Oran Park High School's English Faculty
Mrs Catherine Byrne - Head Teacher
Ms Eliza Gates
Ms Tiffany Spink
Mr Mark Chenoweth
Ms Katherine Gray
Ms Courtney Allen
Ms Rebecca Allen
Ms Rayanne Hagemrad
Ms Yasmin Al Khatib
Ms Emma Jefferys
Ms Britney Ollis
Ms Michelle Bounos
Ms Evana Mihajilovic
Ms Ateya Haidary
English is a mandatory subject throughout high school.
In this subject, students learn about the English language through written, spoken and visual texts of increasing complexity as they progress through their schooling.
An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for intellectual, social and emotional development.
The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
Stage 4
In Stage 4 English students respond to a variety of texts critically, imaginatively and interpretively and will learn how to compose accurate, clear and coherent texts of their own. They will spend their time in Stage 4 English developing their reading comprehension and their ability to engage with a text. They will also learn to improve the quality of their own written responses and will be guided into the use of PEETEL (Point, Explain, Evidence, Technique, Evaluate and Link) in order to help them to structure effective extended writing samples.
Students will be exposed to a range of texts such as poetry, drama, novel, film, multimedia in both fiction and non-fiction genres. They will learn to identify the techniques used by composers that create meaning and will experiment with their own use of these techniques in the writing that they produce.
Stage 5
In Stage 5 English students will be continuing to develop their ability to critically engage with texts. They will learn to analyse and evaluate increasingly sophisticated texts and will be engaging and responding to a comprehensive range of imaginative, factual and critical texts. Students will consider the purpose, audience and contexts for the texts that they encounter and will critically assess the techniques used in these texts. They will use their understanding of these elements to compose their own effective writing samples.
Students in this stage will learn to develop their own unique style in their personal, imaginative, critical and analytical compositions. They will work through the composing process, including planning, researching, drafting, conferencing, editing and publishing. They will continue to refine their use of the school’s writing scaffold PEETEL (Point, Explanation, Evidence, Technique, Evaluate and Link) and will reflect on their composing processes throughout the course.
In Stage 5 students will be exposed to a range of texts such as poetry, drama, novel, film, multimedia in both fiction and non-fiction genres. They will continue to identify the techniques used by composers that create meaning and will further experiment with their own use of these techniques in the writing that they produce.
English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
In English, students learn about the study and use of the English language in its various textual forms. These encompass spoken, written and visual texts through which meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected. Complexity increases as students progress through their schooling.
Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators; critical and imaginative thinkers; lifelong learners; and informed, active participants in Australian society. Their understanding of English through knowledge and skills acquisition is essential to their intellectual, social and emotional development.
The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
In Year 11 and 12, the study of English is mandatory. Courses offered include:
- English Extension 2
- English Extension 1
- English Advanced
- English Standard
- English Studies
- English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
- English Life Skills.