English
Leader of Learning English – Ms Georgina Lindsay
St Mary’s Catholic College’s English curriculum focuses on developing critical awareness of the way in which language, images and symbols are used to inform, persuade and entertain us. We aim to nurture a love and respect for the power of words that students can use to express themselves thoughtfully and creatively in our global society. This is achieved through explicit teaching and learning processes in literacy and comprehension skills, and a close study of the relationship that exists between composers, audiences, texts and contexts.
Our students are supported in learning the way in which words and communication styles and structures shape our interpretation of messages in our world. This builds their capacity to confidently analyse, question, use and reflect upon the way in which language shapes thoughts, feelings and understanding. This is nurtured through equipping students with learning strategies and processes that activate their critical and creative capacities and support them in becoming active participants in the classroom and the broader world.
In all years, our curriculum engages in exploring our individual and communal relationship with others and the environment. Through studying texts from different cultures, countries and perspectives, students are invited to recognise and build compassion for diversity, inequality, dignity, solidarity and sustainability, enacting their understanding of the stewardship of creation and promoting the common good.
English is studied by all students in each year of their schooling. Students in Years 11 and 12 elect an English course of study suited to their academic level. These levels include:
- English Studies
- English Standard
- English Advanced
- English Extension
- English Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
Students in all year groups are given the opportunity to participate in a broad range of extra-curricular activities including:
- debating competitions
- public speaking competitions
- creative writing competitions
- poetry writing competitions.