While English is the only compulsory study from Kindergarten to Year 12, we believe it is essential to develop creative individuals through innovative learning practices that are relevant to our world to develop socially conscious and aware young men. In English, students will engage in the study of various text types and contexts to develop their understanding of their world and place in it. To this end, their English study is very closely related to the College Formation and Social Justice programs.

Students have opportunities to examine and analyse how language impacts their world through processes of collaboration, reflection and discussion to create their own compositions that embody their unique voice. At St Edward’s College, students will engage with various technologies and textual forms to enrich their learning and engagement. 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. It supports the development and expression of a system of personal values, based on students’ understanding of moral and ethical matters, and gives expression to their hopes and ideals.

Through responding to and composing texts from Year 7 to Year 10, students learn about the power, value and art of the English language for communication, knowledge and enjoyment. They engage with and explore texts that include widely acknowledged quality literature of past and contemporary societies and engage with the literature and literary heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By composing and responding with imagination, feeling, logic and conviction, students develop understanding of themselves and of human experience and culture. They develop clear and precise skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, viewing and representing, and knowledge and understanding of language forms and features and structures of texts.

The study of English in Years 11 and 12 encompasses the English Standard, English Advanced, Extension One and Two, and English Studies courses. These courses further develop in students an understanding of literary expression and nurture an appreciation of aesthetic values. It further develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression. Students study written, spoken, visual, multimodal and digital texts that represent and reflect a changing global world.

The Advanced Course enables students to explore opportunities that are offered by challenging texts to investigate complex and evocative ideas, to evaluate, emulate and employ powerful, creative and sophisticated ways to use language to make meaning, and to find enjoyment in literature. This course is designed for students who have a particular interest and ability in the subject and who desire to engage with challenging learning experiences that will enrich their personal, intellectual, academic, social and vocational lives.

The English Extension 1 course provides students, who undertake Advanced English, and are accomplished in their use of English, with the opportunity to extend their use of language and self-expression in creative and critical ways. Through engaging with increasingly complex concepts through a broad range of literature, from a range of contexts, they refine their understanding and appreciation of the cultural roles and the significance of texts.

The English Extension 2 course enables students who are accomplished in their use of English with the opportunity to craft language and refine their personal voice in critical and creative ways. They can master skills in the composition process to create a substantial and original Major Work that extends their knowledge, understanding and skills developed throughout Stage 6 English courses. Through the creative process they pursue areas of interest independently, develop deep knowledge and manipulate language in their own extended compositions.

The English Studies course is designed to provide students with opportunities to become competent, confident and engaged communicators and to study and enjoy a breadth and variety of texts in English. English Studies focuses on supporting students to refine their skills and knowledge in English and consolidate their English literacy skills to enhance their personal, educational, social and vocational lives.

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