Faculty Report

Angela Carter, an English novelist, suggested that “language is power, life and the instrument of culture, the instrument of domination and liberation”. Whilst Carter’s most prolific writing was in 1970 and 1980, her ideas about the power of language are still relevant in our modern society. In an era of ‘fake news’, ‘Trumpisms’ and targeted social media algorithms, it has never been more important to educate students about the manipulation of language to persuade.

In the Junior School, our students have been learning about consciously crafting their spoken language, focusing on purpose, audience and tone. Year 7 students have delivered their very first persuasive speech, presenting their view on a range of topical issues. Our Year 8 students will deliver a family heritage presentation that requires them to orally recount an important story. They will be challenged to use language that engages their audience, positioning them to experience a spectrum of emotions. Similarly, the Year 9 students will soon have the task of presenting their view on what defines true heroism amidst a landscape of online celebrity idolisation. 

In the Senior School, whether it be Literature, English Language or English, the impact and power of language is always a core focus. After surviving the arduous Semester exams, Senior English classes are focusing on the analysis and construction of texts that attempt to influence an audience. Students study a range of persuasive texts such as opinion pieces, speeches, blogs, visuals and audio-visual media to explore the use of language for persuasive effect and the structure and presentation of argument. As well as analysing the manipulation of writers, the Year 10 and 11 students will have the opportunity to create their own persuasive speeches based on a recent media issue. The Year 12 students entertained their assessing panel, preparing and presenting their orals this week on a diverse range of issues, such as mandatory conscription, the AUKUS treaty, social media legislation and the housing crisis.

Francis Bacon advocated that we “read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider.” Hopefully, Mazenod English students, despite living in a time of media saturation, are learning the vital skills to be discerning and critical citizens, who take Bacon’s advice to “weigh and consider”. 

Clare Caldwell

Faculty Head Senior English

Jed Harrington

Faculty Head Junior English