2023 Senior School Handbook

Year 10 English 

Semester 1

Students choose one elective for Semester 1:

  • Murder Mystery  
  • Talking Back
  • True Stories
  • Dangerous Women
  • Literary Classics
  • English Language
  • English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Murder Mystery

What is it about the murder mystery, with its red herrings, intricate plotting, eccentric detectives, tragic victims and evil villains, that fascinates us and makes us search for a solution? The murder/mystery genre has fascinated readers and moviegoers for generations. By studying a range of novels, movies, short stories, and TV shows we will consider why mysteries and crime stories intrigue us so much. In this subject we will explore some traditional murder mysteries as well as some less conventional tales of crime and murder to see whether we can answer some of these questions.

Literary Classics

What makes a classic a classic? Why should we study Literature, what is Literature, and what can it add to our lives? In this subject we will study a range of literary classics across time and different cultures. We will look at texts big and small, in print and in video, from poetry to novels to film and essays. We will explore how Literature becomes Literature and why such texts remain so highly regarded by readers the world over, and what messages do they have for those of us who live in the modern world? 

Talking Back

Every day we are bombarded with ideas from written, visual and spoken media; by the novels we read and the films and television we watch. We are told what to read and how to read from a young age, but is this all there is? What about those who dare to think differently? Can we learn to become a ‘resistant reader’? In this subject we will learn about different approaches to reading, such as feminist, Marxist and psychoanalytical, to enrich the depth and ability of our interpretation. To illustrate these approaches we will study a range of popular culture texts, from music videos to teen dramas, as well as traditional texts such as fairytales.

True Stories

Is any true story actually ‘the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth’? Don’t we all exaggerate, leave out minor details and rearrange things to make our stories sound better? In this elective we will look at a range of texts (e.g. biography/autobiography, short story, reality TV, documentary, poetry, interview, song lyrics, letters, talk shows, film) that are about real people and events. We will consider such questions as: Can any story ever be entirely ‘true’? Why do people want to reveal their lives in public? Why are some ‘true’ texts considered to be ‘history’, while others are dismissed as ‘trash’? How can there be different versions of the same story? Should we believe what we see, read, or hear?

English Language

Year 10 English Language explores the mechanics of language and the role of language in society. In this elective you will consider questions such as: “Why are humans the only animal that speaks?” “What was the first language?” and “Where did English come from, and why is it so full of words?” Through our language we reveal much of ourselves, and English language uncovers the reasons why we use language in the way we do. What does a footballer mean when he begins an interview with “yeah, nah…”? Why do the English find Australians aggressive when they begin a statement with “look”? Just why do some Australians raise their voices at the end of sentences that aren’t questions, and what do you call it? This elective will challenge you to see the English language in a new light, from Shakespeare to text messages, from bartenders to PMs, and beyond.​

Dangerous Women

Ever wondered where the idea of “mad” women came from?  What is a “bad” woman and should we be afraid? Throughout history women with any presumption to power were often branded as bad or mad or both. Women are often seen in literature as being empowered only through marriage and wealth. This elective will explore ideas about women that have continued from ancient societies to today, often with alarmingly little change. We will look at witches, femme fatales, wicked step-mothers, advertising, and ask why women are often regarded, and treated, with fear and loathing. We will consider women’s social roles, sexuality and seduction, and traditional symbols of the threat of women, as well as their ability to be successful and powerful symbols of change. The unit will explore critical theory, including feminism, and ask what the project has done, how it is doing, and where it can go.

Semester 2

Core English

All students will do a semester of Core English with an emphasis on introducing VCE skills. Students will study a range of print and non-print texts, including film, poetry, short stories, articles and novels. The range of texts will vary in subject matter, including Classic and Modern texts. They will respond to these texts through tasks such Text Response essays and short answer questions, focusing on character and themes, as well as text construction and conventions. There will be Personal Writing, where students will be asked to share their own experiences, read widely, and learn how to develop ideas and reflections in their own words. Students will focus on the use of Persuasive Language, particularly how to analyse language in writing. Students will be encouraged to learn key study habits and approaches for VCE English, as well as exam preparation.

Semesters 1 and 2

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Curriculum Focus: All students will complete two semesters of English as an Additional Language. The subject will include the study of one print text, one non-print text, and the analysis of a media issue. The particular focus of this course will be on the development of the key skills needed for VCE English as an Additional Language. As well as developing competence in the linguistic aspects of the English Language, students will also become increasingly aware of the culturally diverse practices, values and expectations of Australian society.

 

Learning Outcomes: Students will study a range of print and non-print texts, including an in-depth study of two set texts. They will respond to these texts, as well as to the themes and issues raised by the particular genre they are studying, in both written and oral formats. Analytical skills will be developed using print media texts.