VCE English
Creating Futures Together
ENGLISH
English is compulsory in VCE. However, a range of subjects are available which may substitute for or combine with English to meet this requirement. Please note that Literature can be taken in conjunction with English or as an alternative.
Units 1, 2, 3 & 4
Course Description:
This study is designed to enable students to:
- extend their English language skills through reading, writing, speaking, listening, thinking and viewing to meet the demands of further study, the workplace, and their own needs and interests
- enhance their understanding, enjoyment and appreciation of the English language through all modes
- discuss, explore and analyse the form, purpose, context, text structures and language of texts from a range of styles and genres
- discuss, explore and analyse how culture, values and context underpin the construction of texts and how this can affect meaning and understanding
- convey ideas and demonstrate insight convincingly and confidently
- create print, digital and spoken texts
- demonstrate the ability to make informed choices about the construction of texts in relation to purpose, audience and context.
- analyse how the English language is used to create meaning in print and digital texts.
Assessment:
In Units 1 and 2 students must satisfactorily complete class-based activities and assessment tasks including Writing Tasks, Text Responses, Oral Presentations and Written Examinations. The student’s level of achievement for Units 3 and 4 will be determined by school-assessed coursework (50% of the final assessment) and an end of year examination (50% of the final assessment).
Expected Skills:
The student should be able to:
- Identify and discuss ideas, experiences and issues dealt with in selected texts, including current media texts.
- Present ideas and information through oral presentations and writing for different purposes and audiences.
View Powerpoint Presentation here:
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)
Students must be a resident of Australia for no more than 5 years and have been educated in a language other than English for fewer than 7 years. Please note that students must qualify as an EAL student to access this subject.
Units 1, 2, 3 & 4
Course Description:
Course details are as for English Units 1, 2, 3 & 4 but EAL students will have some modifications to the course. For example, in the SACs, a lesser word count will apply to some essays and a longer time frame for completion of certain writing pieces will be permitted. There is also a Listening Task that is particular to the EAL course. Detailed information of each modification will be provided to each EAL student.
Assessment:
Assessment is as for English students. See English Units 1, 2, 3 & 4 with the addition of a listening task.
Expected Skills:
It is expected EAL students will have a competent grasp of English grammar, sentence structure, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary, as the focus is on completing the course and there is little time to spend on acquiring the above skills.
LITERATURE
Literature can be taken in conjunction with English or as an alternative.
Prerequisites:
It is recommended that prospective students are competent writers and have achieved success in Year 10 English studies.
Units 1, 2, 3 & 4
Through the study of novels, plays, short stories, films and poetry, students develop an ability to analyse and interpret texts and consider how language, structure and stylistic choices are used in different literary forms and types of text. Students reflect on the degree to which points of view, experiences and contexts shape their own and others’ interpretations of texts.
Course Description:
This study is designed to enable students to:
- enjoy reading a range of challenging literary texts
- approach unfamiliar texts and negotiate diverse literary territories with confidence
- explore the ways in which authors craft their writing
- recognise there are many possible ways of interpreting literary texts
- develop their own responses to texts, recognising the impact of form, features and language in the creation of meaning
- write creatively and critically, and develop their individual voice
- consider the views of others, including when developing interpretations
- express their ideas, through all language modes, with insight and flair.
Unit 1 asks students to consider how language, structure and stylistic choices are used in different literary forms and types of texts. Students reflect on the degree to which points of view, experiences and contexts shape their own and others’ interpretations of text.
In Unit 2 students explore the historical and cultural contexts within which both readers and texts are situated including the voices, perspectives and knowledge of indigenous authors and other literature from around the world.
Unit 3 students reflect on the extent to which adapting a text to a different form, and often in a new or reimagined context, affects its meaning. Students also explore the different ways we can read and understand a text by developing, considering and comparing interpretations.
In Unit 4 students compose their own creative responses, consider literary features and the views and values of a text and write expressive close analyses.
Assessment:
In Units 1 and 2 students must satisfactorily complete class-based activities and assessment tasks including Close Analysis Tasks, Text Responses, Creative Writing, Oral Presentations and Written Examinations. The student’s level of achievement for Units 3 and 4 will be determined by school-assessed coursework (50% of the final assessment) and a two-hour end of year examination (50% of the final assessment).
Expected Skills:
The student should be able to:
- Identify and discuss ideas, experiences and issues dealt with in selected texts.
- Present ideas and information through oral presentations and written texts for different purposes and audiences.
View Powerpoint Presentation here: