English News
Beginning of Term 3:
English Department Update
The English department has embraced the new term with energy, enthusiasm, and a strong focus on building skills and deepening understanding. Here is a snapshot of what our classes and students have been exploring this term:
Year 7
Our youngest secondary students have been investigating and learning about the world of poetry. They have been exploring a variety of poetic devices and experimenting with them in their own original creations. This has been a wonderful opportunity for students to express themselves creatively while deepening their understanding of how language can evoke emotion and imagery.
Year 8
Year 8 students have been engaged in a film study, sharpening their analytical skills by examining how directors and filmmakers use the C.A.M.E.L.S process (Camera, Acting, Mise-en-scène, Editing, Lighting, Sound) to construct meaning on screen. Using Hunt for the Wilderpeople as their mentor text, students have been unpacking the film’s themes, style, and techniques to better understand how cinematic storytelling works.
Year 9
Students in Year 9 have just completed their thought-provoking unit Growing Up in Australia, where they explored the diverse experiences of life in Australia through different cultural and social lenses. Perspectives included those of migrants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals living with a disability. This study has encouraged empathy and a greater appreciation for our shared and varied histories.
Next, students will begin their text study of Robert Newton’s historical novel Runner, set in the streets of Richmond between the end of WWI and the Great Depression.
Year 10
The Year 10 English classes have been immersed in the world of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Students have been unpacking the timeless themes of love, fate, and family conflict as they analyse the enduring relevance of the play’s “two star-cross’d lovers” in today’s world.
Year 11 (VCE)
In VCE English Units 1 & 2, students have been honing their text analysis skills through Larry Watson’s Montana 1948. This has involved exploring complex moral dilemmas, family loyalty, and justice, while strengthening students’ ability to critically respond to literary texts.
Year 12 (VCE)
Our senior students have been diligently preparing for their end-of-year exams. Alongside their text study of Miles Franklin’s My Brilliant Career (forming the basis for Section A of the exam), they have been refining their analytical writing skills for Section C, which focuses on analysing persuasive language and articles.
Across all year levels, the English department has been dedicated to building skills in critical thinking, communication, and creativity. It has been inspiring to see our students approach their learning with such enthusiasm and commitment.
Adam Myors
Director of English