In conjunction with the Vision Statement, one of the motifs frequently used at Emmaus College is that of ‘the Journey’. The English program at Emmaus College endeavours to foster and promote the journey of individual students through their lives, journeys of discovery, enlightenment and commitment.
The underpinning essence of teaching English at Emmaus College is to develop understandings about Standard Australian English, and how it is used appropriately and effectively. In English, students learn to speak, listen to, read, view, write and shape texts to make meaning with purpose, effect and confidence in a wide range of contexts. They learn how language use varies according to context, purpose, audience, and content, and they develop their abilities to use this knowledge. Students develop their ability to use language to talk about language and to reflect on and critique its use.
While eclectic (and evolutionary) in nature, drawing upon a range of approaches to teaching English) , the theoretical underpinning of the teaching of English at Emmaus College is reflective of the sociocultural-critical model of language underpinning the Years 1 – 10 English Syllabus. As a faculty, we acknowledge that language is no longer merely a means for communication and culture is no longer the unnoticed backdrop of literacy and literature study. The English teachers at Emmaus College have provided the commitment to be knowledgeable about social, cultural, political and learning theories that support literacy and pedagogical models.
The study of English occurs in a rapidly changing world — culturally, socially, economically and technologically. Increasing social diversity, the globalisation of economies, cultures and workplaces, as well as new information and communication technologies, place increasingly complex demands on citizens to be multiliterate. Only when students are able to effectively engage in the range of texts and language experiences they encounter, will they be empowered to participate as active and informed citizens. With this empowerment comes the ability to engage in productive and meaningful relationships for a range of purposes, across a range of contexts. Thus English is a fundamental in providing integrity to the curriculum at Emmaus College.
Through English, students are exposed to a learning environment in which working independently and collaboratively, valuing the contributions of a diverse community, contributing to joint efforts, assisting others and providing feedback on the work of others encourages students to see the value of right relationships and respect for each other and each others opinions, contributions and abilities.
While acknowledging that all teachers are teachers of literacy, the study of English at Emmaus College recognises the key role literacy has in this subject. Consequently, English as a discrete key learning foregrounds literacy practices that need to be systematically developed through study of and reflection on language, particularly as it is used aesthetically and selectively. By embracing such global definitions of literature, the study of English at Emmaus College empowers students to develop a range of literacy practices to help them become multi-literate, active and informed citizens able to communicate with respect and dignity, while participating as lifelong learners in a rapidly changing world.
Click the link below to view the English Course Struture;
English Course Structure
