English and Humanities Department – Term 3 Update
Term Three has been an engaging and productive period for the English and Humanities Department at Greenvale Secondary College, with students across Years 7–12 developing their knowledge, skills and confidence through a diverse range of learning experiences.
English
Across Years 7–9, students have been developing their persuasive writing and speaking skills through a range of contemporary topics. Year 7 students explored the world of advertising, examining how language, images and persuasive techniques are used to influence audiences. Year 8 students investigated sustainability, considering environmental issues and developing arguments designed to encourage positive action. Year 9 students explored fake news and TED Talks, developing their ability to identify misinformation, evaluate persuasive techniques and construct and deliver engaging presentations.
Year 10 students completed an in-depth text analysis of Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go. Students explored the novel’s complex ideas, including identity, belonging, freedom, control, memory and what it means to be human. Through analytical writing, students developed their ability to construct arguments supported by textual evidence and analyse Ishiguro’s use of characterisation, narrative perspective and language.
In Term Four, all students from Years 7–10 will turn their attention to creative writing, exploring a variety of hybrid text forms. Students will experiment with combining different modes, genres and forms to create engaging and purposeful texts while developing their understanding of audience, voice, structure and authorial choices.
Our VCE English students have completed Unit 2 Area of Study 1, undertaking a detailed text analysis of Maxine Beneba Clarke’s memoir The Hate Race. Students examined the text’s exploration of racism, childhood, identity, beauty standards, injustice and the power of language. They have now commenced Area of Study 2, focusing on persuasive text analysis and speech writing and delivery, with the environment providing the central area of exploration.
Our VCE Literature students have completed the first half of Unit 2 and are now moving into Area of Study 2: Texts in Their Contexts, where they will consider the relationship between literary texts and the social, cultural, historical and intellectual contexts in which they are produced and read.
Humanities
Term Four will provide students with a broad range of opportunities to develop their understanding of society, place, citizenship and the world around them. Years 7 and 8 will focus on Civics and Citizenship, exploring Australia’s system of government, democratic values and principles, the role of citizens in a democracy, Australia’s constitution and key institutions, rights and responsibilities, and ways individuals and groups can participate in civic life.
Year 9 Geography students will investigate tourism and interconnections, examining how tourism connects people and places and exploring its economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts. Students will consider the management of tourism and the challenges associated with developing sustainable tourism practices.
In Year 10 History, students will investigate the impact of World War II, examining the causes, experiences and consequences of the conflict and its significance for Australia and the wider world. Year 10 students in Legal Studies and Accounting will transition into Economics and Accounting, building their financial literacy, analytical skills and understanding of economic decision-making. Students studying Politics will investigate political systems and revolutions before examining Australia’s relationships with its regional neighbours.
Our VCE Humanities students will also continue to engage with challenging and contemporary areas of study. Modern History students will investigate the causes and consequences of social and cultural change in the modern world, while Business Management, Sociology, Geography, Accounting and Legal Studies students will develop their knowledge through real-world scenarios, case studies, research and analytical tasks.
Celebrating Books and Reading
A particular highlight of Term Three was our whole-school Book Week celebrations. The English team organised a range of trivia competitions and book-themed activities during lunchtime, creating opportunities for students and staff to celebrate their love of reading. The celebrations culminated in a wonderful Book Character Dress-Up Day, with both teachers and students embracing the opportunity to bring favourite literary characters to life.
We thank our students, staff and families for their continued enthusiasm and support throughout Term Three and look forward to another exciting term of learning in English and Humanities.