English

The study of literary, non-literary, visual and performance texts provide a focus for understanding how meaning is constructed within belief or value systems, and how it is negotiated across multiple perspectives generated by single or multiple readers.

Thinking critically about texts, as well as responding to, producing or performing them, leads to an understanding of how language sustains or challenges ways of thinking and being.  The study additionally builds an awareness that all texts may be understood in relation to their form, content, purpose, audience and their associated contexts, such as social, historical and cultural circumstances. 

Intent 

We aim to ensure our students develop an appreciation of the nature of language and literature, of the many influences on language and literature, and of its power and beauty.

We want students to value language as central to developing critical thinking, which is essential for the cultivation of intercultural understanding, as well as for becoming internationally minded and responsible members of local, national and global communities. We encourage students to view language as integral to exploring and sustaining personal development and cultural identity, and provides an intellectual framework to support conceptual development.’  

Implementation  

We aim to instill a lifelong love of literature and language.

Our concept-based and student-led Inquiry approach to teaching allows students to learn to ask questions and find answers for themselves.  Student choice of tasks promotes curiosity and independence and encourages students to relate their learning to the world around them.    

A range of teaching approaches are used in the classroom to support students’ learning.  Differentiation and challenge is built into Curriculum Units to ensure that students make good progress.  Feedback for learning is an essential part of the learning process with the appropriate assessment criteria embedded into lessons.