ENGLISH

Welcome to the wonderful world of English in 2024. I would like to particularly welcome our Year 7s and new English teachers who are joining the school this year. All of our new staff bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we are grateful to have them all on board.

2023 saw outstanding VCE results in the English faculty, with our Year 12 results ranking McKinnon as one of the highest performing public schools in Victoria. These results are a reflection of the dedication and hard work of students from Year 7 through to Year 12. I must also commend the passionate English teachers whose dedication to improving student outcomes is incredibly inspiring. Congratulations to all students and staff for achieving such terrific outcomes.

This year the English faculty is focused on the joy of reading, and we are excited to bring Book Week to McKinnon in 2024. The theme for this year is ‘Reading is Magic’, a sentiment that we truly believe and are excited to share with our students. A strong culture of reading continues to be a valuable aspect of our students’ intellectual development and we hope that it will also strengthen the culture of writing at the school. Students in Years 7-10 are reminded that they must bring a reading book to each English lesson. The Library is open for borrowing throughout the term, with the team there happy to recommend a good book. Check out the library website for some fabulous reading suggestions. 

2024 brings many exciting opportunities for learning outside of the English classroom too. We have a number of excursions, theatrical performances, guest speakers, writing workshops, podcasts and many more activities organised. Book Club will be running fortnightly on both campuses thanks to Mr Babidge and Ms Matthews, and our illustrious Writer of the Month competition will be back once again this year run by Dr Dick from the McKinnon Rd Campus and Ms Matthews from the East Campus. Inter-school debating will begin soon, supported by Ms Walker. Keep an eye on Compass for more information about all of these extracurricular English opportunities and get involved.

Every new year brings a new opportunity to start fresh. I warmly encourage all students to make the most of this year and enjoy all that the school and English faculty has to offer. The English faculty are looking forward to a fantastic year with the school community exploring texts, challenging ideas and thinking creatively.

Charlotte Douglas

English KLA Manager