Learning

ESL

This subject is designed for students of non-English speaking backgrounds. They are taught the rules of constructing language for different purposes and in various contexts. They develop their ability in English through reading, writing, speaking, listening and interpreting information.

This subject has three learning strands:

Texts
Language
Strategies

In year 8 students learn:

To respond to a range of texts - spoken, written, visual and electronic - so that they can critically and creatively apply their understandings in their own texts
About a variety of texts - spoken, written, visual and electronic - so that they can use language competently to create their own spoken and written texts
How to use listening, speaking, reading and writing strategies to research and record information independently and in teams so that they can develop accuracy and fluency in their written and spoken communication

In year 9 this subject builds on the learning of year 8 English by having students:

Use language to experiment with their speaking, listening, reading and writing on different topics and for different purposes
Develop through their writing, knowledge of language formalities, as well as the drafting and editing process
Examine a wide range of poetry, prose, drama and media texts
Develop independent reading and writing portfolios

In year 10 this subject builds on the learning in year 9 English by having students

Use language to experiment with their speaking, listening, reading and writing on different topics and for different purposes
Develop through their writing, knowledge of language formalities, as well as the drafting and editing process
Examine a wide range of poetry, prose, drama and media texts, using listening, speaking, reading and writing strategies to research and record information independently and in teams so that they can develop accuracy and fluency in their written and spoken communication.
Develop independent reading and writing portfolio
Assessment is based on Formative and Summative written and oral responses for different purposes and audiences, research assignments and tests

Stage 1 ESL builds on the learning in year 10 English.

This course is designed for students from non-English speaking backgrounds. It is assumed they can read, speak and write some English.
Students develop their ability in the use of language through reading, writing, speaking, listening and interpreting information.
It is the basis of two English subjects at Stage 2, ESL Studies and ESL. It involves reading, viewing, listening, speaking and writing.

Students will:

Read, view and respond to different texts so that they can develop critical awareness of how authors and texts operate and clarify their own beliefs, values and sense of identity
Use the example of these texts to create their own texts, enabling them to improve their ability to express ideas accurately, fluently and appropriately
Have the opportunity to develop and apply skills and understandings in information and communication technologies

There are two assessment components:

Text Production 50%
Investigative or communication study 50%

Oral competence is assessed in both of these areas.

Stage 2 ESL

ESL is designed to give the students the opportunity to learn about the power of language in society. Their work will be centrally moderated at specified times during the year.

Students will:

Learn to engage with a range of informative sources in the community: expert people in the field, reference and other professional materials, as well as the electronic and print media
They learn to synthesize this information in extended texts
Throughout the program, the structure, language patterns and conventions are taught and modelled, to develop their ability to apply this knowledge in the construction of their own texts.
Students develop their listening and speaking skills by discussing issues in whole class situations and with the teacher.
They develop strategies for extracting and synthesizing relevant information from the spoken texts.
They develop their ability to communicate effectively with others, taking into consideration the social and cultural contexts of the situation.
They develop critical understanding of the wider cultural references in texts - the references to other texts or cultural events or significant people.
They develop an awareness of their own identity and their capacity to participate in a multicultural society.

There are four assessment components:

Communication 20%
Text response 30%
Investigation 20%
Interaction 30%

Stage 2 English as a Second Language Studies:

ESL Studies is concerned primarily with the reading, viewing and writing about texts. It focuses on the skills and strategies of critical thinking needed to interpret primarily formal and academic texts.

Students will:

Learn to engage with a range of informative sources in the community: expert people in the field, reference and other professional materials, as well as the electronic and print media
They learn to synthesize this information in extended texts
Throughout the program, the structure, language patterns and conventions are taught and modelled, to develop their ability to apply this knowledge in the construction of their own texts.
Students develop their listening and speaking skills by discussing issues in whole class situations and with the teacher.
They develop strategies for extracting and synthesizing relevant information from the spoken texts.
They develop their ability to communicate effectively with others, taking into consideration the social and cultural contexts of the situation.
They develop critical understanding of the wider cultural references in texts - the references to other texts or cultural events or significant people.
They develop an awareness of their own identity and their capacity to participate in a multicultural society.

There are four assessment components:

Issue Analysis 10%
Text Production 15%
Investigation 25%
Examination 50% (Examination is externally set and marked

Learning

ESL

LOTE

English

Learning-Centre Programs