Year 12 English/EAL 

The Year 12 English/EAL curriculum is an intense course of study for our students, with many texts to be read and essays to be written. Term 3 presents a welcome opportunity for students to take a deep breath as they explore a topic of their choice and present a sustained argument to an audience. 

Oral presentations are a nerve-wracking experience for everyone, but an excellent opportunity to develop students’ confidence and skills for future public speaking events. This year, our students chose a broad range of topics for their speeches, including: the vaping epidemic among young people, gun law reforms in the United States, the ethics of political advertising, xenotransplantation, abortion access, microplastics, nuclear energy, and more.

Students presented their speeches across two days. Instead of presenting to their class (a daunting task for anyone), students booked a time to present in front of two English teachers. The teachers were delighted and thoroughly impressed by the effort and dedication that students put into their speeches, showing maturity in their arguments and a commitment to excellence. It was a busy 48 hours of assessment, but these are the days we teachers look forward to with enthusiasm. We see our students’ hard work pay off, and we see their confidence and their pride in the presentation they have created.

These days could not have been possible without our college’s amazing Year 12 English and EAL team – Susan Anderson, Gabe Bryson, Rachel Connell, Georgie Schofield, Kathy Skidmore, Alison Smith and Steph Tregear – and our colleagues who provided additional assessment support – Cris Campanella, Megan Michalaidis, Phoebe Nicolopoulos and Caitey Wilton.

But the biggest “thank you” goes to our incredible students – those who motivate us every day and inspire critical thought and consideration of the world we live in.

Skyler Norton presented a thoughtful speech about the devastating impact of fast fashion on our environment.

Holly Thomas presented a moving speech on the need for more supports for rape survivors.

Rachael Angeline presented an emotional plea for gun reform in the United States, in response to the ongoing tragedies of school shootings.

Steph Tregear

Year 12 English Teacher

on behalf of 

Year 12 English/EAL team