English
The focus of the English curriculum in the early years is on extending student’s experiences with spoken and written texts, and the ways in which language is used in making and responding to texts. Particular emphasis is placed on teaching students to use spoken language appropriately in many new formal and informal ways: expanding students vocabularies in both spoken and written language: teaching reading and writing skills and strategies: fostering critical perspectives on texts: and expanding students knowledge of literature and teaching them how to make links between reading and their own experiences.
The student’s gradual movement from dependence on the teacher and other competent language users, to increasing independence as a learner, marks this early stage of schooling.
The English program allows for rich book experiences where children encounter many different text types. A strong correlation between writing and reading is stressed with writing being highly valued.
The student’s gradual movement from dependence on the teacher and other competent language users, to increasing independence as a learner, marks this early stage of schooling.
The English program allows for rich book experiences where children encounter many different text types. A strong correlation between writing and reading is stressed with writing being highly valued.
Rationale
The study of English is central to the learning and development of all young Australians. It helps create confident communicators, imaginative thinkers and informed citizens. It is through the study of English that individuals learn to analyse, understand, communicate with and build relationships with others and with the world around them. The study of English helps young people develop the knowledge and skills needed for education, training and the workplace. It helps them become ethical, thoughtful, informed and active members of society. In this light it is clear that the Australian Curriculum: English plays an important part in developing the understanding, attitudes and capabilities of those who will take responsibility for Australia’s future.
Although Australia is a linguistically and culturally diverse country, participation in many aspects of Australian life depends on effective communication in Standard Australian English. In addition, proficiency in English is invaluable globally. The Australian Curriculum: English contributes both to nation-building and to internationalisation.
The Australian Curriculum: English also helps students to engage imaginatively and critically with literature to expand the scope of their experience. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have contributed to Australian society and to its contemporary literature and its literary heritage through their distinctive ways of representing and communicating knowledge, traditions and experience. The Australian Curriculum: English values, respects and explores this contribution. It also emphasises Australia’s links to Asia.
Further information on the Australian Victorian Essential Learning Standards - English can be found at the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.
Although Australia is a linguistically and culturally diverse country, participation in many aspects of Australian life depends on effective communication in Standard Australian English. In addition, proficiency in English is invaluable globally. The Australian Curriculum: English contributes both to nation-building and to internationalisation.
The Australian Curriculum: English also helps students to engage imaginatively and critically with literature to expand the scope of their experience. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have contributed to Australian society and to its contemporary literature and its literary heritage through their distinctive ways of representing and communicating knowledge, traditions and experience. The Australian Curriculum: English values, respects and explores this contribution. It also emphasises Australia’s links to Asia.
Further information on the Australian Victorian Essential Learning Standards - English can be found at the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.