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Parramatta High School

Parramatta High School

Respect, Responsibility and Honesty

Telephone02 9635 8644

Emailparramatta-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

English overview

Years 7 to 10

The study of English in Years 7 to 10 offers students a rich, dynamic and diverse range of learning experiences which provide students with knowledge, understanding and skills gained from engaging with the world of literature, film and media.  

Students will study a variety of texts including poetry, novels, drama, film, media, autobiographies, speeches, websites and picture books. In addition, the study of English also promotes the development of values and attitudes which empower individuals to express themselves and to engage critically and creatively with their world.

Through responding to and composing a wide range of texts and through the close study of texts, students will develop knowledge, understanding and skills in order to:

  • communicate through speaking, listening, reading, writing, viewing and representing
  • use language to shape and make meaning according to purpose, audience and context
  • think in ways that are imaginative, creative, interpretive and critical
  • express themselves and their relationships with others and their world
  • learn and reflect on their learning through their study of English.

The study of English also enables students to value and appreciate:

  • the importance of the English language as a key to learning
  • the personal enrichment to be gained from a love of English, literature and learning
  • the power of language to explore and express views of themselves as well as the social, cultural, ethical, moral, spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of human experiences
  • the power of effective communication using the language modes of speaking, listening, reading, writing, viewing and representing
  • the role of language in developing positive interaction and cooperation with others
  • the diversity and aesthetics of language through literary and other texts
  • the independence gained from thinking imaginatively, creatively, interpretively and critically.

Download Parramatta High School's guide about English modules for Years 7 to 10 (PDF 241KB) for more information.

Years 11 and 12

Parramatta High School offers standard English, advanced English, extension 1 and 2 and English as an additional language or dialect (ESL) in the senior school. The preliminary and HSC (Higher School Certificate) English standard courses are designed for students to become proficient in English to enhance their personal, social and vocational lives.

These courses provide students with the opportunity to become confident and effective communicators and to enjoy the breadth and variety of English texts. They offer a rich language experience that is reflected in the modes of reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing.

Preliminary and HSC English advanced courses

The preliminary and HSC English advanced courses are designed for students to become critical and sophisticated users of English in order to enhance their personal, social and vocational lives. These courses provide students who have a particular interest and ability in the subject with challenging learning experiences and opportunities to enjoy the breadth and variety of English texts, through the integration of the modes of reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing.

English as a second language (ESL) courses

The English as a second language (ESL) courses provide students with the opportunity to become effective, creative and confident communicators in English and to assist them in achieving Year 11 and Year 12 outcomes. They will be able to respond to and compose texts for a variety of purposes and audiences that are relevant to their personal, educational, social and vocational lives. Students extend their reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing and representing skills through an integrated engagement with texts drawn from literature and other sources.

Preliminary and HSC English extension courses

The preliminary and HSC English extension courses enable students who are accomplished, analytical and imaginative in their use of English to refine their understanding and appreciation of the cultural roles and significance of texts. The courses are designed for students with a desire to pursue a specialised study of English.

These courses provide students with the opportunity to pursue areas of interest with increased independence and to theorise about the processes of responding to and composing texts. Through extended engagement in investigation and composition, students explore multiple meanings and relative values of texts. They explore a range of conceptual frameworks for the reading and composition of texts and examine a range of reading practices to develop awareness of the assumptions that guide interpretation and evaluation.

Recent topics studied in the English extension course 1 have included coming of age in Australia, the man and the monster and female identity and public discourse.

In the HSC English extension course 2 students develop a sustained composition, and document and reflect on this process. This course is only available as a Year 12 subject. It is only open to students who have completed the preliminary extension 1 course and those that have demonstrated a capacity for independent investigation and an exceptionally high level of skill and ability in English.

It requires students to complete a major work, a reflection statement and to keep a process journal. The major work may be creative or a critical analysis of texts.

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