English

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.

Courses offered

We offer courses in the following areas:

Stage 4:

Year 7 English

Year 8 English

Stage 5:

Year 9 English

Year 10 English

Stage 6:

Preliminary - YEAR 11

English Studies (2 unit)

English Standard (2 unit)

English Advanced (2 unit)*

English Extension (1 unit)

HSC – YEAR 12

English Studies (2 unit)

English Standard (2 unit)

English Advanced (2 unit)*

English Extension 1 (1 unit)

English Extension 2 (1 unit)

* Students who study English Advanced can elect to undertake the one unit courses: English Extension 1 and English Extension 2.

Initiatives:

Macquarie Fields High School provides opportunities for students to supplement and extend their learning by participating in extra curricula programs, including:

• Book Club
• Drama Club
• Poetive Arts Club
• Premier’s Public Speaking Competitions
• Premier's Debating Challenge
• Premier’s Reading Challenge
• Red Room Poetry’s Poem Forest
• Sydney Writers’ Festival excursion
• The Cognitive Thinking Club (TCTC)

Faculty Mission Statement

The English faculty fosters empathy and critical thinking in our students, to support them in making positive contributions to our school community and the broader community. We carefully select texts that expose students to characters and worlds that are familiar to them, but that also challenge their preconceived ideas of the world around them, providing windows into different life experiences and perspectives. The English faculty encourages students to reflect on how and why people and worlds are represented in the texts we study, and we value our students' individual readings of these texts. We also value independent learners who are willing to take risks with their learning, challenging themselves to engage in new experiences that expand their skills as readers and writers.

Wide reading

Reading is an important way young people learn about the world. It offers different perspectives on the world around us and can foster a person’s imagination. Over time, it helps build the writing skills that are required in the senior years of high school. Research shows that regular reading improves the clarity and sophistication of students’ written work.

For the habit of reading to take hold it needs to be pleasurable. We encourage our students to regularly read for enjoyment. As a faculty, we are committed to providing students with opportunities to read. We invite you to help support your child’s reading by giving them regular opportunities to read at home. 20 minutes a day is a great start!

One of the requirements in English is that students in years 7-10 keep a log of their reading at home and have it signed by their parent/guardian. This is designed to encourage reading at home, help your child keep track of their progress and help you and their teacher discuss their reading choices with them.

Staff

Natalie Stevens (Head Teacher)

Manasi Ingale (Head Teacher, Relieving P/T)

Julie Hall (Head Teacher, Literacy)

Luisa Trieu

Chanel Wano

Vivian Kha

Vivien Pham

Tanya Porter

Emily Grimes

Emma Sanchez

Aditi Dutta

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