School - Learning Area Overview

What is English about?

In the English learning area, students learn about the English language, how it works and how to use it effectively. They develop an understanding of the ways in which language operates as a social process and how to use language in a variety of forms and situations. They learn to speak, listen, view, read and write effectively.

Language plays a central role in human life: it provides a vehicle for communication, a tool for thinking, a means of creativity and a source of pleasure. Through language people shape understandings of themselves and their world. An understanding of language and the ability to use it effectively empowers students. It gives them access to knowledge, enables them to play an active part in society and contributes to their personal growth.

In English students study language through the use of written, visual and oral communication texts. Through the study of these texts, students learn about the English language, how it works and how to use it effectively. The course recognises the diversity of the student population and values and builds on their backgrounds, skills and aspirations and extends the range of language skills and understandings available to them.

Why teach English?

Teaching English provides students with opportunities to:

• learn to control and understand the conventions of Standard Australian English
• use language to communicate, think, learn and create in order to develop personally and play an active role in society
• reflect on and critically analyse their own use of language and the language of others.

How is the English learning area structured?

The Curriculum Framework English Learning Area Statement has nine interrelated outcomes:

• Understanding Language
• Attitudes, Values and Beliefs
• Conventions
• Processes and Strategies
• Listening
• Speaking
• Viewing
• Reading
• Writing

English teachers integrate content for all nine outcomes to promote a holistic approach to learning about English.

Literacy

Literacy is the ability to read and use written information and to write appropriately in a range of contexts. It also involves the integration of speaking, listening, viewing and critical thinking with reading and writing. It includes the cultural knowledge that enables a speaker, writer or reader to recognise and use language appropriate to different social situations.

The development of students’ literacy skills and understandings is the responsibility of all teachers in all learning areas, and opportunities should be provided for students to develop literacy across the curriculum. The teaching of English provides opportunities to teach and explore the fundamental construction of Standard Australian English used in reading, writing and speaking. English further allows students to develop literacy skills though analysis of texts and exploration of the nuances of language. English especially provides scope for teaching creative use and understanding of language.

 

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