Reservoir District S.C.

The English faculty at Reservoir is committed to providing experiences of literature and language that are both stimulating and enjoyable.

At years 7-10, our English courses aim to develop students’ literacy levels as well as their abilities to think critically and appreciate literature in its many forms. Our courses reflect the new developments in curriculum for years 7-10 and provide a foundation for the later years of schooling. Teachers are very keen to tailor courses specifically to the needs and interests of the students in their classes. Literacy support is available for students experiencing difficulties in reading and writing.

In VCE English, teachers work very closely as a team to help ensure that our students fulfil their potential in English. VCE Literature is also available as is VCAL English for VCAL students

Writing

Writing is an important part of our courses at all year levels. Students learn about and gain experience in the various forms of writing. Student work often appears in the school magazine and in displays for information nights. A number of our students participate in the Australasian Schools English and Writing Competitions, often with very pleasing results.

Reading

Reading and literature is the basis of all our English courses. Students are encouraged to read for their own enjoyment and to borrow from our well stocked library. In Years 7 and 8 students have a Wide Reading session in a classroom which is part of the library. They can bring books from home or use library books if they wish. We encourage our students to think about and reflect upon what they read before completing response activities.

During the year, a class will usually study at least one novel, some short stories a film and poetry or song lyrics. At Reservoir, the students are not required to purchase novels. We have a terrific selection of class sets which are loaned to students while the book is being studied. Our class set collection is added to each year with new books which hopefully engage the students. This also allows for greater choice and flexibility; not everyone has to do the same book, year after year.

Students will be involved in a wide range of activities in response to the texts studied. These activities will involve them developing and sharing their ideas in both creative and formal ways.

News, current affairs and the media are also studied, especially at years 9 and 10. We encourage our students to take an interest in what happens in Australia and around the world and how this is presented in the media. This links to their writing and listening and speaking activities and is a very important part of students’ preparation for VCE.

Listening and Speaking

We believe in helping our students to become strong communicators verbally, visually and in written forms. Students will be involved in discussions, group activities, interviews, speeches, performances and debates. There is a growing emphasis on multi-modal communication using computer programmes such as Power Point and Photo Story 3.

Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

Information and Communications Technology is becoming a very important learning and communication tool for students. The English faculty is actively exploring ways of using ICT in teaching and learning. Students learn to use this technology to present their ideas and communicate them effectively to an audience.

VCE

We have a strong VCE English and ESL programme. VCE Literature has also proved to be very popular for those who’ve developed a love of literature in its different forms.

For students who have particular skills or interests, there are opportunities for students to become involved in Debating teams, Film Studies, Drama electives and the school production and public speaking occasions. Some of our junior boys get to attend a Boys Writing Expo and participate in activities and workshops with real writers. There are also a variety of possibilities for enjoyable and educational excursions.