Overview
These are predominantly literature based courses which students will take from year 9 all the way to year 12 and then again in year 13 if they choose to do so. Included are studies of short, visual and extended texts, where students learn to make (find) meaning. There are also units on creating meaning, in which students learn to write, speak and produce static and moving images effectively. The aims of this course are to help students develop a range of literacy skills which will allow them to be independent life-long learners and productive members of society, to foster an understanding and enjoyment of a wide range of text, and to help students achieve to the highest level they are capable of. Self-motivation and a strong work ethic are necessary in order to complete all the tasks on time and to standard.
Reading is a skill fundamental to the study of English. Students in years 9 and 10 have their reading ability tested on a regular basis with the Lexile and AsTTLe tests. Students will have time to improve their reading during the school-wide 20 minute USSR (Uninterrupted Sustained Silent Reading) period which takes place just after lunch every day. Skills in de-coding text and effective reading strategies are also taught in class and a group of year 9 students with reading difficulties are offered the opportunity to participate in the very successful Buddy Reading programme.