NBSC Mackellar Girls Campus

The girls' campus of the Northern Beaches Secondary College

Telephone02 9949 2083

Emailnbscmgirls-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

English

English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.

In English, students learn about the study and use of the English language in its various textual forms. These encompass spoken, written and visual texts through which meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected. Complexity increases as students progress through their schooling.

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. Their understanding of English through knowledge and skills acquisition is essential to their intellectual, social and emotional development.

The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.

In Year 11 and 12, the study of English is mandatory. Courses offered include:

  • English Extension 2
  • English Extension 1
  • English Advanced
  • English Standard
  • English Studies
  • English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
  • English Life Skills.

The purpose of English is to encourage and support students in striving towards realising their true potential in using the modes and forms of English. We are committed to addressing the cognitive, social and emotional needs of all students. For this reason we are active in all areas of school life and offer a variety of extracurricular activities. We believe that English does not only concern itself with the development of literacy skills in reading, writing, listening, viewing and speaking, but is also integral to students' personal growth. We have designed and implemented a challenging and enriching curriculum for our students.

Our English Programs endeavor to provide students with variety and innovation in lessons so that the students can evaluate and test their own responses, ideas and theories. We strive to ensure that these programs encourage the analytical, and realistic, examination of society's claims and practices. As well as developing students' critical faculties, our aim is to provide an ethical dimension to the learning experience and assist students to develop their own moral code. It is through literature that students learn how particular individuals, in particular situations, can be confronted with conflicting duties and obligations, and the ways in which we can respond to those situations.

To facilitate a deep insight into social and political life, and bring about higher levels of self-knowledge, we have a Gifted and Talented Program. All of our courses offer a number of enriching prospects including extra curricular opportunities, enrichment programs, excursions and incursions.

We offer a coordinated and structured Shakespeare Program throughout the school, as some of the most probing explorations of ethical questionings are to be found in Shakespearian plays. Students in years 7-10, and in the advanced programs in years 11 and 12, are required to undertake formal study of Shakespeare's plays.

We have a structured Poetry Program as it is through poetry that language reaches its most sophisticated and sublime form. All students will be exposed to some of the greatest exponents of this form, and students are encouraged to write their own poetry as the school enjoys much success in various poetry and writing competitions.

We offer electives in Drama and Extension English courses. Dramais offered as an elective subject from Year 9 onwards and provides an avenue for self-expression, creativity and the boosting of self-esteem. The Extension courses, offered in Year 11 and 12, are designed to challenge and enrich those students who have a love of literature and composition.

Our faculty's programs are underpinned by our belief that it is our responsibility to ensure that all students become proficient in using language for specific purposes. Thus we maintain a specific focus on literacy, identifying students with particular needs. Intervention is offered by the classroom teacher often in conjunction with our ESL teachers and Learning Support Team. Assistance is given to students of particular needs through learning in individual, small group and team-teaching situations.

All teaching and learning programs reflect stage 4, 5 and 6 English syllabuses with their emphasis on how meaning is created in and through texts. Teachers and students work together to provide both resources and opportunities for all students to realise their true potential in English and life.