VCE English Units 3 & 4

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 3

The focus of this unit is on reading and responding both orally and in writing to a range of texts. Students analyse how the authors of texts create meaning and the different ways in which texts can be interpreted. They develop competence in creating written texts by exploring ideas suggested by their reading within the chosen Context, and the ability to explain choices they have made as authors. A list of prescribed Contexts will be published annually in the VCAA Bulletin.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse, either orally or in writing, how a selected text constructs meaning, conveys ideas and values, and is open to a range of interpretations.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to draw on ideas and/or arguments suggested by a chosen Context to create written texts for a specified audience and purpose; and to discuss and analyse in writing their decisions about form, purpose, language, audience and context.

Outcome 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the use of language in texts that present a point of view on an issue currently debated in the Australian media, and to construct, orally or in writing, a sustained and reasoned point of view on the selected issue.

Unit 4

The focus of this unit is on reading and responding in writing to a range of texts in order to analyse their construction and provide an interpretation. Students create written or multimodal texts suggested by their reading within the chosen Context and explain creative choices they have made as authors in relation to form, purpose, language, audience and context.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to develop and justify a detailed interpretation of a selected text.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to draw on ideas and arguments suggested by a chosen Context to create written texts for a specified audience and purpose; and to discuss and analyse in writing their decisions about form, purpose, language, audience and context.

SET TEXTS

• Look Both Ways
• In the Lake of the Woods
• The Crucible
• Richard III

Assessment

Satisfactory Completion

Demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit.

Units 3 and 4

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority will supervise the assessment of all students undertaking Units 3 and 4. In English/ESL the student’s level of achievement will be determined by school-assessed coursework and end-of-year examination. Percentage contributions to the study score in English/ESL are as follows:

• Unit 3 school-assessed coursework: 25 per cent
• Unit 4 school-assessed coursework: 25 per cent
• End-of-year examination: 50 per cent