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.
Through the study of English at Bomaderry High School, students develop an appreciation of literature, the skills to experiment with ideas and expression and the ability to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
Students engage with and explore texts from diverse historical, social and cultural contexts and, through responding to and composing texts, they develop an understanding of themselves and their world. Students learn about the power, value and art of the English language for communication, knowledge and enjoyment. They develop their critical and imaginative skills and broaden their capacity for cultural understanding. Students develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, viewing and representing and knowledge and understanding of language forms and features of texts. These skills and understandings allow them to develop their control of language in ways that will help in lifelong learning, in their careers and in their life.
Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8)
In Year 7 and Year 8, students read, listen to and view a variety of texts – spoken, print, visual, media, multimedia and digital texts – that are appropriate to their needs, interests and abilities.
Year 7 students explore fiction texts, a variety of traditional tales from diverse cultures and eras, poetry, film and picture books. They are encouraged to engage critically, personally and imaginatively with the ideas and forms and features of texts to develop their literacy knowledge and skills. Students are encouraged to reflect upon diversity and difference in their everyday lives as well as environmental issues. Students work towards composing their own responses and making informed language choices to shape meaning and accuracy, clarity and coherence.
Year 8 students explore fiction texts and respond critically to develop their skills in analytical writing. They engage with film, poetry and dramatic texts to further extend their understanding of how composers use techniques to convey ideas. They respond imaginatively through creative writing, and the visual representation of ideas. Students are provided with learning opportunities to explore and appreciate texts from and about the people and countries of Asia. Students are encouraged to read widely for pleasure and to extend their repertoire of skills in responding to and analysing texts.
Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10)
In Year 9 and Year 10, students develop their ability to respond to written and visual texts at an increasingly sophisticated level.
Year 9 students analyse how people, cultures and concepts are represented in texts. They explore current societal issues, and evaluate moral and ethical perspectives presented in texts through analytical and creative responses. Students recognise connections between texts and further extend their understanding and appreciation of composers’ choices in the construction of texts. Students undertake a fiction, poetry and film study; they analyse advertisements which target adolescent culture and explore classic texts which have been appropriated for a modern audience. Students compose texts for diverse audiences and purposes; they extend their skills in writing with accuracy, clarity and coherence and their knowledge of spelling, grammar and language.
Year 10 students study a novel, Shakespearean play and the works of an Australian poet/lyricist as well as diverse media and multimedia texts. Students analyse the ways in which texts explore human experience, universal themes and social contexts. They evaluate the way the personal perspective and language choices affect meaning and can be shaped by context. Students respond analytically and creatively to texts and ideas; they reflect upon their choices in the construction of texts and refine their language choices and structures in composing texts for varied audiences and purposes.
Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12)
Year 11 students may choose to study Advanced or Standard English, or the non ATAR English studies course. In Advanced and Standard English, students explore the concept of journeys in an area of study and complete two elective studies in which they explore the ways meaning is shaped in texts. Prose, poetry, film and drama texts form the basis of study in both Standard and Advanced English, whilst Advance English includes a Shakespearean text. English studies incorporates three modules which focus on promoting student engagement through relevant and diverse texts, extending student knowledge of textual form and purpose and developing everyday literacy competencies. In Year 11, students who study Advanced English may also undertake the Extension 1 course in which they explore how and why texts are valued and appropriated into a range of contexts.
Year 12 students continue with their study of Advanced or Standard English, or the non ATAR English studies course. In Advanced and Standard English, students explore the concept of discovery in an area of study and complete three module studies in which they explore the ways meaning is shaped in texts. Prose, poetry, film and drama texts form the basis of study in both Standard and Advanced English, whilst Advanced English includes a Shakespearean text. English studies incorporates four modules which focus on promoting student engagement through relevant and diverse texts, extending student knowledge of textual form and purpose and developing everyday literacy competencies. Extension 1 students continue the course into Year 12 but may also undertake the Extension 2 course; this includes extensive research and investigation of a concept which is realised in a prose fiction Major Work.