ENGLISH DOMAIN


Michael Russell
English Learning Leader

English is important for helping you appreciate diversity, develop sensitivity and, perhaps most importantly, contribute to your future by crafting your writing and critical thinking.

In the English Domain, we foster an appreciation for a wide variety of texts and empower you to develop your own interpretations of the texts we study. You interpret, create, evaluate, discuss and perform a wide range of literary texts in which the primary purpose is aesthetic, as well as texts designed to inform and persuade. These include various types of media texts, including newspapers, film and digital texts, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, dramatic performances and many others.

From 2023, all year 11 VCE students will be enrolled in Core English as their compulsory English subject. Literature and English Language remain open to students to select, but will become elective subjects.

9 Intensive English (EAL students only)

  • Participate in a personalised program to develop your English skills
  • Learn more about Australian history and culture through reading Australian stories as a class
  • Work on the sounds and spelling patterns of English to help in all of your classes

Subject Code: P1LEA
Year Level: 9

What will I learn?

This class learns how to improve your speaking and listening skills through different games and activities. You will learn reading and writing skills in English through the study of different texts and how to write for everyday and academic purposes.

This class is for English as an additional Language (EAL) students who need further instruction in English to access the mainstream curriculum. You receive 3 English lessons per week in reading, writing, speaking and listening. You are assessed against the EAL curriculum.

What will I do?
  • Learn about Australian history and culture through the study of different texts.
  • Visit local places to learn about your local environment and community and to assist with the study of particular texts.
Where can this take me?

VCE Subjects: Continued Intensive English lessons, VCE English,  VCE EAL English, VCAL Literacy

Duration:

 2 Semesters (Year).

Pre-requisites: 

For students who have recently resettled in Australia.

This is not a subject that can be “chosen”. Students are selected by the EAL Coordinator, Megan Salter.

 

9 Literacy Skills (VM/VPC Pathway)

  • Become a better reader and speller
  • Develop more confidence with writing
  • This is a year long subject so must be selected semester 1 & 2

Subject Code: P1ELS
Year Level: 9

What will I learn?

Literacy is a program designed to improve skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Ideal for anyone thinking that the VCE pathway in Year 11 and 12 might not be for them yet wish to keep developing their English.

What will I do?
Read and study the novel “Once” by Morris Gleitzman
Learn to write persuasively
Develop everyday literacy skills needed to operate in the “real world”
Where can this take me?

Subjects: 10 Literacy Skills, VCE VM or VPC

Careers/Jobs: literacy is not only about reading and writing, but it's also to help people understand the complexity of the world and life in general. Literacy skills are invaluable in most career and job pathways.

 

9 Dystopian Worlds

  • Analyse and discuss the ways dystopian worlds investigate control, individuality, fear and politics
  • Look at different examples of dystopian societies in films, novels and other works
  • Read and analyse Mark Smith’s novel ‘The Road to Winter’

Subject Code: P1EDW
Year Level: 9

What will I learn?

Dystopia means a world where people or societies are controlled by ruling forces. Through films, novels and other works, we analyse, discuss and debate the ways these mediums investigate control, individuality, fear and politics. You will learn how to identify key themes in Mark Smith’s novel ‘The Road to Winter’ and incorporate them into a text response essay.

What will I do?
  • Read and discuss a prescribed novel. 
  • Write text response essays and creative responses based on the set text. 
  • Learn about the way that language can be used to persuade and manipulate readers and viewers.
Where can this take me?

Subjects: any Year 10 English.

Careers/Jobs: literacy is not only about reading and writing, but it's also to help people understand the complexity of the world and life in general. Literacy skills are invaluable in most career and job pathways.

 

9 English Out Loud

  • Focus on the skills of public speaking, vocal expression and writing
  • Refine the use of voice and movement to communicate ideas
  • Explore the way that tone, pitch, timing and volume can influence the way speakers convey meaning to an audience

UNFORTUNATELY THIS SUBJECT IS NOT AVAILABLE IN 2023

Subject Code: P1EOL
Year Level: 9

What will I learn?

How we convey our thoughts and feelings verbally is instrumental to building connections and navigating professional and personal life. Our class focuses on the necessary tools to engage and influence through public speaking, vocal expression and writing.

What will I do?

Read and discuss a variety of texts. 

Write text response essays and present spoken submissions. 

Learn about the way that language can be used to persuade and manipulate readers and viewers and put this into practice verbally.

Where can this take me?

Subjects: any Year 10 English, VCE Drama.

Careers/Jobs: literacy is not only about reading and writing, but it's also to help people understand the complexity of the world and life in general. Literacy skills are invaluable in most career and job pathways.

 

9 English Plays

  • Take a break from the traditional ‘novel study’ and explore plays
  • Make, analyse and appreciate scripts and performances for their impact on audiences
  • Examine the anatomy of a script through a variety of different plays

UNFORTUNATELY THIS SUBJECT IS NOT AVAILABLE IN 2023

Subject Code: P1EPL
Year Level: 9

What will I learn?

In this class you are introduced to the key conventions of a script and explore how they are used to engage their audience. You gain an understanding of how to identify key ideas in plays and incorporate them into written responses. By utilising literary features you will be able to craft creative writing responses.

What will I do?
  • Read and discuss plays and scripts.
  • Write script response essays and creative responses based on scripts or ideas we cover in class. 
  • We will also learn about the way that language can be used to persuade and manipulate readers and viewers.
Where can this take me?

Subjects: any Year 10 English, VCE Drama, VCE Literature. 

Careers/Jobs: literacy is not only about reading and writing, but it's also to help people understand the complexity of the world and life in general. Literacy skills are invaluable in most career and job pathways.

 

9 Fantasy

  • Discuss and debate characters and themes from the fantasy genre 
  • Examine the ‘quest narrative’ found in most fantasy texts and films
  • Analyse the magic, other worlds and fantasy characters in the prescribed fantasy text

Subject Code: P1EFA
Year Level: 9

What will I learn?

You are introduced to what classifies as science fiction or fantasy and examine the ‘quest narrative’. Our class analyses and compares the similarities and differences between science fiction and fantasy and explores what inspires the creation of fantasy and science fiction. You will understand key ideas in fantasy texts and incorporate them into engaging written responses.

What will I do?
  • Read and discuss a prescribed novel. 
  • Write text response essays and creative responses based on the set text. 
  • Learn about the way that language can be used to persuade and manipulate readers and viewers.
Where can this take me?

Subjects: any Year 10 English.

Careers/Jobs: literacy is not only about reading and writing, but it's also to help people understand the complexity of the world and life in general. Literacy skills are invaluable in most career and job pathways.

 

9 Real Australian Stories

  • Examine the way Australian characters have grown, changed and experienced events in their life
  • Explore characters that are relatable to us in regard to the language they use and settings they inhabit
  • Explore the impacts and voices of the Stolen Generation

Subject Code: P1ERA
Year Level: 9

What will I learn?

Our class focuses on real life. We analyse, debate and present ideas from non-fiction texts. From biographies and true stories through to documentaries and podcasts, we examine the way humans grow, change and experience events and convey key ideas in a written response.

What will I do?
  • Read and discuss a prescribed novel. 
  • Write text response essays and creative responses based on the set text. 
  • Learn about the way that language can be used to persuade and manipulate readers and viewers.
Where can this take me?

Subjects: any Year 10 English.

Careers/Jobs: literacy is not only about reading and writing, but it's also to help people understand the complexity of the world and life in general. Literacy skills are invaluable in most career and job pathways.

 

9 Texts about War

  • How have texts helped shape the way we understand major wars?
  • Learn how certain writings can glorify war or speak about the reality of war
  • Explore key themes including power, courage and brutality

Subject Code: P1ETW
Year Level: 9

What will I learn?

We analyse the way in which texts help us understand some of the major wars of the 20th and 21st centuries. You study war poetry through to graphic novels and film and learn how to covey key ideas gained from these sources into written responses.

What will I do?
  • Read and discuss a prescribed novel. 
  • Write text response essays and creative responses based on the set text. 
  • Learn about the way that language can be used to persuade and manipulate readers and viewers.
Where can this take me?

Subjects: any Year 10 English.

Careers/Jobs: literacy is not only about reading and writing, but it's also to help people understand the complexity of the world and life in general. Literacy skills are invaluable in most career and job pathways.

 

9 Wonder Women

  • Explore strong female characters and leaders
  • Learn about female voices in novels, films, speeches and poetry 
  • Discuss the ways writers explore gender and other themes

Subject Code: P1EWW
Year Level: 9

What will I learn?

You learn about female voices in novels, films, speeches and poetry. Explore how female characters are depicted; does their depictions indicate anything about the writer? We analyse, discuss and debate the ways writers explore gender, power, individuality, conflict, fear and identity.

What will I do?
  • Read and discuss a prescribed novel. 
  • Write text response essays and creative responses based on the set text. 
  • Learn about the way that language can be used to persuade and manipulate readers and viewers.
Where can this take me?

Subjects: any Year 10 English.

Careers/Jobs: literacy is not only about reading and writing, but it's also to help people understand the complexity of the world and life in general. Literacy skills are invaluable in most career and job pathways.

 

9 Young Adult Fiction

  • Discuss and confront a range of issues that teenagers often deal with
  • Delve into themes such as the coming of age, identity and the challenges young people face
  • Read and watch texts that raise important questions about growing up

Subject Code: P1EAF
Year Level: 9

What will I learn?

Our class explores ideas that are relatable to most teenagers. We delve into texts and narratives that explore the coming of age, identity and the challenges young people face. You read and watch texts that raise important questions about growing up.

What will I do?
  • Read and discuss a prescribed novel. 
  • Write text response essays and creative responses based on the set text. 
  • Learn about the way that language can be used to persuade and manipulate readers and viewers.
Where can this take me?

Subjects: any Year 10 English.

Careers/Jobs: literacy is not only about reading and writing, but it's also to help people understand the complexity of the world and life in general. Literacy skills are invaluable in most career and job pathways.

 

10 Intensive English (EAL students only)

  • Participate in a personalised program to develop your English skills
  • Learn more about Australian history and culture through reading Australian stories as a class
  • Work on the sounds and spelling patterns of English to help in all of your classes

Subject Code: P2LEA
Year Level: 10

What will I learn?

This class learns how to improve your speaking and listening skills through different games and activities. You will learn reading and writing skills in English through the study of different texts and how to write for everyday and academic purposes.

This class is for English as an additional Language (EAL) students who need further instruction in English to access the mainstream curriculum. You receive 3 English lessons per week in reading, writing, speaking and listening. You are assessed against the EAL curriculum.

What will I do?
  • Learn about Australian history and culture through the study of different texts.
  • Visit local places to learn about your local environment and community and to assist with the study of particular texts.
Where can this take me?

VCE Subjects: Continued Intensive English lessons, VCE English,  VCE EAL English, VCAL Literacy

Duration:

 2 Semesters (Year).

Pre-requisites: 

For students who have recently resettled in Australia.

This is not a subject that can be “chosen”. Students are selected by the EAL Coordinator, Megan Salter.

 

10 Literacy Skills (VM/VPC Pathway)

  • Focus primarily on English skills that could help in future employment or study after leaving school
  • Improve grammar basics, spelling and sentence structure
  • This is a year long subject so must be selected semester 1 and 2.

Subject Code: P2ELS
Year Level: 10

What will I learn?

Ideal for anyone thinking that the VCE pathway in Year 11 and 12 might not be for them yet wish to keep developing their English. You develop and improve technical aspects of your writing through grammar basics, spelling and sentence structure which will get you ready for life after school.

What will I do?
  • Read and discuss a prescribed novel. 
  • Write text response essays and creative responses based on the set text. 
  • Learn about the way that language can be used to persuade and manipulate readers and viewers.
Where can this take me?

Subjects: VCE VM or VPC

Careers/Jobs: literacy is not only about reading and writing, but it's also to help people understand the complexity of the world and life in general. Literacy skills are invaluable in most career and job pathways.

 

10 Introduction to English Language

  • Analyse the way language is put together in complex ‘real world’ scenarios
  • Explore the way words and language reflect who we are and what we believe
  • Compare how language is used in Australia and around the world

Subject Code: P2EEL
Year Level: 10

What will I learn?

We familiarise ourselves with linguistic metalanguage (learning new words to describe language) and explore the ways language is used in Australia and around the world. We observe and discuss modern language use and how language is put together.

This subject is aimed at those who LOVE English and enjoy analysing the way language is put together in ‘real world’ scenarios.

What will I do?
  • Read widely from a variety of sources provided by the classroom teacher. 
  • Write Analytical Commentaries and linguistic essays 
  • Research and appreciate the fluent and ever-changing nature of language.
Where can this take me?

VCE Subjects: VCE English, VCE English Language. 

Careers/Jobs: speech pathology, linguistics, literature studies, arts.

 

10 Introduction to Literature

  • Delve deeply into texts, novels and film
  • Study the way an author can express their views and values in their writing
  • Develop an ability to respond creatively and critically to a variety of texts

Subject Code: P2ELI
Year Level: 10

What will I learn?

You develop a capacity to respond thoughtfully, critically and creatively to texts, novels and film. We consider various interpretations and judgments, and study How the historical significance of an author’s world influences their writing. You develop an ability to respond creatively and critically.

What will I do?
  • Write extended pieces that explore ideas and how the author makes meaning.
  • Read closely from the prescribed texts. 
  • Discuss and listen to a range of interpretations of complex texts.
Where can this take me?

VCE Subjects: VCE English, VCE Literature.

 

10 Standard English

  • Analyse written and visual texts
  • Make links between character development, themes and social context
  • Can be chosen to study in Semester 1 and 2

Subject Code: P2ESA
Year Level: 10

What will I learn?

This class best prepares you for VCE English as we analyse both written and visual texts, making links between character development, themes and social context. You engage with not only the character and plot but think about the bigger ideas and understand the way authors use language to position readers to feel a certain way.

Standard English runs in both semesters but we read and analyse different texts in each semester. This means a student taking Standard English in both semesters is covering different texts but building on skills to which they may have already been introduced. It also means that a student could join the subject in Semester 2. This subject would be ideal for students who don’t want to pursue a more challenging English in VCE.

What will I do?
  • Discover and analyse novels, plays and films.
  • Engage with not only the character and plot but think about the bigger ideas and understand the way authors use language to position readers to feel a certain way.
  • Write text response essays, argument analysis essays and craft persuasive responses.
Where can this take me?

VCE Subjects: VCE English (although a student may choose VCE English Language or VCE Literature after consultation with their Standard English teacher).

Careers/Jobs: many university courses require students to have completed VCE English in order to gain entry to the course.