Learning Framework

Middle Years English

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English offers exciting opportunities to explore how literature reflects our everyday lives, how we can escape to different worlds and learn about experiences beyond our own. The goals of the Ravenswood English Department align with the expectations of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Students are given opportunities to demonstrate excellence, thus becoming successful learners, confident and creative individuals and active and informed citizens.       

Stage 4: Years 7-8


Years 7-8 involves students establishing and developing an understanding of the origins of the English language and how we have evolved as readers over the centuries. Students become discerning readers and writers as they delve into a range of activities designed to build their creative and analytical skills. Students are challenged to think beyond themselves, consider the perspectives of others and the different experiences that exist in the world. International mindedness is encouraged through immersion into various cultures and societies.

Through ‘stepping into the shoes’ of others, students gain an appreciation of how the world has evolved and the important messages literature conveys to us about humanity. It is the aim of English to instil a clear sense of justice and moral understanding and be respectful of differences and the range of cultural experiences that we are exposed to in our daily lives.

Experiencing live theatre is a valuable component in any students’ educational journey, and every student in English has the opportunity to attend a performance.

Stage 5: Years 9-10


Years 9-10 students maximise their learning experiences through engaging in the study of a wide range of literature. They read classic texts, as well as contemporary representations of the views and values of society. Building on the work from Years 7-8, students continue to develop creative and analytical skills.

Students are exposed to a range of cultural experiences through literature which allows for a rich engagement in English. Students are challenged to undertake various activities that require independent learning as well as developing collaborative skills. Students develop an understanding of how literature reflects society’s values and morals, and how we as individuals can learn from composers and their representations. English allows students to be critical thinkers who can move into wider society with confidence and a broad understanding of the world around them.

Students become discerning learners who look at how context and values inform and shape our understanding of characters, ideas and events. Close critical study of Shakespeare, Poetry, Drama, Novel and Film prepares students for their final Higher School Certificate (HSC) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program in English.

English as an Additional Language Dialect (EALD) (HSC NESA endorsed course) Students in this course receive guidance and instructional lessons in the foundations of English. They explore literature, academic and everyday texts in order to respond personally, critically and creatively.