English

English programmes at St Vincent’s College follow the rationale, aims, objectives and outcomes of the NSW Board of Studies English syllabuses, in the light of the Mission statement of the College, having regard to the specific student population of the College and the particular expectations of their parents.

Through their programmes the English Department seeks to nurture the spiritual, intellectual, physical and emotional growth of its students and encourage the development of students’ personal Christian values. A disciplined approach to study is encouraged to lay a firm foundation for continuing education. Through the various strands of the programmes the English Department aims to develop in students a sense of responsibility to their community and increase their awareness of the value of all societies and cultures. The Department aims to encourage a love of literature and elicit personal responses and expressions of individual creativity. Courses are based on the principle that growth in language through appropriate activities is essential for the personal development of the student whose needs are individual.

Aims

Years 7 - 10 (Stages 4 and 5)

In Years 7-10 the specific aim is to enable students to use, understand, appreciate, reflect on and enjoy the English language in a variety of texts and to shape meaning in ways that are imaginative, interpretive, critical and powerful. Learning is active and student centred. Use of core literary texts and themes integrates language modes and contexts. Emphasis on individual and personal responses encourages personal growth of thinking feeling persons. Language is used to encourage students to explore their public and private worlds and to become confident, articulate and independent learners and to form values within a Catholic framework.

The role of the teacher varies from that of initiator, facilitator, instructor and coordinator. Programmes contain a variety of learning strategies and activities. Texts range from pre-twentieth century to very modern and include Australian works. Approaches include Area of Study, Core text, Wide reading and Drama as performance. In all cases extension work is provided for the more able while remedial work is given when appropriate. Underpinning all activities in English is the belief that competency in language is central to the achievement of the aims of the whole curriculum. Thus in the development of the programmes staff liaise with members of other Departments and instigate activities across the curriculum.

Years 11 - 12 (Stage 6)

In Years 11 and 12 our aim is to enable students to speak and listen effectively, to read with understanding and pleasure, to write effectively and clearly in a wide range of contexts and to view critically and analytically. The courses involve wide exposure to all varieties of texts with attention to developing the students’ creativity in writing and media studies and with particular emphasis on viewing and representing. Students develop their individual responses to literature both past and present and their competency in the spoken language. The students’ informed personal response is encouraged at all times. All students study either the Standard 2 Unit course or the Advanced 2 Unit Course. In the English Fundamentals 2 Unit Course emphasis is placed on students’ use and interpretation of language according to their immediate learning needs so that students’ competence in using language across the curriculum is developed. The English Extension Courses are offered to students who wish to study three units of English in their Preliminary year and three and four units in their HSC year. All students receive guidance from the English staff in choosing the course best suited to their interests and abilities. The study of English must demonstrate links between the classroom and the outside world.

The English Department is committed to promoting a supportive school environment which gives our students a true appreciation of gender equity within the context of an all girls’ school. Social action, critical thinking and democratic principles are emphasised by teaching practices to ensure the students become confident, articulate and independent learners with a strong awareness of their own potential.

Drama

Drama is offered as an elective course in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12. Drama programmes at St Vincent’s College are designed for students to experience, understand, enjoy and value Drama as a social, collaborative and creative art form and as an expression of culture.

Dramatic Arts showcase

Through making, performing and critically studying Drama and Theatre students develop knowledge, understanding skills and values.

The Drama programmes are committed to promoting a collaborative, supportive school environment which gives our students a true appreciation of inclusiveness and acceptance of diversity.

Drama at St Vincent’s College promotes the values of Justice, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, Compassion and Commitment. By its very nature Drama affords students the opportunity to live these values.

Drama is an art form that explores the world through enactment. It is a collaborative art form that involves the creative interaction of individuals using a range of artistic skills. Drama is an important means of understanding, constructing, appreciating and communicating social and cultural values; interpreting, valuing and transmitting the past and traditions; exploring, celebrating and challenging the present and imagining the future.

In Drama, students can investigate, shape and symbolically represent ideas, feelings, attitudes, beliefs and their consequences. Students acquire skills in interpretation, communication, performance and critical analysis and become aware of the technical processes and technologies that may be used to heighten dramatic presentation. In the critical study of Drama and Theatre students can recognise the collaborative contribution of actors, directors, playwrights, designers and technicians to production. Students develop an understanding of the cultural traditions and social contexts of Drama and Theatre and are encouraged to draw on their own life experiences.

Drama caters to a broad range of students with varying skill levels and interests. Students are offered a rigorous programme of study that aims to extend all students.

Drama aims to develop the talent and capacities of all students – physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, creative and expressive – as well as developing self-confidence and self-esteem.

Drama programmes provide opportunities for students to develop a range of skills and the opportunity to concentrate on areas of personal interest.