English

English is compulsory in Year 10. There is one Elective in the area of Literature.

English Language will not be offered in 2027.

Core English 

The study of English is based on the Victorian Curriculum. This unit will encourage the enjoyment of texts and analysis and a range of classic and contemporary texts. Students will explore the ways in which texts and language are constructed. Students develop the necessary skills and confidently present their ideas in a range of written, oral and multi-modal forms. 

Semester 1

Year 10 English focuses on developing advanced reading, analytical and communication skills through the study of complex texts and contemporary issues. Students study a selected novel, play or film and analyse how authors construct meaning through language, structure, characterisation, themes and stylistic features. Students develop analytical writing skills by exploring author views, values and contextual influences while supporting interpretations with textual evidence.

Students also complete a unit on argument and language analysis, examining how media texts position audiences through persuasive language, tone, structure and visual features. Students identify contention, supporting arguments and persuasive techniques while analysing the effectiveness of written and visual arguments. They apply these skills in analytical responses and in the creation of their own persuasive texts for specific audiences and purposes.

Semester 2

English focuses on developing creative and interpretive skills through the study of mentor texts and film. Students explore a range of mentor texts to analyse how writers craft ideas, voice, characterisation, setting and narrative structure for different audiences and purposes. They experiment with language choices, literary devices and stylistic features to develop their own original creative pieces, while refining drafting, editing and reflective writing skills.

Students also study a film text, analysing how directors construct meaning through visual and cinematic techniques such as camera angles, lighting, sound, symbolism and editing. Students examine themes, character development and contextual ideas while developing analytical responses supported by evidence from the film.

Content

English content is organised under three interrelated strands:

• Language
• Literature
• Literacy

These are assessed across three modes:

• Reading and viewing
• Speaking and Listening 
• Writing

Students will complete a range of written tasks throughout each term. These include the study of a range of texts that scaffold the study habits and skills needed for VCE English studies:

• Plays 
• Novella
• Personal Reading 
• Issues 

Assessment

Students will complete a range of written and spoken tasks including:

• Formal Essays
• Speeches
• Creative Writing 

English as an Additional Language 

This is a compulsory study for students who have less than five years of English instruction. 

The study of English as an Additional Language is based on the Victorian Curriculum. This unit will develop students’ command of the English language through the study of texts. This includes being taught explicitly how to analyse a range of texts and develop students’ knowledge and skills in creative, expository and persuasive writing as well as increasing their ability to improve their grammar and syntax in language. Students will explore the ways in which texts and language are constructed to persuade students to develop the skills and confidence to present their ideas in a range of written, oral and multi-modal forms. They will also study how to listen and respond to spoken texts. These critical thinking elements will be employed to increase skills to prepare students for related skills in VCE English. 

Content 

• Language: audio, oral and written expression, multimodal texts, language context and purpose. 
• Literature: novels, poetry, plays, media texts and films.
• Literacy: academic vocabulary, language conventions, grammar and syntax.
• Personalised learning, study skills and metacognitive skills.
• Thinking and interpretation of arguments developed through a range of opinions presented in a wide variety of formats. 

Assessment 

A series of writing tasks and responses, grammar activities, an oral presentation and audio tests.

Literature

Aim

Students will develop the skills needed to form a personal interpretation of texts. Students will inhabit the role of an active author. They respond critically, creatively and experientially.  This course provides the skills preparation for VCE Literature. 

Content

Students will study a range of both contemporary and classical literature that will include: poetry, novels, and films as text, plays and short stories. They will begin to understand the differences between the genres and how this influences how we respond in writing to them.  Students will be expected to engage with a large amount of wider reading. 

Assessment

Students will complete a range of written and spoken tasks including: 

• Formal Essays
• Speeches
• Creative Writing
• Close Analysis