English and Languages

English and Languages Learning Area Report 

This term has been a vibrant and enriching one for the English and Languages Learning Area, with many outstanding student achievements across all year levels. 

One of the highlights has been the success of our Auslan (Australian Sign Language) program, in which students took on the role of educators, teaching their teachers Auslan. 

This innovative and empowering initiative not only helped strengthen the culture of inclusivity at our school but also showcased the remarkable communication and leadership skills of our students. Their confidence, patience, and ability to teach with clarity and compassion were inspiring. A heartfelt thank you goes to Ms Emily Dias for her dedicated coordination and leadership of the program. Her passion for language learning and accessibility continues to have a lasting impact on our community. 

Students from Years 8 to 11 are to be commended for their focus and determination during the recent examination period. Sitting exams is not only an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills but also an important step in building stamina, focus, and time management—essential skills for the rigours of Year 12 assessments. The discipline and maturity students showed during this period reflect their growth as learners. 

We also wish to congratulate our Year 12 students for completing their analytical text responses on Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Students responded insightfully to Jackson’s social commentary, successfully analysing how the novel explores the destructive effects of class divisions, the limitations imposed by gendered expectations, and the corrosive impact of prejudice. Their essays reflected both a sophisticated understanding of Jackson’s narrative techniques and a deep engagement with the text’s broader messages. 

Interpreting complex literature is one of the most powerful ways students can develop critical thinking, empathy, and insight into human behaviour and society. We are proud of the way our students are engaging with texts that challenge them to think deeply and communicate with clarity. 

Congratulations to all students for their hard work and enthusiasm this term. We look forward to more achievements and learning milestones in the terms ahead. 

Auslan students teaching how to pray using Auslan.