English

The English department has been very busy this year with the introduction of pre and post testing of the English Textual Concepts in Years 7-10. These formative assessments allow students to demonstrate their understanding of concepts such as representation, context and theme prior to starting the unit of work in the pre test, informing the differentiation of teaching and learning to follow. Students can then complete the post test in an attempt to improve their results and utilise knowledge and skills in the concept focus within the unit of work just completed. The exposure to these English Textual Concepts is crucial in the lead up to the implementation of the new English syllabus next year. They have also proven an effective backward mapping tool to help us prepare our students for Stage 6 English. 

Aside from our formative assessment focus, English has also been creative in their addition of new units in Stage 4 and 5 this year. Students have enjoyed learning about gothic literature, in Year 9, with a focus on graphic novels. This genre study allowed the students to develop their awareness of gothic conventions in a range of texts, with some students even producing their own gothic writing. This term, Year 9 have been engrossed in the novel, Deadly Unna with a focus on Aboriginal literature and social sustainability. While this was happening in our Year 9 classes, Year 10 have engaged with concept studies to prepare them for the rigour involved in Stage 6 English. This year they have focused on areas of study in the topics of conflict and change. These areas of study facilitate student awareness of the importance of thinking critically about a concept to determine how composers challenge our assumptions, or ignite new ideas, through literature. Exciting things are also happening in Stage 4 as students delve into the powerful world of film this term to analyse and evaluate film techniques in the film, Hugo. and Year 8 have investigated the power of the media earlier in the year. Both these units foster an appreciation of the world we live in through a close analysis of texts. 

It goes without saying of course, that the English faculty have also embraced the opportunity to teach students about the world of Shakespeare with close studies of Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream this year. Students are well versed in the literary value of Shakespeare and can use this knowledge to argue for his relevance and universality today, and into the future. 

Our Stage 6 English classes are progressing well and as we wait for the results from this year's HSC group, we begin another. All students are working towards success in the challenges that exist in expressing their knowledge through writing. With this goal in mind, we continue to work with students to improve their literacy skills and written expression to adopt a sophisticated analytical approach in their extended responses. 

Each year brings with it new excitements and we look forward to continuing to bring contemporary ideas to the teaching of English at St Mary’s College. From all of us, we wish you a very Merry Christmas! May your days be merry and the holidays be relaxing! We recommend reading a book or twenty! 

Take care, 

The English Faculty