The English KLA offers students a varied and stimulating program of study, based on the requirements of the different syllabi and developed to meet the particular needs of Cherrybrook students. In class, students can expect to study a wide range of texts, from Shakespeare to classical poets and novelists, through to a consideration of modern film and media, and how they shape our understanding of life and society.
Stage 4
Students in Years 7 and 8 are placed into a mixed ability core class, with the exception of one selective class (7T; by application only, or 8T; by recommendation based on Year 7 performance).
Year 7 also participated in The Reading Game in Term One. This is a wide Reading Game that encourages students to participate in the Premier’s Reading Challenge and is followed up in class with wide reading activities.
Students in Year 7 sit the National NAPLAN exam in Term 1; results arrive late in Term 3.
Stage 4 study and are assessed on the units detailed below:
Year 7
Novel – with a focus on plot and setting, biography, film study, animated film, mass media, public speaking and debating, wide reading, myths and legends, Shakespeare and poetry. The aim is to develop skills in composing and responding to a wide range of texts in the modes of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Year 8
Novel – with a focus on character development (including an Australian author), a genre study, film study, poetry, wide reading, Shakespeare, multimedia, non-fiction based around a theme, a comparative study, public speaking and debating. The aim is to further develop skills in composing and responding to a wide range of texts in the modes of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Stage 5
The class structure for Year 9 and 10 remains similar to Years 7 & 8. There is one Advanced English class and all the other classes are mixed ability. In Years 9 and 10 we also introduce an all male class and an all female class. There is also the option of taking extra English as part of the CTHS elective structure.
Students in Year 9 sit the National NAPLAN exam in Term 1; results arrive late in Term 3.
Stage 5 study and are assessed on the units detailed below:
Year 9
Genre Study, media – with a focus on satire, a focus area – Challenge, poetry – with a focus on context, visual literacy, Shakespeare, close study – with a focus on character relationships eg conflict or support, speeches, public speaking and debating. The aim is to develop skills in composing and responding to an increasingly sophisticated and complex range of texts in the modes of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Year 10
Text and context, poetry – with a focus on a historical overview and research task on a selected poetic era, genre study, media – with a focus on representation and ‘telling tales’, a focus area – Change representations of Australia – including poetry, public speaking and debating.
The aim is to prepare students for both the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate by extending their skills in composing and responding to an increasingly sophisticated and complex range of texts in the modes of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Stage 5 Electives
Students may select either a Speaking Course or ‘Writing & Writers.’ These courses aim to develop and extend students interests and skills in the areas of Speaking or Writing. They are excellent courses for those with a passion for English.
Stage 6
Students select 2 units from Advanced English, Standard English, EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect), and possibly an extra one unit in Year 11 (Extension English) with the option of extending this to an extra unit in Year 12 (Extension 2 English).
Year 11 and 12 English follow the Board of Studies syllabus which includes an Area of Study as well as three modules.