English
“The study of English is central to the learning and development of all young Australians. It helps create confident communicators, imaginative thinkers and informed citizens. It is through the study of English that individuals learn to analyse, understand, communicate with and build relationships with others and with the world around them. The study of English helps young people develop the knowledge and skills needed for education, training and the workplace. It helps them become ethical, thoughtful, informed and active members of society. In this light it is clear that the Australian Curriculum: English plays an important part in developing the understanding, attitudes and capabilities of those who will take responsibility for Australia’s future.” (School Curriculum and Standards Authority, 2014)
With the Australian Curriculum rationale as its guiding structure, the Year 10 English programme at Scotch College Senior School embraces the three main strands of study through engagement with Language, Literature and Literacy. During four terms, students will study a unit devoted to autobiography as a genre, a study of classic 20th century novels focusing on the theme of conflict, an exploration of formal reading practices and theories and finally, a unit on Shakespeare. Written and oral assessments are conducted twice termly with an additional formal close reading examination in the Autumn Term which closely replicates the demands of Year 12 WACE and I.B. Diploma Programme final examinations.
At the core of all study units and related assessments are the Approaches to Learning, which nurture the key trans-disciplinary skills required for intellectual growth. The Year 10 English course explicitly teaches, assesses and reports on student acquisition of Thinking, Research and Communication.