English

“We must contemplate the import of ignoring the printed word. If you cannot read, you can do only what you are told.” Joseph P. Bean

Overview

SEMESTER 1: Students analyse both written and film texts, utilising their knowledge of text construction including film elements and language devices. Exploring themes of ambition, revenge, freedom, reality and the effects of media, students consider multiple viewpoints on these issues and how they align with a Christian perspective. Students aim to sharpen and hone their vocabulary and expression to present their arguments with sophisticated precision in both written and verbal tasks.

SEMESTER 2: Students employ their analytical skills to compare two texts, considering their construction, themes, approach, style and language. Commenting on themes of mankind’s sinful nature and understanding the other, students consider the impact of these issues on the world from a Christian perspective. Building on their understanding of argument construction, they present a reasoned interpretation of a pair of texts as well as analyse the approach taken by persuasive authors in regard to their audience, purpose and context. Using these same persuasive techniques, students consider how to defend their own viewpoint in today’s world, presenting a persuasive oral on a current event.

Aims

To explore different perspectives on complex issues through reading and viewing a range of texts
To draw on a repertoire of strategies to maintain understanding through dense or extended texts
To experiment with knowledge of linguistic structures and features
To convey detailed information and explore different perspectives on complex, challenging issues through writing for specific and general audiences
To consider the contexts in which texts were or are created and how these are reflected in texts
To use the God-given gifts of creativity and discernment

Topics Include

Shakespeare’s world and texts
Shakespearean language
Creative writing
Issues orals
Analysing persuasive language and images in newspapers
Analysing themes and structure in texts
Exploring context and its relevance in selected texts
Comparing texts and their themes
Oral activities

Time Allocation

9 periods per cycle

Requirements

Booklist Items

Assessment

Text questions and essays
Oral presentations
Creative writing
Class participation
Issue analysis
Examinations

“They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving them meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” Nehemiah 8:8