Active and effective participation in Australian society depends on the ability to speak, listen, read, view and write with confidence, purpose and enjoyment. The study of English, and the broader concept of literacy, is about the appropriate and effective use of language, the use of language as a means of learning and the development of knowledge about language.
The English curriculum aims to develop in students:
- the ability to speak, listen, read, and write effectively with confidence, purpose and enjoyment
- a knowledge of the ways in which language varies according to context, purpose, audience and content, and the capacity to apply this knowledge
- a knowledge of the linguistic patterns used to construct different texts, and the capacity to apply this knowledge, especially in writing
- a broad knowledge of a range of texts and a capacity to relate this to aspects of contemporary society and personal experience
- the capacity to discuss and analyse texts and language critically
- a knowledge of the ways textual interpretation and understanding may vary according to cultural, social and personal differences, and the capacity to develop reasoned arguments about interpretation and meaning.
All students at St Cecilia’s will follow a sequential English course based upon the outcomes contained within the Curriculum from the Board of Studies.
- Student’s individual abilities will be monitored using formal measurements including the South Australian Spelling tests, Waddington Reading and Torch Comprehension tests, running records etc,
- Learning opportunities will be provided that cater for the identified needs of each student.
- Learning Support will be available for all students who require it.
- Student progress in all strands of English will be reported in half and end of year academic reports.
- English for each student will be not less than 10 hours per week, consisting of an uninterrupted literacy block.
- English activities that reflect the topics being studied at school, and are appropriate to each child’s ability, will form a regular component of each student’s homework regime.
- A staff member will be allocated the responsibility for coordinating English across the school.