Requirements and expectations 2016 VCE English Units 1 & 2 Requirements and expectations 2016

Welcome to Year 11 English Your personal goal for the year should be to prepare for your year 12 studies so well that you can achieve the highest possible study score (out of 50): Good English students should be aiming above 40 If you have struggled with English in the past, you can still achieve in this subject by working consistently and well throughout the whole year

English is important! It is the only compulsory subject. You need to pass both units 3 and 4 to be achieve your VCE. Your study score in English is automatically included in your ‘top four’ scores, even if it is your lowest score. Almost all university courses require a minimum study score of 25 in English as a prerequisite. Some are now requiring 30.

Materials needed All texts (this year it is three written texts) Study guides (optional) A4 ring folder with 5 dividers Plastic pockets/hole-punch for handouts Dictionary and Thesaurus (recommended) Black and blue pens (no pink, aqua, purple, green, bright red, yellow, orange and no grey lead pencils for essays!)

Area of Study 1 Semester ONE: Reading and creating This is the ‘text response’ section. You will study two novels in depth and respond to a variety of essay topics. One of the texts will also require a creative response. You will be closely analysing plot, characters, themes and authorial techniques. Importantly, you will also be studying the ways in which social, historical and cultural values are embodied in texts. You are expected to have a thorough knowledge of each text. High achieving students normally read them at least twice. You are expected to develop a sophisticated vocabulary and use a range of metalanguage in your written responses.

Creative response Creative response must be a considered response that sheds new light on an aspect of the text in a plausible, purposeful and analytically revealing way that is consistent with the original text. The response must reveal NEW speculations and insights into the text which are plausible and arise from a close text study, analysis and real knowledge. The response must be consistent with the original voice, approach, language and nature of the original text. You will need to write an explanation the details your authorial choices.

Area of Study 1: Reading and Creating Montana, 1948 (Novella) Larry Watson The Crucible (Play) Arthur Miller

Tasks The Crucible – Analysis only Montana analysis and creative response.

Area of Study 2: Analysing and presenting arguments (Semesters 1 and 2) The focus of this area of study is on the analysis and comparison of the use of written and visual language in texts that debate a topical issue which has appeared in the Australian media within the past six months. You will study a variety of media sources and analyse the ways in which writers apply a range of persuasive language strategies and techniques in order to position a specified audience. You will be required to write analytical and comparative essays to a wide range of media texts. You will also be required to present your point of view on a chosen issue in an oral presentation.

Area of Study 2: Using Language to Persuade A study of various current issues in the Australian media. Part A: Language analysis (written essay) Part B: Point of view (oral presentation)

Oral Presentations Your oral presentations will be taking place in class during term 1. You will be speaking in front of an audience of your class peers. Presentations are to run for 6 - 8 minutes and are formal assessment – they must be extremely well prepared and practised before the day You must also write an explanation that details how you have gone about developing and presenting your argument, including the persuasive devices chosen and why.

Oral presentation It is expected that you have a written version of your speech that acts as a script and makes use of a variety of persuasive devices. You are not to rely on power points, videos and other sources of media to present for you.

Area of Study 1 Semester TWO: Reading and comparing You will study two texts in depth and respond to a variety of essay topics. The topics will be about a concept that is addressed in both texts and you will need to analyse and compare how the texts have gone about presenting the ideas You are expected to have a thorough knowledge of each text. High achieving students normally read them at least twice. You are expected to develop a sophisticated vocabulary and use a range of metalanguage in your written responses.

Area of Study 1 (Semester 2): Reading and Creating Boy (film), directed by Taika Waititi Growing up Asian in Australia (Anthology edited by Alice Pung)

Tasks Analysis of both texts (separately) Comparing of the ideas and how they are presented in the texts. A total of three tasks

Examinations Two examinations - end of semester and end of year exam period Three hours in duration (plus 15 mins reading time) Three pieces of writing required No prescribed word limit for writing pieces however high achieving pieces are normally 800 words or longer

Exams Semester ONE One analysis of text – Montana 1948 One analysis of media text (unseen text) One persuasive written piece based on an unseen prompt. Semester TWO Content of exam will be finalised in February 2016 when VCAA sends out the new study design sample. Likely, one analysis of text, one analysis of media, one comparison of the ideas in two texts.

Verification tests For the English verification test in Week 1 you will need to demonstrate that you have comprehensively read ‘Montana 1948’ and ‘The Crucible’. You will need to demonstrate a close understanding of both texts. If you do not pass the verification test your enrolment in VCE will be reviewed. You may be asked to attend a meeting between coordinators and your parents or guardians.

Plagiarism In VCE it is completely unacceptable to plagiarise your work. This means that under no circumstances will you be allowed to copy parts or all of your work from another source such as an internet site, an article, a book or another student. It is also unacceptable to ‘work together’ on a task with another student and submit the same assessment piece. All work must be your own. Failure to comply with this rule will result in an instant ‘N’.

Failing an Outcome If you are absent from a SAC (even if it is scheduled after school), or if you do not submit a SAC by the due date, you will receive an ‘N’ unless it is a school approved absence (a note from Mum does not count), or you are able to provide a medical certificate. It is up to you to ensure that your certificate is taken to the office, and shown to your teachers. You must also attend at least 90% of your classes in order to pass the Unit. If you are absent, it is up to you to contact your teacher, gather any missed work, and be up to date before your return to class. If you fail a SAC, you will be given one more opportunity to resit.

Other important information Next year you will not have any study periods. This is so you can get more targeted support from your classroom teachers. Keep in mind, this means that you cannot complete homework in study periods, you must do it at home, or in your lunch times. Make sure in Year 11 that you use your teachers! We are here to support you, help you, and answer any questions no matter how small or silly. It is important that you form strong lines of communication with your teacher, and seek assistance from them WHENEVER necessary.

Online resources www.vcaa.vic.edu.au (use this to access the English study design, past exams and assessment reports) There are also a number of books and commercial resources available online targeting VCE students (which you would be required to pay for). Some of these may be good, however others may not be able to offer much more than is already available. Best to check with your teacher first if you are wondering about any of these.

Good luck!