English

VCE

VCE English and English as an Additional Language (EAL) focuses on how the English language is used to create meaning in print and digital texts of varying complexity.

Texts selected for study are drawn from the past and present, from Australia and from other cultures, and comprise many text types, including media texts, for analysis of argument.

The study is intended to meet the needs of students with a wide range of expectations and aspirations, including those for whom English is an additional language.

This study enables students to:

extend their English language skills through reading, writing, speaking, listening, thinking and viewing to meet the demands of further study, the workplace, and their own needs and interests
enhance their understanding, enjoyment and appreciation of the English language through all modes
discuss, explore and analyse the form, purpose, context, text structures and language of texts from a range of styles and genres
discuss, explore and analyse how culture, values and context underpin the construction of texts and how this can affect meaning and understanding
convey ideas and demonstrate insight convincingly and confidently
create print, digital and spoken texts
demonstrate the ability to make informed choices about the construction of texts in relation to purpose, audience and

Assessment activities

a personal response to a set text
student-created texts such as: short stories, speeches (with transcripts), essays (comment, opinion, reflective, personal), podcasts (with transcripts), poetry/songs, feature articles (including a series of blog postings) and memoirs
a description of writing processes
an analytical response to a set text
a set of annotated persuasive texts (including visual texts) that identify arguments, vocabulary, text structures and language features
an analysis of the use of argument and persuasive language and techniques in text(s)
an oral presentation of a point of view text
exams.

Selection advice

English is a compulsory subject group for all students at VCE level and forms part of the ‘top four’ subjects that make up the majority of an ATAR score for selection into a tertiary institution. To ensure our students build effective communication skills, particularly writing skills across all subject areas, Units 1 and 2 English are compulsory studies prior to undertaking a Units 3&4 sequence in the English group (i.e. English or Literature). Students who have an interest in this area are encouraged to undertake more than one VCE English group subject.

Links to further pathways

By developing broad skills in communication and reflection, the study of English enables students to participate in their diverse, dynamic and multicultural world productively and positively.