English
Overview
English is compulsory for all four years at Melrose High School. Each year group is divided into four levels with the Academic Curriculum Enrichment (ACE) class being the top group, and level one, level two and level three (or Learning Assistance) groups below. In years 7 and 8 a Computer Assisted Learning Program (CALP) class is offered, Students are identified through an application process and need to demonstrate strong literacy skills to be accepted into the program. ACE and level one students are expected to have high levels of literacy skills and independent work habits. Students’ placements are reviewed at the end of each assessment and reporting period with careful consideration given to their learning and developmental needs.
The English courses and outcomes reflect the ACT P – 10 Curriculum Framework, with a wide range of texts (written, visual and digital) studied by students throughout their four years.
Description of Courses
Year 7: Students are tested at the end of year 6 to determine their literacy skills. This information is used in conjunction with information provided by primary schools to place students into groups so that teachers can design courses to meet the varying needs of the students. All students are tested for reading and spelling skills at the commencement of year 7 and class groups are further adjusted within the first two weeks of school starting. Learning Assistance classes are small and designed to support students’ literacy. Whilst the course they complete is similar to the mainstream classes, work is paced more slowly and greater scaffolding of tasks is provided. The ACE class is formally established in semester two based on demonstrated skills and academic achievement. Currently four single gender and four mixed gender classes are operating in year 7. Australian and overseas studies have shown that boys in particular benefit from being in a single gender class for English, with no negative effects on learning outcomes for girls.
Year 8: Students are streamed with the ACE class formed on the basis of students’ academic achievement in year 7 and teacher recommendations. Its focus is Stories from Asia. Other students are placed in level one, two or LA classes based on demonstrated skills.
Years 9: ACE students have a focus on the Media in Action. The CALP class does not continue to be offered but students are welcome to use their laptops in class where appropriate.
Year 10: Prospective ACE students are invited to submit an expression of interest at the end of year 9 for the Philosophy, Language and Literature course which is the basis of the year 10 ACE program.
Additional Programs
Debating: The English KLA actively supports the participation of student in the ACT Debating competitions during semester one. This requires a strong commitment from students who meet at lunchtimes to prepare their debates.
UNSW competitions: Both the English and Writing competitions are offered for students who wish to participate. ACE students are strongly encouraged to enter these competitions which give them an opportunity to demonstrate their skills against a wider group of peers.
Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition: Students are strongly encouraged to submit entries in this competition, especially year 8 students, all of whom complete a poetry unit in term one.
Indigenous Students’ Centre: The school provides full time support for Indigenous students who need help with class work, assignments and other activities. A fully trained teacher works with these students, particularly in the areas of literacy and numeracy. As a result the Indigenous students have a place with which they strongly identify. The multi-award winning Centre is open every lunchtime, excursions are organised on a regular basis to events of special significance to these students, lunches for parents are held once a term and national events such as NAIDOC Week are celebrated in the Centre. The students are trained to deliver workshops to their peers about indigenous culture with SOSE and Music classes accessing this resource as well a local primary school students.