English is the only compulsory subject in NSW throughout year 7 to 12.
The study of English in high school is not simply about the study of language, but an exploration, experimentation, questioning and appreciation of the language and the world that it represents. That world can be about one gone by, our current world or be about a future we may or may not desire. The study of English helps the next generation of budding adults understand the world they live in, and the role they may play in it.
While it is clear why students look for support in their learning in the senior years of high school in the lead up the HSC, it is critical that they build a solid foundation of literacy, analysis and writing in the junior years.
This includes:
· the ability to comprehend and think deeply about texts and their themes
· being able to appreciate and understand the significance of context
· developing proficient skills of literary analysis for all text types
· confidence in forming theses and the development of sustained writing for essays
· the ability to develop and express creative ideas
Our aim is to design materials and classes that help students feel confident, supported and enjoy the study of English in years 7 to 10.
Our course materials for years 7 to 10 include, but is not limited to, the following areas of focus:
· Novel study (various) – such as The Happiest Refugee, Mao’s Last Dancer, Chinese Cinderella, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, The Outsiders
· Science fiction and dystopian texts
· The Hero’s Journey in fantasy and mythology
· Rhetoric, framing, media, propaganda
· Intertextuality
· Satire
· Visual texts including posters, comic strips, and films (various) – such as Bend It Like Beckham, The Karate Kid, Edward Scissorhands
· Poetry
· Shakespeare – such as Twelfth Night, Merchant of Venice, Much Ado about Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth
· Creative writing
By working on these foundational areas of high school English, students are well-equipped to deal with the complexity and rigour of year 11 and 12. In year 11 and 12, they will be expected to have already mastered these skills and be ready to apply them to more sophisticated areas of focus.
Our teachers and students work together to target areas that they are studying at school in a timely manner to provide extra support fortheir learning and assessments. Most importantly, we provide 24/7 support, whether in class or online (via email), to expertly guide students with school assessments and provide constructive feedback.
The importance of building these skills in years 7 to 10 is not to be understated – it is key to a successful (and hopefully enjoyable) experience of the study of Preliminary (year 11) and HSC English.
If a student is feeling lost, demotivated or frustrated at the study of high school English, then it has not been delivered well enough. At Practice Perfect Coaching College we are on a mission to breathe life and sense into the study of high school English, and give each student the confidence to tackle it head on.
