English, Drama & LOTE

As we approach the end of the term, the English faculty has been busy finalising Semester One programs and class assessments.

At J J Cahill Memorial High School, the study of English allows students to escape into different worlds, understand and empathise with both fictional and real people, delve into their emotions and ultimately consider what makes us all human. It is through literature that we discover ourselves.

Stage 4 & 5 English

Through the study of English students learn about the power, value and art of the English language for communication, learning and enjoyment. Developing proficiency in English enables students to become confident communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers and lifelong learners. Students develop their language skills through activities involving speaking and listening, reading and writing, and viewing and representing. They learn about language and literature through working with a wide range of print, spoken, visual, media, multimedia and digital texts.

Year 7 Writing Challenge - student work

Genres by Tahsin (Year 7)

Adventure books will take you to another land

It might be full of snow, grass or sand

Full of kidnappers, heroes and villains of kinds

Who will try to find unique minds.

Action books are like giving your head a filling

There’ll be fighting, escaping or even killing.

While at last Fantasy will make you a hero

don’t mess with bullies they’ll make you a zero.

With all genres reading and all of the combined

you might never know which is your kind.

So why don’t you just grab a book

and have a precious look.

This term, our Year 9 students have been actively engaged in a Drama unit, where they have been studying the text, ‘Cyberbile’. This text is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores the dark world of cyberbullying and its profound effects on young people. Set in a contemporary high school environment, the narrative follows a group of teenagers who navigate the complexities of social media, friendship, and identity.

The study of the play has given our students the opportunity to take on a specific character role— deepening their understanding of the themes and characters in the texts, and many have expressed newfound enthusiasm for reading outside of class.

Stage 6 English

Through the study of English in Stage 6 students continue to develop their capacity to understand and use the English language for a variety of purposes and in various textual forms. Students engage with and explore a variety of texts that include widely acknowledged quality literature of past and contemporary societies. Through their responding and composing of both critical and creative texts, students develop an understanding of themselves and of diverse human experiences and cultures. The study of English in Stage 6 provides students with opportunities to experiment with ideas and expression, to become innovative, active, independent learners, to collaborate and to reflect on their learning.

Students in Year 10 will shortly begin the process of selecting an English course as part of their pattern of study for the HSC. English is mandatory for the Higher School Certificate and students are encouraged to consult with their English teacher to ensure they are best suited to one of the various English courses that are on offer.