Like all subjects across the college, it has been a busy few weeks in the English faculty. As we wrap up Unit 1 assessment and begin Unit 2, I would like to acknowledge the 64 students who have attended English Homework Club over the last few weeks, and the amazing staff who volunteer their breaks to support students. Your commitment to your success in English is admirable, and demonstrates our college values – well done!

Recently, Ms. Marks' Year 10 General English class arrived to a crime scene. Students worked together to use clues about gang involvement, poisons, daggers, and romance gone wrong, to solve the mystery about what happened to these poor people. Through the powers of their deduction, they uncovered the untimely demise of Romeo and Juliet. What a fun start to Unit 2!

This term students in Year 10 English Foundation have been learning about biopics and their power to share the personal story of individuals. As a class, we watched and deconstructed the biopic True Spirit - the inspirational tale of 16-year-old Australian school student Jessica Watson, and her dream of becoming the youngest person to solo circumnavigate around the world. Students analysed how the film conventions were strategically used to showcase themes within the film, presenting their knowledge in an analytical essay. 

Our Year 11 General English students completed their first task in Unit 1 last week. Throughout this unit we have been looking at the ways the media represents, and more importantly the ways media misrepresents individuals and groups. Our students have covered all kinds of topics including the representation of Disney princesses, religion, toxic masculinity, along with issues relating to race and gender. We are very proud of our Year 11's who continue to blaze a trail at RVSSC into Senior Schooling, learning not only new content, but new conditions and processes. Their perseverance is to be commended.

This term in Year 11 Essential English, students have been preparing for an exam that explores workplace issues in a range of visual and written texts. This has required students to understand a range of language features and textual structures, and their function within the text to position audience. Students have been considering the representation of issues or groups of people within the texts. To prepare for their exam, students participated in a mock exam which allows them to experience the type of questions their exam may ask. 

While we are looking forward to a well-deserved break, we are all very excited about the upcoming units of work across the year levels in Term 2!