English

Our aim is to produce literate and articulate students who can express themselves equally as well in the spoken and written forms of our language.

Year 7 and 8

One of the cornerstones of strong literacy skills is reading and a key component of the English course in the first year of Wantirna College is the introduction of the Independent Reading Program which spans Years 7-8. With a focus on Literacy for Learning strategies, the teaching of grammar is integrated into the curriculum.

Students follow a spelling program that encourages regular spelling testing and also improves vocabulary. In addition, students put together a portfolio of written pieces across the year, including biographies, stories, poetry and persuasive pieces. students are encouraged to engage with their writing as a writer

Year 9 and 10

Our innovative English curriculum design at Years 9 and 10 provides greater choice in learning with students having the opportunity to be engaged in a range of semester long units that align to the Victorian Curriculum. Students choose two Core Electives in both Year 9 and 10. All electives are open to students in both Year 9 and 10. While each elective unit is standalone, the skills required become progressively more complex from Year 9 to Year 10.

Students continue to apply the reading and comprehension strategies of Independent Reading during regular reading times and workshops and during the study of class texts. Improving writing stamina and confidence is a clear focus through the continued use of Writer’s Notebooks and Literacy for Learning strategies.

Much emphasis is placed on further enhancing students’ skills in thinking independently, writing analytically and employing a rich vocabulary. Students are explicitly taught the register continuum, how to extend noun groups and use nominalisation to improve their technical writing skills.’

The electives are not year level based and can be taken in either year 9 or 10.

  • Language of Sport
  • Crime, Horror & Film
  • xaThrough Australian Eyes
  • Communication & Creativity Through Song
  • Creative Writing
  • The Art of Argument
  • The Power of Language
  • Literary Classics

At VCE students can select from English, English Language or English Literature for Units 1-4.

Students who have received less than 5 years instruction in English may choose EAL (English as an Additional Language) or Bridging EAL (Year 11 only).