English

English is a compulsory subject from Year 7 to the end of Year 11. This recognises the high value placed upon written and spoken communication within our community, both at a personal level and in the workplace.

English is the study of English Language, in all of its forms and styles, and learning how to apply this knowledge in the creation of a wide range of texts; written, oral and multimedia for different purposes and different audiences. These include everyday texts, such as television and newspaper reports, magazine articles and advertisements. Others take more literary forms such as poetry, novels and drama. In English students develop their skills in speaking and listening, reading, viewing, speaking and writing, including the use of computers. Where possible, extra assistance is offered to students with special communication needs. This includes students from non-English speaking backgrounds and International students.

Programs - Years 7 to 10

Students explore texts with issues suited to their year level, often featuring central characters of their own age. They are also expected to maintain a regular program of independent reading and to participate in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Extension English classes are offered in Years 9 and 10 in order to maximise each student’s choice of future pathways. Extension English at Year 10 can lead to English in Stage 1 (Year 11). A range of elective subjects are offered in Terms 2 and 3.

Programs - Years 11 - 12

In senior school, students must complete at least two semesters of any Stage 1 English course, with at least a C grade in each semester, in order to fulfil the SACE requirements. Courses are offered with the flexibility to suit students who wish to prepare themselves for further study in English, as well as those who do not wish to continue in this subject at Year 12 level.
Stage 1 English prepares students for English Studies or English Communications in Stage 2 (Year 12).

English Studies focuses on the study of literature. English Communications focuses on the use of language for a wide variety of purposes and is less literature-based. Stage 1 English Pathways A and B are offered to senior students and can lead to Stage 2 English Pathways. Students look at the way language is used in different vocational, social and cultural situations. Stage 1 Literacy for Work and Community Life is designed for students who are still struggling with literacy skills. This subject is offered at Stage 1 only. It does not lead to a study of English at Stage 2.

Pathways

A good understanding of English and language is fundamental to all future pathways, whether they are academic, career oriented or personal.

Contact Megan Haronen, English Coordinator. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

English as an Additional Language / Dialect

EALD is a subject which develops competence in both spoken and written English for students who communicate in a language other than standard Australian English. The students in EALD classes can be:

• Immigrants, either recently arrived or long term residents
• Students born in Australia, who have grown up in a home in which English is not the only language used
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
• Temporary residents such as exchange students or those on student visa
• Long term International students

EAL classes are currently offered from Year 7 to Year 10 and at Stage 1 and Stage 2. Students in the middle school EAL class, take extra English lessons to fast-track their english language proficiency. The EAL classes are taught by trained EAL teachers and are supported by Bilingual SSOs ( BSSOs). SACE tutoring is also offered to students.

Contact Carla Freedman, EAL Coordinator. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Languages other than English

Studying a language other than English provides opportunities for students to develop a greater appreciation of, and tolerance towards, cultures other than their own. The study of Languages is supported in all year levels at Salisbury High School. We are committed to resourcing and staffing Italian. The study of languages contributes to the overall education of students in areas such as communication, cross-cultural understanding, literacy and general knowledge.

Programs

Language is a compulsory subject for students in Years 7 the course involves an appreciation of cultural aspects and an understanding of the basics of the chosen language. 

Students have the option of continuing with languages after completing one semester or equivalent in Year 7.

In Senior School, Languages is a choice subject, but we strongly encourage all students to consider the advantages of continuing their studies into the senior years.

Languages at Stages 1 and 2 follow the SACE curriculum and are generally taken up by students at the Continuers level after they have studied the language throughout the middle school.