Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light. Vera Nazarian

Term 3 has been another incredibly busy term for the English Faculty.

Year 7 English students have been engaging in a study of the Fantasy genre, reading either Tolkien’s The Hobbit or Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea. Students are working towards crafting their own piece of fantasy writing, learning about how to immerse the reader in an engaging setting and how to create interesting characters that fit fantasy archetypes.

Ask your Year 7 child what they are reading and what they can tell you about the fantasy genre.

Year 8 English students have just completed their study of a Transformations unit, examining how Tim Burton has appropriated Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in his stop motion film, Frankenweenie. Students composed a comparative essay, analysing aspects of both texts and discussing the impact of context on the differing representations.

Year 8 students are also participating in a wide reading program. Reading is fundamental to developing minds; It builds competence in writing, speaking and control over syntax. It also develops knowledge of the world and other cultures, values and beliefs, which is core to building empathy.

Ask your Year 8 child to tell you about the book they are reading at the moment.

Year 9 students are currently engaging in an Identity unit, in which they closely analyse the film Lion, looking at the way a number of factors shape an individual’s identity. In a critical multimodal response, students explored the idea of family and its role in creating identity. They examined the role of giving and receiving forgiveness, and how these processes can alter identity. They also examined the impact of globalisation on identity.

Students will make conclusions on how these cultural facets impact the creation and alteration of identity.

Ask your Year 9 child how the film Lion has impacted their understanding of identity.

Year 10 English students have just completed their study of a classic novel, examining why some texts maintain their appeal across time and place. Students composed a hand written essay, under exam conditions, evaluating the literary value of their novel. This was a challenging task but students have performed well, developing their examination and critical writing skills.

Ask your Year 11 child how they are approaching/or approached their study and revision.

Year 11 English are about to embark on the End of Course Examination. Standard, Advanced and Extension 1 students will be required to revisit their studies across the year and compose extended responses to unseen questions within their examinations. This is no easy task. Synthesis of course content, distilling notes, re-reading texts and responding to sample questions are essential to exam success.

Ask your Year 11 child how they are approaching/or approached their study and revision.

Year 12 English students are in the final weeks of their High School careers. As the HSC Examination approaches, Year 12 students should be partaking in rigorous synthesis of course content, memorisation of essential material and practice of sample exam questions.

Within English, students have been provided with past exemplar scripts and a range of sample questions to respond to. It is now down to the students to focus and put in their best effort.

Ask your Year 12 kidults how they are managing their (immense) English studies.

The English Faculty has thoroughly enjoyed teaching the current Year 12s, a diverse and enchanting group. We wish you all the best of luck and hope that you achieve your goals!