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 will focus on the elements of text analysis, analysing a film text to discover the purpose and meaning conveyed. Through analysing this text, students will focus on elements and construction of characters; and how characters are used to tell stories. Students will be asked to consider character traits that are biblically important as compared to those that are valued by a secular society. Students will also increase their understanding of persuasive language and be asked to critically examine advertisements and the messages that they are trying to convey. Students will engage in both writing and oral tasks that require them to utilise persuasive techniques.

SEMESTER 2: Students will examine the importance of cultural heritage and how it affects us. Through the use of an autobiography students will engage in the story telling of their own background. Students will be encouraged to examine their lineage of faith, and how their family has impacted their faith journey. Students will focus on both writing analytically and creatively, and further developing the required skills for both. Throughout the text study we will consider themes of family, forgiveness, culture and how ultimately it is Jesus that defines who we are, rather than our circumstances. Students will also have an opportunity to further explore the elements of poetry, both in reading poetic texts and creating their own poetry. Students will be encouraged to engage with the creation of poetry as a form of worship, as we examine selected biblical texts.

Aims

• To develop the ability to appraise the content of written work
• To teach reasoning and clear thinking skills
• To teach the basics of presenting arguments – written and spoken
• To develop research and reporting techniques
• To encourage enjoyment in both reading and listening
• To teach effective oral communication skills
• To use the God-given gifts of creativity and discernment

Topics Include

• Film Text: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• Novels:  Chinese Cinderella, Once
• Australian short stories and poetry
• Written expression: essays, descriptive writing, predictions
• Issues:  role plays opinion writing
• Oral Presentations: Presentation of a product

Time Allocation

• 8 periods per cycle

Requirements

• Booklist Items

Assessment

• Spelling and grammar
• Reading and studying texts
• Writing folio
• Issues
• Speaking and listening
• 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