and workshops throughout the term. These sessions will provide students with practical advice, examination strategies and insights into the expectations of HSC marking processes.

The English Faculty would like to congratulate students on their efforts throughout the semester and thank staff for their ongoing commitment to supporting student learning. We look forward to continuing to work with students as they prepare for the important challenges ahead.

Bianca Abbott

Head Teacher English