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.
Junior English
Students in Years 7-10 study one unit of work per term and participate in a range of activities which are designed to enhance literacy development and develop the students' creative and critical thinking skills. Within these units of work students learn to appreciate texts through reading and responding as well as developing their own personal voice in compositions. Students are assessed across the units through both formal informal assessment tasks and class work. This provides the students with multiple opportunities to achieve the outcomes and demonstrate their personal best.
Senior English
St Clair High School offers its Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12) students the option of three courses: English advanced, English standard or English studies.
English advanced
The English Advanced course is designed for students who have a particular interest and ability in English and who desire to engage with challenging learning experiences that will enrich their personal, intellectual, academic, social and vocational lives. This course has an emphasis on interpretation, contextual influences on text and the course contains a compulsory study of a Shakespearean text.
English standard
The English standard course is designed for students to increase their expertise in English to enhance their personal, educational, social and vocational lives. The English standard course provides students, who have a diverse range of literacy skills, with the opportunity to analyse, study and enjoy a breadth and variety of English texts to become confident and effective communicators. This course has an emphasis on more contemporary texts and does not have a mandatory Shakespeare component.
English studies
The English studies course focuses on supporting students to refine their skills in English, it is designed to provide students with opportunities to become competent, confident and engaged communicators and to study and enjoy a breadth and variety of texts in English. The course is distinctive in its focus on the development of students' language, literacy and literary skills. It offers comprehensive and contemporary language experiences in the modes of reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing. This course also provides students with an alternative pattern of study as it offers both ATAR and NON-ATAR options for the HSC.