There are two areas of study for each unit: Reading and Creating Texts and Analysing and Presenting Arguments.

Unit 1

• You respond analytically to one text and creatively to another.
• We look at the way language and argument complement one another and interact to position the reader.

Unit 2

• You study two texts and compare the way meaning has been constructed by an author/director/playwright.
• We look at the way language and argument complement one another and interact to position the reader.

What does this mean for me?

Our class reads and analyses texts and completes written responses. You creatively write in a range of formats and styles, drawing on various texts. We examine particular media texts and the ways in which authors persuade readers to share a particular point of view. You read texts (short stories, novels, plays, films and poetry) closely and critically analyse the ideas and content. We also compare the way similar ideas are conveyed differently depending on the mode through which they are presented.

Assessment

• Text essays
• Creative writing
• Oral presentations
• Expository writing
• Comparative response
• Exam

What sort of student would like English?

Someone who:

• Enjoys reading, responding in writing and discussing ideas
• Is interested in examining current affairs and the role the media plays in our society
• Likes to work with ideas, to think creatively and write extended responses.

Suggested Pre-Requisites

Standard English, Intro to English Language or Intro to Literature.

From 2025, VCE English Language is offered as an extension option via an application and interview process. Successful students can choose to replace Core English with English Language or complete it in addition to Core English.

Unit 1: Language and Communication

Our focus is on the nature and functions of language and its use in communication, the five subsystems of language (morphology and lexicology, phonology, syntax, semantics and discourse) and on child language acquisition.

What does this mean for me?

We identify, define and apply a range of key terms to the English language. You use a textbook, as well as a wide range of texts from emails, blogs and text messages to speeches, advertisements, and legal documents. You examine how language is acquired in humans from infancy, and the stages they go through.

Unit 2: Language Change

The focus here is on language change especially within Australian English, the history and development of the English language, and the globalisation of English.

What does this mean for me?

We look at the history of the English language from its foundations (in 55 BC) to its status as the global language of the present. This includes a study of a range of factors such as Britain’s military history, colonisation, inventions and cultural developments. You also study various pidgins and Creoles such as ‘Singlish’ and ‘Chinglish.’

Assessment

• Short answer tests
• Analytical commentaries
• Essay
• Oral presentations
• Investigative reports
• Case studies and comparative tasks

What sort of student would like English Language?

Someone who:

• Is exact, precise and analytical with their thinking and writing, has a wide vocabulary and reads broadly and has the ability to learn new terms
• Is interested in the structure of language and linguistics
• Enjoys the challenge of constructing concise, focussed analytical texts.

Someone who finds English difficult will struggle with the demands and intensity of this subject.

Suggested Pre-Requisites

It is recommended you complete Units 1 and 2 before Units 3 and 4.

Other Considerations

• You are expected to work from the textbook, but also to read more widely from a range of sources and text types.

From 2025, VCE Literature is offered as an extension option via an application and interview process. Successful students can choose to replace Core English with Literature or complete it in addition to Core English.

Unit 1

In this unit you will consider how language, structure and stylistic choices are used in different literary forms and types of text. They consider both print and non-print texts, reflecting on the contribution of form and style to meaning. You will reflect on the degree to which points of view, experiences and contexts shape their own and others’ interpretations of text. You will also explore the concerns, ideas, style and conventions common to distinctive types of literature seen in different literary movements.

What does this mean for me?

You read deeply and thoughtfully about the way writers explore the human condition.

Unit 2

You will explore the interconnectedness of place, culture and identity through the experiences, texts and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You will also explore texts to consider their point of view with respect to the texts social, historical and cultural context.

What does this mean for me?

You need to develop your own distinctive writing style based on your critical reading of texts.

Assessment

• Creative responses 
• Comparative essay
• Oral presentations
• Passage analysis
• Discussions based on close textual readings

What sort of student would like Literature?

Someone who:

• Enjoys reading and wishes to engage with texts on a deeper level
• Enjoys writing about their reading and wishes to extend their critical thinking the way writers convey meaning.

Suggested Pre-Requisites

Nil, but students who are strong in English are encouraged.

Other Considerations

• The teacher may also be delivering content to other North East Catholic Secondary Schools: Galen Catholic College Wangaratta, Marian College Myrtleford and Sacred Heart College Yarrawonga. This enhances learning networks and expertise for both students and staff.