English 

English Report

Year 8 Runner Incursion

Last week year 8 studens had the opportunity to meet Robert Newton, the author of the novel Runner, which is a text that we deeply analysed during term 1. We got to learn a lot about him, and his life as an author. He spoke about his journey before becoming an author and how/why he chose to become one, he also included how he wrote Runner. 

We learnt that Robert has been a firefighter for around 30 years now and writes as a side-job, we also learnt that his first ever book (My name is Will Thompson) was based on his brother Chris, who suffered from dyslexia as a child; which is the soul of Robert’s book. When Robert was younger, he was only really ever encouraged towards sports, until his older years, where Chris was the person who encouraged him to start writing as Chris was the one who saw the spark of talent of him. Overall the year 8’s had a great experience, and were even able to get their novels signed by the one and only Robert Newton.

Emma Bugeja and Molly Hunt

Year 8 students

Year 12 Creative Writing 

Towards the end of Term 1, the Year 12 students completed their creative writing unit where all students presented unique and authentic adaptations to the original text Rear Window, by Alfred Hitchcock. Students showcased their deep and connected understanding and knowledge of the thematic views presented in the original, and looked to adapt this to their own, presenting their own views and values.

Maria Christoforou 

Year 12 English teacher

Here is an excerpt from a creative piece titled Front Window written by Year 12 student Kaylina Chan:

Jerking her knotted hair through the bristles of her brush while staring intently into the mirror —dissecting every imperfection and meticulously covering every pore in powder; tracing her eyes in a thick, black eyeliner, brushing her lashes with mascara, plucking away at her brows before drawing new ones on, and painting a new smile in bright red lipstick. 

This is Miss Torso’s routine, every single morning. An undeniably beautiful woman, with a doll-like face and body, fit for her doll-like plastic personality.  She changes into her tightest dress, just revealing the top of her breasts and freshly shaved thighs. 

Swaying her arms to the thrumming rhythm in her ears, Miss Torso unbinds her feet from the floor and moves her body in an appealing manner while dancing. This little play-pretend of spotlight fame, endorsed by the gazes she receives through the window, especially from the man across the building, who has been peering through his rear window at her for over a month now. Miss Torso enjoyed this attention, letting her body feel loved — filling her with immeasurable conceit.

Middle Year Literacy and Numeracy Support and Tutoring

Scoresby Secondary College provides Middle Year Literacy and Numeracy Support (MYLNS) and tutoring to a range of students across the college. MYLNS and the tutoring initiative are both state government initiatives to support student learning.  Mr Ron King, Ms Kathleen Shirer, Ms Michelle de Boer, and Ms Ellen Sawyer all support students either in MYLNS or the tutoring initiative. 

Year 9 Literacy classes have been working on some important reading and writing skills. The students work in small classes and there is always time to give them plenty of individual attention. Together, they have read a number of non-fiction articles, to carefully check their comprehension skills and vocabulary.

The Year 9 Literacy students have also improved their ability to write full, well-structured sentences, identify the parts of speech, and punctuate sentences accurately. These skills will certainly enhance their ability to understand and write clear responses in every subject.

One of the great things about Year 9 Literacy is that students have plenty of time to receive individual assistance and complete important tasks at their own pace.

I assist students during Year 8 Literacy and Year 8, 9 and 10 English classes, as part of Scoresby’s Tutoring Program.  Individual conversations really help students to be honest about areas where they need help.  For example, going through essay topics on “Macbeth” has made it easier for students to enjoy better results when completing their text responses.

I have also enjoyed helping students during Year 7 Literacy.

Recently, the students have been planning and presenting small group presentations, teaching students in the class how to identify and use the parts of speech in their writing. This has really improved their learning. The students have discovered that if you have to teach something, you really need to research and understand your subject.

Mr Ron King

Literacy Leader