English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
In English, students learn about the study and use of the English language in its various textual forms. These encompass spoken, written and visual texts through which meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected. Complexity increases as students progress through their schooling.
Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators; critical and imaginative thinkers; lifelong learners; and informed, active participants in Australian society. Their understanding of English through knowledge and skills acquisition is essential to their 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.
The English Faculty at Killarney Heights High School leads by example. Our team works collaboratively to teach the skills required for success in the 21st Century. We focus on applying explicit teaching strategies to enable our students to build the skills required to navigate and compose complex texts. Through the explicit teaching of collaborative learning we encourage students to share, critique and refine. Through the explicit teaching of reading we invite students to consider literal, personal, inferential and critical perspectives. Through the explicit teaching of writing students watch, co-construct and apply the parts of language that lead to clear and purposeful articulation of ideas within both short response and extended texts.
We value challenge, and we practise this in our use of questioning strategies, feedback protocols and selection of texts, always mindful of our motto: The better we all do, the better we ALL do!
