VCE English Units 1 & 2

The English language is central to the way in which students understand, critique and appreciate their world, and to the ways in which they participate socially, economically and culturally in Australian society. The study of English encourages the development of literate individuals capable of critical and imaginative thinking, aesthetic appreciation and creativity. The mastery of the key knowledge and skills described in this study design underpins effective functioning in the contexts of study and work as well as productive participation in a democratic society in the twenty-first century.

The study design draws on interstate and international models and reflects recent developments in the study of English. Students will continue the learning established through the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) in the key discipline concepts of texts and language, and the dimensions of reading, writing, speaking and listening. This study design will assist teachers to implement an English curriculum that is interesting and challenging for students with a wide range of expectations and aspirations. Teachers have the opportunity to select texts which will reflect the needs and interests of their students. The study of texts focuses on creating and analysing texts, understanding and interpreting texts, and moving beyond interpretation to reflection and critical analysis.

Unit 1

The focus of this unit is on the reading of a range of texts, particularly narrative and persuasive texts, in order to comprehend, appreciate and analyse the ways in which texts are constructed and interpreted. Students will develop competence and confidence in creating written, oral and multimodal texts. The term ‘set text’ refers to texts chosen by the school for the achievement of Outcomes 1 & 2.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify and discuss key aspects of a set text, and to construct a response in oral or written form.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to create and present texts taking account of audience, purpose and context.

Outcome 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify and discuss, either in writing and/or orally, how language can be used to persuade readers and/or viewers.

Unit 2

The focus of this unit is on reading and responding to an expanded range of text types and genres in order to analyse ways in which they are constructed and interpreted, and on the development of competence and confidence in creating written, oral or multimodal texts. The term ‘set text’ refers to texts chosen by the school for the achievement of Outcomes 1 and 2.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to discuss and analyse how texts convey ways of thinking about the characters, ideas and themes, and construct a response in oral or written form.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to create and present texts taking account of audience, purpose and context.

Outcome 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify and analyse how language is used in a persuasive text and to present a reasoned point of view in an oral or a written form.

Set Texts

• Gattaca
• Night
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time
• Stolen
• Macbeth