English, Drama & LOTE
As we move towards the end of the term, the English faculty at JJ Cahill Memorial High School is excited to share updates on several programs and initiatives designed to inspire and support our students across all year levels.
Year 8 Creative Writing
our Year 8 students have been busy putting their creativity to the test, crafting some truly eerie and unsettling stories. In their latest writing project, they've embraced the art of suspense, using vivid descriptions and clever twists to captivate and spook their readers. Below, we are thrilled to share two extracts from some of the most hauntingly talented young writers in the class. Get ready to be chilled to the bone!
AN EXTRACT FROM A SCARY STORY BY DRAKE, YEAR 8
His head suddenly jerked up, and he awoke in a cold sweat.
“Where am I? If it’s those darned kids again, I’ll see to their punishment!”
He tried to see where he was, but it was too dark for him. Luckily for him, he happened to have a flashlight in his pocket. After turning on the flashlight, he looked around again, trying to see where he was.
He was in a cold tunnel. The ground was wet as it was greasy and the walls were covered with mould. Lots of mould. The air was stale. The iron pipes on the ceiling were completely coated in rust. No one was around except for himself. The only sounds were the water dripping from the ceiling, and his breathing, coming in short raspy gasps..
Now he realized that he wasn’t in his living room anymore.
He tried to stand up, but it was as if his legs were petrified. He felt like he was a piece of paper pinned against a board. He was firmly stuck on the floor, just like the mould and moss which were glued to the wall. He suddenly saw a note obviously floating in a puddle on the ground with his flashlight as if it was begging to be noticed. He picked up with his trembling hands, his breath shaking as he did so. With his now meagre strength he stabilised his shaking hands and pointed his flashlight on to the piece of paper. On this paper he saw some barely discernible text which read:
‘You have to run. It may seem like you’re alone, but you’re not. You have to run.’
AN EXTRACT FROM A SCARY STORY BY ASHTON, YEAR 8
The mud clumps at my feet as I enter through the rotting wooden doors into this dilapidated decrepit lunatic asylum. The air clinging to the sick horrors of the past left behind by the lunatics before it. My flashlight flickers on as it bounces off the torn defaced walls of the mind- numbing institute, like a spring jumping around the room, energetic and lively. Broken furniture and medical equipment littered amongst the empty space as fluorescent lights flickered and hummed.
I enter one of the musty rooms to find beaten up broken medical beds with worn down crucifixes hanging above them. An eerie silence slithered through me at that moment. I didn't know if it was my fear spewing nonsense in my head or, I had to be worried but either way, I was done. I wanted to leave this asylum of horrors.
I rush through a door frame ahead leading to a mess hall with scratched steel circular tables covered in rust. Looking around frantically trying to find an escape. I find an electric shock therapy room, the place left raw with electroshock equipment and electro caps. A piercing scream fills the silence as if it were a patient receiving treatment. Frozen with fear trying to fathom what just had flooded my ears, I trace myself back to the mess hall and start weaving through the tables.
HPGE English Program with Year 7 – Led by Ms. Tickle
Our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) English program, skillfully coordinated by Ms. Tickle, is currently running with our Year 7 students. This program focuses on challenging and extending students who demonstrate strong abilities in English. Through a variety of advanced texts, critical thinking exercises, and creative writing tasks, students are encouraged to deepen their analytical skills and develop a more sophisticated appreciation of language and literature. The program also includes opportunities for collaborative projects and presentations, fostering both independent and teamwork skills.
Taster Lessons in Drama and Spanish for Primary Students – Ms. Welch and Mr. Sneddon
In a wonderful outreach initiative, Ms. Welch (Spanish) and Mr. Sneddon (Drama) have been running engaging taster lessons for local primary school students. These sessions are designed to introduce younger learners to the joy of performance and language acquisition. In Drama, students explore basic acting techniques, improvisation, and storytelling, which helps build confidence and communication skills. Meanwhile, the Spanish lessons focus on foundational vocabulary, conversational phrases, and cultural insights, providing a fun and interactive introduction to a new language. Feedback from the primary students has been overwhelmingly positive, and this program aims to encourage a smooth transition to high school learning.
Congratulations to Year 11 Drama Students
We would also like to extend our congratulations to the Year 11 Drama class on their recent presentations. The students demonstrated impressive creativity, commitment, and collaboration in bringing their projects to life. Their performances showcased a deep understanding of dramatic techniques and storytelling, engaging audiences with both originality and emotional depth. This achievement reflects the hard work of the students and the excellent guidance provided by Mr Sneddon. Well done to all involved!
Preliminary English Exams Completed by Year 11 Students
Year 11 students have now completed their final exams for their Preliminary English courses. This milestone marks an important step in their senior secondary education, and we commend them on their focus and effort throughout the semester. These exams provide a valuable opportunity for students to consolidate their learning and prepare for the challenges ahead in their HSC studies. The faculty is currently providing detailed feedback and support to help students build on their strengths and address any areas for improvement.
Year 12 HSC Exam Preparations
As the HSC exams approach, our Year 12 students are entering a crucial phase of their academic journey. The English faculty is providing targeted support through revision workshops, practice exams, and one-on-one consultations to address individual needs. We are also encouraging students to develop effective study strategies, manage stress, and maintain their wellbeing during this demanding period.
We extend our best wishes to all Year 12 students as they prepare to undertake their HSC exams and wish all students the best in their future endeavours.
Curriculum Development for the 2026 Senior English Rollout
In preparation for the new senior English curriculum set to be implemented in 2026, the entire English faculty has been deeply involved in professional development and curriculum design sessions. This collaborative effort includes reviewing the syllabus changes, aligning assessment tasks with new learning outcomes, and creating engaging resources that reflect contemporary texts and diverse perspectives. Our goal is to ensure that our senior students receive a curriculum that is both rigorous and relevant, equipping them with critical literacy skills and preparing them for a variety of pathways beyond school.