English

The English Domain have been working hard this year to help students settle into 2021 and the work produced so far has been wonderful to see. Year 7s have begun the year studying the film Coraline, looking at the theme of illusion vs reality and learning new analytical writing styles. 

They have also enjoyed being introduced to the library and having access to a wide range of new books – perhaps new reading habits were formed in lockdown! Year 9s have been studying autobiographical writing and it is fantastic to see the range of experiences they have chosen to write about. Their pieces have given us an insight into important moments or memories in their lives and demonstrate some sophisticated writing. 

While the younger year levels are starting with more creative tasks, our senior English students have been hard at work studying their texts for the year: collections of short stories, some non-fiction texts, podcast transcripts, graphic novels, political speeches… there’s something for everyone. 

We encourage all our English students to keep up their reading and study habits and have a go in class discussions – looking forward to hearing what you have to say! 

Year 9 Autobiographical Writing 

Thinking back on my past Christmases, it all flowed so smoothly. I used to think of Christmas all year long; in fact I still do. Just not as often. 

Christmas this year felt different. I think that I began to understand the build-up and work getting to Phillip Island, and making sure you see everyone around Christmas time. As I walked through the front door, I heard people talking in the kitchen, the smell of the house wafting up my nose and the TV blaring out the late afternoon news, impossibly loudly. Hearing, seeing, and smelling this brought nostalgia and excitement rushing at me, as if I was seven again, looking out the window waiting for people to arrive. 

When I was seven, I was obsessed with Christmas at Philip Island. I thought it was the best time of the entire year. Though all my family towered over me I felt included, and I was.  

 - Daniel Weir, 9I

We were driving back home from after shopping the day we got the phone call. I could hardly believe what had happened, though I wasn’t aware that things were about to get even worse. My aunty was on the line with my dad and I tried to hear what they were talking about – undoubtedly something serious by the look on his face. OK, so something to do with my grandma and hospitals… she was in the ambulance? My face got hotter - what was happening? Was my grandma ok? Words flew through my head; negative thoughts came and went. Ambulance. Hospital. Heart attack? Maybe she had a heart attack like she did before? No. No. No. Luvleen, maybe you’re exaggerating it, maybe it’s not as bad as a heart attack – maybe just a simple case of a heat wave or something? Argh… what had happened? My aunty seemed apprehensive; all my family sat in the car listening carefully to what was being said. After ending the phone call, my dad urgently called hospitals in India to find my grandma a place in the ICU.   

 - Luvleen Chand , 9I

 - Amy Longden,

Domain Leader, English