English courses focus on developing students’ analytical, creative, and critical thinking, along with strong communication skills across all language modes – reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and creating. Students are encouraged to critically engage with a wide range of texts, including those from contemporary society, historical contexts, and diverse Australian and global cultures. This engagement supports students in shaping a deeper understanding of themselves, their world, and their place within it.
Through close study and wide reading, viewing, and listening, students learn to analyse and evaluate the purpose, stylistic features, and conventions of texts. They also gain confidence in crafting their own imaginative, interpretive, persuasive, and analytical responses. English courses are designed to build students’ proficiency across a variety of text types and communication modes, fostering an appreciation for English as a vital tool for lifelong learning.
Students refine their language skills by engaging both critically and creatively with texts. They learn to communicate fluently in a range of contexts and formats, developing strong oral skills through discussion, debate, and argument in both formal and informal settings.
English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
Our College is proudly multicultural, with students and families representing over 40 countries and speaking more than 60 languages. To support our diverse community, we are one of the few schools in Western Australia offering English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D). This program allows students from non-English-speaking backgrounds to study EAL/D instead of mainstream English, with both ATAR and General pathways recognized by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA).
From Years 7 to 10, EAL/D students are assessed using the EAL/D Progress Maps, which provide a clearer measure of language development compared to standard English judging standards and grades. Studying EAL/D offers several benefits, including:
- Extra time for OLNA assessments
- More emphasis on explicit teaching and learning of grammar and vocabulary development
- A considerable improvement in ATAR outcomes
Our EAL/D students are active members of the school community, with many taking on leadership roles. They also contribute to the Multicultural Committee, which organizes and participates in events such as Harmony Day, NAIDOC Week, and the Ellenbrook Multicultural Festival.
For more information, please contact Julia Rydel, Head of EALD, at julia.rydel@education.wa.edu.au