English

Rationale

English is the national language of Australia and, as such, is central to the lives, learning and development of all young Australians. Through the study of English, individuals learn to analyse, understand, communicate and build relationships with others and the world around them. It helps create confident communicators, imaginative and critical thinkers, and informed citizens.

Australia is a linguistically and culturally diverse country, with links to Asia. Participation in many aspects of Australian life is dependent on effective communication in Standard Australian English. This is central to the study of the English curriculum and all other learning areas. In addition, proficiency in English is invaluable globally.

The English curriculum supports students to engage imaginatively and critically with literature and appreciate its aesthetic qualities. They explore ideas and perspectives about human experience and cultural significance, interpersonal relationships, and ethical and global issues within real-world and fictional settings. Students are exposed to literature from a range of historical, cultural and social contexts. Through the study of texts, students develop an understanding of themselves and their place in the world. The English curriculum explores the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ voices and voices from wide-ranging Australian and world literature.

The study of English plays a key role in the development of literacy, which gives young people the knowledge and skills needed for education, training and the workplace. It provides students with the opportunity to become ethical, informed, perceptive, innovative and active members of society. The English curriculum plays an important part in developing the understanding, attitudes and capabilities of those who will take responsibility for Australia’s future.

Aims

The Western Australian Curriculum: English aims to ensure that students:

• learn to purposefully and proficiently read, view, listen to, speak, write, create and reflect on increasingly complex texts across a growing range of contexts
• understand how Standard Australian English works in its spoken and written forms, and in combination with non-linguistic forms of communication to create meaning
• develop interest and skills in examining the aesthetic aspects of texts and develop an informed appreciation of literature
• appreciate, enjoy, analyse, evaluate, adapt and use the richness and power of the English language in all its variations to evoke feelings, form ideas and facilitate interaction with others.