Dulwich Hill Public School

Together we inspire

Telephone02 9559 2699

Emaildulwichhil-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

English

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

Students learn about the English language through written, spoken and visual texts of increasing complexity as they progress through their schooling.

An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for 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.

Literacy

Aim

The aim of English in Years K–10 is to enable students to understand and use language effectively, appreciate, reflect on and enjoy the English language and to make meaning in ways that are imaginative, creative, interpretive, critical and powerful.

Objectives

Objectives provide specific statements of the intention of a syllabus. They amplify the aim and provide direction to teachers on the teaching and learning process emerging from the syllabus. They define, in broad terms, the knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes to be developed through study in the subject. They act as organisers for the intended outcomes.

Knowledge, understanding and skills

Through responding to and composing a wide range of texts and through the close study of texts, students will develop knowledge, understanding and skills in order to:

  • communicate through speaking, listening, reading, writing, viewing and representing
  • use language to shape and make meaning according to purpose, audience and context
  • think in ways that are imaginative, creative, interpretive and critical
  • express themselves and their relationships with others and their world
  • learn and reflect on their learning through their study of English.

Values and attitudes

Students will value and appreciate:

  • the importance of the English language as a key to learning
  • the personal enrichment to be gained from a love of English, literature and learning
  • the power of language to explore and express views of themselves as well as the social, cultural, ethical, moral, spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of human experiences
  • the power of effective communication using the language modes of speaking, listening, reading, writing, viewing and representing
  • the role of language in developing positive interaction and cooperation with others
  • the diversity and aesthetics of language through literary and other texts
  • the independence gained from thinking imaginatively, creatively, interpretively and critically.

Reading at home

Students in Kindergarten, Years 1, 2 and 3 participate in the ‘Book-a-night’ program. Students are given a book which matches their independent reading age each day. Students keep a reading log of the books read each night and parents are encouraged to both listen to and read with the children. This can also be entered in the log.

Students from Years 3 –6 are encouraged to select and read a book, or part of a book every day and record it in a reading log. Parents are encouraged to continue to listen and/ or read with children. Research strongly supports this practice of family engagement with reading.