English

English

Rationale:

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 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 and plays an important part in developing the understanding, attitudes and capabilities of those who will take responsibility for Australia’s future.

Although Australia is a linguistically and culturally diverse country, participation in many aspects of Australian life depends on effective communication in Standard Australian English. In addition, proficiency in English is invaluable globally. The English curriculum contributes both to nation-building and to internationalisation, including Australia’s links to Asia.

English also helps students to engage imaginatively and critically with literature to expand the scope of their experience. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have contributed to Australian society and to its contemporary literature and literary heritage through their distinctive ways of representing and communicating knowledge, traditions and experience.

Aims:

The English curriculum aims to ensure that students:

· learn to listen to, read, view, speak, write, create and reflect on increasingly complex and sophisticated spoken, written and multimodal texts across a growing range of contexts with accuracy, fluency and purpose

· appreciate, enjoy and use the English language in all its variations and develop a sense of its richness and power to evoke feelings, convey information, form ideas, facilitate interaction with others, entertain, persuade and argue

· understand how Standard Australian English works in its spoken and written forms and in combination with non-linguistic forms of communication to create meaning

· develop interest and skills in inquiring into the aesthetic aspects of texts, and develop an informed appreciation of literature.

Useful Links:

Learning Potential

http://www.learningpotential.gov.au

Prep English Information Booklet

Recommended titles

Picture Books

Middle and Upper Books

Books for Upper and Junior Secondary Reading

Preschool: Preschool a time for exploration and mastery

https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/article/preschool-a-time-for-exploration-and-mastery?utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_medium=bulletin&utm_content=November%208%202016

Parents’ guide to helping children with reading and writing at home