English is central to learning and development
At Loreto College, the English Faculty aims to offer a curriculum which challenges students and reflects the ethos of the Loreto tradition, “… a Catholic education which liberates, empowers and motivates students….” (Loreto Mission Statement, page 3). The study of English is central to learning and development. It helps create confident communicators, imaginative thinkers and informed citizens. It is through the study of English that individuals learn to analyse, understand, communicate with and build relationships with others and with the world around them.
Our English curriculum has a strong literature focus from which the areas of Reading and Viewing, Writing, Speaking and Listening stem. In the Language strand, students develop their knowledge of the English language and how it works. The Literature strand engages students in the study of literary texts of personal, cultural, social and aesthetic value. The Literacy strand aims to develop students’ ability to interpret and create texts with appropriateness, accuracy, confidence, fluency and efficacy for learning in and out of school, and for participating in Australian life more generally. (VCAA) In choosing our texts, we aim to offer students a range of experiences, situations and texts that will stimulate and challenge all students. We create a contemporary learning environment that enables and enhances student learning.
Our programs are aligned with Victorian Curriculum and VCAA standards, and are designed to continue to expand and improve learning outcomes. Our staff facilitate innovative, contemporary learning through teaching that promotes excellence and fosters imagination and creativity.
The English Curriculum
A comprehensive, fully integrated Core English program is offered at Loreto College from Years 7 to 10.
At Year 10, our girls can then choose electives which provide a pathway into VCE English:
- Literature: For those who enjoy reading and analysing novels, plays and poetry, and watching and analysing film, you will enjoy Introduction to Literature. The study of literary texts moves beyond reading to enjoyment. It invites you to consider and question your values, to look at other ways of life and to consider how one should live.
- English Language: Covers the fundamentals of the nature and function of the English Language. Taking into consideration how we use language to express our identity and how the English Language has changed over time.
Where to next?
VCE Units 1 & 2:
Students may continue to follow the Core English pathway. Introduction to Language and Introduction to Literature provide a pathway to Units 1 and 2 VCE English Language and VCE Literature.
VCE Units 3 & 4:
Our VCE program at Year 12 follows a continuous, cohesive pathway and our English teachers guide and consult with senior students to help them consolidate their skills. Literature is offered at this level. This challenging subject gives suitable students greater literary material to discover and study, and allows them to develop a very personal written style. English Language is also offered and students come to understand how people use spoken and written English to communicate, to think and innovate, to construct identities, to build and interrogate attitudes and assumptions, and to create and disrupt social cohesion.
Enrichment
To further encourage the engagement of students in English we promote events, competitions and guest speakers throughout the student’s time at Loreto. Some of the opportunities available to students include:
- Poetry and Writing Competitions
- Sovereign Hill – A Woman’s Work is Never Done
- Romeo and Juliet Performance/Workshop
- Guest Speakers/Visiting Authors