English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Head teacher: Ms T Borthwick
Students learn about the English language through written, spoken and visual texts of increasing complexity as they progress through their schooling.
An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for intellectual, social and emotional development.
The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
In Year 11 and 12, the study of English is mandatory. Courses offered include:
- English Advanced
- English as an Alternative Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
- English Extension 1
- English Extension 2
- English Life Skills
- English Standard
- English Studies (ATAR/NON-ATAR)
Our students are given the opportunity to experience language through reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing. With a focus on building upon literacy skills throughout a vast range of text types, students are exposed to the cross-curriculum content and given the opportunity investigate, respond, analyse and imagine the past and the world they live in.
Assessment
The relevant Year program is issued to students at the start of the academic year. Any program modifications will be dependent on the needs of the class in each Stage. There may well be variations in that program, based on needs, as the year progresses.
If students wish to make satisfactory progress in English, they need to complete all class work, home work and assessment tasks. Parents and/or caregivers will be notified on the school warning letters of any work not completed. These letters need to be signed and returned to the classroom teacher.
Stage 5 and 6 students receive a school assessment policy booklet from year 10.
All years are issued an assessment schedule, which is in line with the school assessment policy. These assessments cover the outcomes and text types as taught and learnt in each Year group each Term.
The assessment of all students takes place throughout the entire school year. Assessment tasks for each unit in each Year group are marked either by the relevant class teacher or course teachers. These results are recorded and are part of the twice yearly reports issued. Book work, home work and class work are also part of assessment as is the students’ preparation for work.
Students are expected to do all work to the best of their ability and hand it in on time.
Work handed in late must have an explanation that indicates the students’ understanding of their responsibilities to learn as much as they can.
Text books
Some units of work are based on a text supplied by the faculty. Such texts must be maintained in good order. The identifier number of each text is kept on the classroom teacher’s register. The specific, numbered text issued is the text that must be returned by the student. If a text is lost or severely damaged, a flat $25 replacement fee will be paid. A student will not be signed out of the faculty without returning or paying for lost text/s. Texts are a large part of the faculty budget and missing texts inconvenience teaching and learning.
Book work
As well as assessments and reports, book work is a student’s only record of achievement. Therefore, great emphasis is placed on the daily possession and good condition of a work book and the completion of all work. Students must bring a workbook to each lesson. The workbook must be covered and have the student’s name clearly printed on the front cover.
Higher expectations
Students are expected to set relevant English goals and reflect on their assessment results. This allows students to achieve their best possible results.
Home work
The school’s home work policy is followed by the issuing of class based home work to each class in Stage 4 and Stage 5. All students are expected to read for at least 30 minutes every day and be assisted by a parent/caregiver as appropriate.
Parents/caregivers will be notified if the homework is not completed.
Incursions, excursions and regular competition
During their time at Fairvale High School students may have the opportunity to attend incursions/ excursions that will enhance their knowledge and skills in English.
Competitions
- Spelling Bee (internal competition and Premiers Spelling Bee).
- Dorothea Mackellar poetry competition.
- Premiers debating challenge (7-10).
- Visual Representation Competition.
Year 8 Writing
In 2023 the English faculty launched an intensive writing program that aims to build students' skills and confidence in writing.
These skills will assit with future studies of all subjects as well as build useful skills for employment in the future. As part of this program students will participate in a single period of writing each week that will link with the English curriculum.