Senior School English

The English curriculum at St Mary’s College offers a pathway from Kindergarten to Year 12 for students to develop skills in becoming confident communicators, imaginative thinkers and informed citizens. It follows the guidelines of the Australian Curriculum in the junior and senior years, and the TQA syllabuses in the Senior Secondary Years. At St Mary’s College we are aware of the changing needs of our students and the varied ways they learn. We therefore use a wide range of teaching strategies and tools, such as inquiry, negotiation and ICT to assist students attain their potential. The Curriculum is differentiated to meet the needs of a wide range of students.

It is through the study of English that individuals learn to analyse, understand, communicate with and build relationships with others and with the world around them. The study of English helps young people develop the knowledge and skills needed for education, training and the workplace. It helps them become ethical, thoughtful, informed and active members of society. (The Australian Curriculum: English)

In English classes we study a range of classic and contemporary literature and other text forms that allow students to reflect on the changing nature, contexts and uses of texts and language. By studying texts that represent the diversity of human experience, students develop the capacity to better understand themselves, others and the world in which they live.

The School also participates in a number of competitions such as Debating, ICAS English Competitions, Dorothea MacKellar Poetry Competition, Rostrum Voice of Youth and Lions Youth of the Year.

We take every opportunity to have visiting authors and artists visit our school, Bell Shakespeare being a regular.

Grades 7 & 8 Core 1

English in Grades 7 & 8 is taught as part of the Core Curriculum with Religion and Society and History).  In these grades there is a focus on consolidating language and grammar skills whilst introducing and developing the basics of analytical and essay writing skills.

Students study a wide range of text forms (novel, film, poetry, media) and explore concepts such as freedom, identity, friendship and belonging, adversity, resilience and cultural diversity.

Grades 9 & 10

In Grades 9 and 10 analytical skills are consolidated as well as continued opportunities for imaginative writing.  Provision is made for differentiation, negotiation and extension to cater for the diverse needs and interests of our girls.  Students continue to study a wide range of texts from classic to contemporary, print and multi-media.  Concepts such as bullying, culture, power, prejudice, values are explored.  There is some preparation for the study of Senior Secondary courses.

English as a Second Language

Assistance and classes are provided for students who have English as a second language.  Students’ needs are met as required.  This occurs in every grade through the school with the opportunity to continue through to Senior Secondary level.

Senior Secondary: English

All TQA accredited  courses are offered at St Mary’s College according to the needs of students.

• English Skills – Literacy
  http://www.tqa.tas.gov.au/2406

• English as a Second Language
  http://www.tqa.tas.gov.au/1191

• Everyday English
  http://www.tqa.tas.gov.au/2612

• English Applied
  http://www.tqa.tas.gov.au/1068

Foundation English

TQA 2 is usually taken by students who do not want to study a pre-tertiary English, but would like to continue with some English studies.  However, it also provides a pathway to English Communications TQA level 3 and English Studies TQA level 3. Read more:http://www.tqa.tas.gov.au/2418

TQA 3 courses

All TQA 3 courses that contribute to the calculation of Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks (ATAR) are offered:

• English Communications
  http://www.tqa.tas.gov.au/1070

• English Studies
  http://www.tqa.tas.gov.au/1071

• English Writing
  http://www.tqa.tas.gov.au/1069

	For information about enrolling in our Senior School, please contact the Enrolments Officer by email, telephone (03) 6234 3381, or view or download the Senior School brochure.