KLA: English
Year 7 & 8
Year 7 and 8 English introduces students to a variety of text types and writing styles. In these foundational years, students explore texts in a range of mediums including film, novels, short stories and poetry. Through these texts, students have the opportunity to engage with a variety of themes, ideas and values that reflect our modern and developing world. Using that knowledge, students then begin to develop the foundations of writing in an analytical, creative and persuasive way; ultimately promoting the development of skills in speaking and listening, reading and viewing, and writing. There is a great emphasis on encouraging both reading and writing within these years through regular silent reading within English classes followed by a Reader’s Notebook reflection. Additionally, students are encouraged to complement their English studies by engaging in regular reading outside of school, as well as active reading programs, such as those supported by the Norwood Secondary College Library. Students are encouraged to involve themselves in programs such as the House Reading Challenge, Book Club, meet with guest authors, and other engaging literary activities.
Year 9 & 10
Year 9 and 10 English develops and improves upon the skills introduced in the junior years. Students are exposed to texts that explore a variety of more complex themes and ideas and are invited to think about the views and messages shared by writers and creators. The assessments in Year 9 and 10 invite students to improve upon their skills in constructing analytical essays, both analysing texts and argument, as well as crafting creative responses that reflect a clear purpose and audience. In Year 9 and 10, students are first introduced to the challenges of completing an exam-style assessment; tasked with constructing an extended piece of writing under timed conditions.
Year 9 and 10 also offers the opportunity for students who are passionate and enjoy English to select a semester-based elective subject with a specific focus. At Year 9, students may choose the Journalism elective which allows them to experience a new way of writing that encourages interviewing skills, podcasting, documentation and reflection. In Year 10, students are able to select either English Language or Literature, as an opportunity for a first-look at the skills and content that will be taught in the VCE years for those pathways.
VCE
VCE English and, for those who meet the entry requirements, English as an Additional Language, is an opportunity for students to consolidate many of the skills taught in English over the years. Students will engage with a variety of texts to carefully consider their social and historical contexts, as well as their broader influence within society. They will reflect critically on the ways in which texts are constructed to convey meaning and reflect a specific purpose. Students will be encouraged to strengthen their skills in personal, analytical and creative writing as well as their ability to develop and present their views on an issue.
In addition to VCE English, Norwood Secondary College also offers English Language and Literature as potential pathways for interested and passionate students. VCE English Language invites students to explore how language is used by individuals and groups, and how it reflects our thinking and values. It explores the use of spoken and written language to communicate, the origin and development of English, as well as language acquisition and the ways that language can be used to construct and deconstruct identity. Likewise, VCE Literature offers students who enjoy reading the opportunity to engage with various, challenging text forms, to analyse their features and to consider both personal interpretations, as well as the views and perspectives of others.