English

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.

An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for intellectual, social and emotional development of your child. English is mandatory from Year 7 to 12 and Hastings Secondary College prides itself on focussing on these elements of your child’s education.

Hastings Secondary College offers a diverse and stimulating English program, which opens up the world of language and learning to enable students to communicate confidently. The program is built around the explicit teaching of contextual knowledge, comprehension, thinking and reflecting skills and processes. Australian and contemporary texts are studied each year along with Shakespearean and classic texts.

In English, students have opportunities to:

• read widely for pleasure
  
• write effectively in a range of forms
• speak formally and informally for different purposes and audiences
• listen reflectively to others
• learn to use and value different literacies, such as critical literacy and visual literacy
• work independently and in groups
• share their ideas and skills with others
• participate in a range of activities  such as writing competitions, Writers' Camp, debating and theatre performances

Wide varieties of texts are utilised including novels, poetry, short stories, newspapers, advertising materials, film, video and live performances. Texts cover a range of topics, issues, and settings of particular interest to adolescents, including cyber-bullying, environmental concerns, and personal journeys.  We take advantage of opportunities to purchase multi-cultural texts and maintain a diverse collection from modern classics to recent Australian fiction.

Extension classes are offered while additional enrichment programs are available to all students. For example debating, public speaking, writing and poetry competitions, Litfest.

In Years 11 and 12 students may select from Advanced English, Standard English, English Studies, English Extension 1 and English Extension 2. These courses are offered every year, some of which operate as cross-campus classes.

For more information on syllabus visit the NESA Website.