ENGLISH
Years 7 to 10 - INTRODUCTION
Language shapes our understanding of ourselves and our world, and is of obvious importance in the way we relate to others. In the study of English at high school, students explore how meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected in spoken, written and visual texts.
The study of English is mandatory in NSW.
Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers, lifelong learners and active participants in Australian society. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
In all years:
* students respond to texts. Students read, listen to and view a variety of texts and analyse and evaluate the content and ideas in the texts.
* students compose texts. Students create and produce written, spoken and visual texts in order to demonstrate their understanding of the texts and concepts studied.
A text in English is any medium that uses language, including sound, print, film, electronic and multimedia. Examples include (but are not limited to): novels, plays, poems, song lyrics, films, documentaries, TV programs, interviews, web sites, newspaper and magazine articles.
Students in Years 7 - 10 must read, listen to and view a variety of texts that are appropriate to their needs, interests and abilities.
In each year students must study examples of
* spoken texts
* print texts
* visual texts
* media and multimedia including texts drawn from radio, television, newspapers, the internet and CD-ROMs.
The selection of texts must include:
* Fiction texts
* Poetry
* Film (including film on video or DVD)
* Non-fiction
* Drama
The texts studied must give students experience of:
* a widely defined Australian literature, and other Australian texts including those that give insights into Aboriginal experiences and multicultural experiences in Australia
* literature from other countries and times
* cultural heritages, popular cultures and youth cultures
* picture books
* everyday and workplace texts
* a range of social, gender and cultural perspectives.
* in years 9 and 10, students must also study Shakespearean drama.
Adapted from the English Syllabus Years 7-10 (Board of Studies NSW 2003)
ENGLISH Year 7
English is a mandatory subject for all Year 7 students in NSW.
The study of English in Years 7 to 10 is intended to be both challenging and enjoyable. At Goulburn High School we have developed a Scope and Sequence from Years 7 to 10 which builds and develops student skills and understanding to prepare students for the School Certificate and the Higher School Certificate and life after school.
Core Modules studied in Year 7
1. Autobiographies
Students explore autobiographical writings through the study of recounts and narratives in non-fiction texts and internet items, in order to learn about how and why people write about themselves. Students also compose a variety of autobiographical pieces based on their own lives.
2. Introduction to Poetry
Students learn about poetic techniques through the study and analysis of a range of poems and the composition of their own poems.
3. Genre study – Fantasy
Students develop an understanding of the conventions of the fantasy genre through the study of a fantasy film. Students learn about how filmic techniques are used to influence and engage the viewer.
4. Introduction to Drama
This unit aims to develop students' confidence and enthusiasm for Drama.
Students develop an understanding of Drama and the elements of Drama, focusing on script analysis, script writing and performance. Students also work in groups to create and perform a simple script.
5. Visual Literacy - Picture Books
Students learn about visual literacy and develop skills to allow them to analyse and evaluate visual information. Students are introduced to a range of picture books, from those aimed at young children to those intended for an older audience. Students explore the messages and values inherent in picture books and how those messages are constructed.