English

Overview

The English programs at Clontarf are based on the Australian Curriculum and built around the three interrelated strands of Language, Literature and Literacy. Together they focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking and writing. We recognise that our students come from a variety of language backgrounds including traditional languages and dialects, Aboriginal English, pidgin and Kriol, and we aim to support this rich language tradition, as well as teaching Standard Australian English as set out in the Australian Curriculum.  Programs are linked to external agencies when possible (e.g. Yirra Yaakin Noongar Shakespeare Project) and our school resources and texts aim to recognise the unique cultural context of each student.

Junior English – Years 7 to 10

Students in Years 7 to 10 are streamed into year levels with Literacy levels taken into consideration. Some classes will provide highly modified programs for students who have weak literacy skills or have been disengaged from the education system in general.

Senior English – Year 11 and 12

The EAL/D (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) Foundation course is the main course delivered in Year 11 and 12 and is designed for students who speak another language or dialect as their first or ‘home’ language and who have not demonstrated the required literacy standard in the OLNA.

EAL/D focuses on the mechanics of Standard Australian English (SAE) and its use in the community, the workplace or in further education and training. Practical, relevant tasks delivered through a range of engaging contexts teach students to become effective communicators, code switching between languages or dialects successfully. Assessments are based on links to Workplace learning and real-life experiences (i.e. speaking at assemblies, presentations etc) wherever possible.  Intensive Literacy support is also offered in small groups for EALD students where required.

General English: General English is presently offered at the College and will continue subject to specific enrolment criteria (OLNA Level 3, high and consistent attendance, strong work ethic) being met.

Gina Harcourt

Head of English