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.
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.
Units Studied
Year 7:
- Heritage and Context of Me
- I Have an Opinion
- Tell Me a Story
- Fantasy and Fairytale
- I Will Survive
Year 8:
- Mystery
- Close Study of a Novel
- Film Study
- Poetry for the Senses
- Consumer Culture
Year 9:
- Sport: Australian Values
- Film Study: Director’s Choice
- Close Study of a Novel
- Representations of Love
- Planting the Seed
Year 10:
- Close Study of a Novel
- Words that Burn: Poetry and Social Justice
- What Matters: Documentaries
- The Play’s the Thing: Macbeth
- Page to Screen
Key Excursions and Learning Opportunities
- Debating
- Public speaking
- Writing Competitions
- Visits to Orange Civic Theatre and Orange City Library
A castle room, in Cyprus by HE
The cold castle walls emanated frigid air, causing goosebumps on my coarse prickled skin. Souls yelling, whispering of the unforgivable sin.
[…]
Oh, each second I feel my soul screaming, reverberating into the dark and cold chambers of my heart deprived of my Desdemona. Waiting for a response, waiting for the light, waiting for her chest to rise again. To envelop me once more, to erase my sorrow in its intoxicating bloom.
But It's too late. The light has been put out. That cursed Iago, the green-eyed monster has already cast his spell. That monster’s right in front of me. My hand shakes with anger, grabbing the blade on my side in a moment of indescribable fury.
He let out a gasp of pain as the bright red blood seeped into his tunic, a monster’s deserved fate…
The sole distinction, I loved too recklessly, he loved not at all.
[…]
The lonely voice continues echoing in ceaseless search, And the light still regresses from every hidden corner. The castle room still dim, its walls constricting, and the wind moaning at the lack of light.
A mournful lament, In the absence of Desdemona.
Languages
In NSW high schools, languages is a key learning area.
Language study allows students to develop communication skills, learn about languages as systems and explore the relationship between language and culture. Students engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of societies and reflect on their understanding of social interactions.
The study of a language is compulsory for 100 hours in one continuous school year from Year 7 to Year 10, but preferably in Years 7 or 8.
In Years 11 and 12, NSW schools offer a wide variety of languages, catering for beginning students to background speakers.