The study of English involves the development of understanding and knowledge for informed and effective participation not only in English but also in other learning areas. When knowledge, skills and comprehension from English are meaningfully applied to other learning areas, learning becomes more relevant and understanding deepens.

The relationship between the learning areas is also reciprocal. Science, Humanities and Social Sciences and Mathematics emphasise skills in English literacy as well as students' capacity to communicate coherently to a range of audiences. Each learning area draws upon what is taught in the language strand of English and incorporates subject-specific language knowledge as required.

Mathematics

The skills taught in English of communicating with others, comprehending texts, making connections within and across texts and creating new texts reinforce learning in mathematics. When reading texts, students develop an understanding of concepts such as time, number and space. They interpret numerical symbols and combine these with pictures to make meaning. When creating and responding to texts, students draw on an understanding of spatial features. Understanding statistical reasoning, graphical representations, quantitative data and numerical scale and proportion is an invaluable skill for analysing argument in English. Being able to present quantitative evidence as part of an argument is a persuasive tool. Deriving quantitative and spatial information can also be an important aspect of understanding a range of texts.

Science

The skills of communicating with others, problem solving, comprehending and using texts and creating new texts reinforce learning in science. In English, as in science, students base their discussions on the objective analysis of evidence, justifying points of view, drawing conclusions and making presentations in a variety of media. The abilities to plan investigations; think objectively about evidence; analyse data; describe objects and events; interpret descriptions; read and give instructions; explain ideas to others; write clear reports and recommendations; and participate in group discussions are all important in both disciplines.

Humanities and Social Sciences

The skills taught in English of communicating with others, comprehending and researching texts and creating new texts reinforce learning in Humanities and Social Sciences. Literature, with its emphasis on studying texts from a range of historical and cultural contexts, helps students understand the perspectives and contributions of people from around the world and from both the past and present. In Humanities and Social Sciences, students use their English skills to undertake research, read texts with critical discernment and create texts that present the results of historical understanding clearly and logically.

The Western Australian Curriculum: English takes account of what students have learned in these areas so their learning in English is supported and their learning in other areas is enhanced.