English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
In English, students learn about the study and use of the English language in its various textual forms. These encompass spoken, written and visual texts through which meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected. Complexity increases as students progress through their schooling.
Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators; critical and imaginative thinkers; lifelong learners; and informed, active participants in Australian society. Their understanding of English through knowledge and skills acquisition is essential to their intellectual, social and emotional development.
The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
English is a mandatory course and is a requirement for completion of Stage 5.
Students of English in Years 7–10 learn to read, enjoy, understand, appreciate and reflect on the English language in a variety of texts, and to write texts that are imaginative, interpretive, critical and powerful.
What will students learn about?
Students study books, films, radio, television, newspapers, the internet and CD-ROMs. The texts give students experience of Australian literature, insights into Aboriginal experiences and multicultural experiences in Australia and literature from other countries and times.
Students also study texts that give experience of cultural heritages, popular cultures and youth cultures, picture books, everyday and workplace texts, a range of social, gender and cultural perspectives. Students experience Shakespearean drama in Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10).
What will students learn to do?
Students develop their skills, knowledge and understanding so that they can use language and communicate appropriately and effectively for a range of purposes and audiences, in a range of contexts. They learn to think in ways that are imaginative, interpretive and critical. They express themselves and their relationships with others and the world. They reflect on their learning in English.
Early Stage One
By the end of Early Stage 1 students respond to a range of spoken, written and multimodal texts from familiar contexts. They demonstrate active listening behaviours to follow simple instructions and ask relevant questions. Students mix and communicate informally with peers, teachers and known adults in informal and structured classroom settings. They communicate clearly and purposefully when engaging in pair, group and class discussions. Students demonstrate an emerging awareness of how people use spoken language for different purposes. They deliver short presentations using familiar and learned vocabulary. Students explore the way familiar spoken texts are constructed and the features of these texts.
Stage One
By the end of Stage 1 students communicate with a wide range of audiences on familiar and introduced topics to achieve a variety of purposes. They interact effectively, adopting new communication skills and select vocabulary to enhance meaning in order to give confident presentations. Students attend to instructions, share ideas and engage effectively in group and class discussions. They recognise that spoken language has a range of purposes and audiences and use this knowledge when attempting to communicate effectively with others. They investigate the different types and organisational patterns of common spoken texts and recognise features within them. Students create imaginative, informative and persuasive spoken texts drawing on their own experiences, their imagination, and ideas they have learned.
Stage Two
By the end of Stage 2 students communicate expressively and clearly with growing proficiency about ideas and information in classroom, school and social situations for a range of purposes. They explore a variety of roles when interacting in pairs and groups, attending to different views and responding appropriately. Students use various listening behaviours to gather general ideas and key points from conversations, reports or spoken presentations. They identify the effect of purpose, audience and culture on spoken texts and shape and present ideas accordingly. Students identify common organisational patterns and language features of predictable spoken texts.
Stage Three
By the end of Stage 3 students communicate effectively, using considered language to entertain, inform and persuade audiences for an increasing range of purposes. They work productively and independently in pairs or groups to deliver effective presentations using various skills and strategies. Students collaborate with others to share and evaluate ideas and opinions and to develop different points of view. They express well-developed and well-organised ideas about literary texts and respond constructively to different opinions. They demonstrate active listening behaviours in order to gather specific information and ideas, recognising and exploring how spoken and written language differ and how spoken language varies according to context. Students evaluate characteristic language features and organisational patterns of challenging spoken texts.
In Year 11 and 12, the study of English is mandatory. Courses offered include:
- English Extension 2
- English Extension 1
- English Advanced
- English Standard
- English Studies
- English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
- English Life Skills.