WHY STUDY ENGLISH COMMUNICATION?

Effective communication is integral to our rapidly changing society. New technologies, the influences of globalisation and the restructured workplace require students to focus on diverse ways of communicating in preparation for lifelong learning. This study area specification aims to assist students from various cultural, social, linguistic and economic backgrounds to use language to comprehend and compose in a wide range of print, spoken, visual and multimedia texts in a range of contexts.

It is through texts that people express and share the vitality of cultures and communities; tell the stories of cultures; contribute to the shaping of personal, group, and national identities; explore ideas and feelings that invite reflection on knowledge, values and practices; promote shared cultural understandings; and actively participate in communities.

sThroughout the program of study, students are offered opportunities to develop the communication skills that enable them to function effectively in the contexts of work, community and leisure. To a large extent, these three contexts, inextricably related to our cultural identity, define the kind of person we see ourselves to be. These contexts comprise the three main compnents of the study area and are integrated throughout the program of study.

This study area encourages students to focus on the understanding and use of the process of communication. English Communication can establish a basis for students' further learning as well as developing essential communication skills to enhance employment opportunities.

THE COURSE

English Communication is a two-year Authority-registered subject designed for a broad range of students in Years 11 and 12.

The program of study is made up of units of work, each of which incorporates one or more of the main components of work, community and leisure. Students have opportunities, within the contexts of work, community and leisure, to use language to perform tasks, use technology, express identity, and interact in groups, organisations and the community.

Students will be able to:

• make meanings in and of eveyday, mass media and literary texts, understanding the influence of cultural contexts and social situations;
• develop abilities in speaking (signing), listening, reading, viewing, writing and shaping practices, responsive to and effective in diverse social contexts; and
• become confident, effective and critical users of texts and language, making judgements to accept or challenge meanings.

NATURE OF ASSESSMENT

Assessment in English Communication is designed to enable students to demonstrate achievement of the objectives of the study area which are grouped under the headings of:

• knowledge of contextual factors
• knowledge of textual features; and
• knowledge and understanding of texts.

Assessment of a student's exit level of achievement is criteria-based. A wide range of tasks is used to determine a student's level of achievement. Assessment techniques may include: observation of student skills; practical work; oral presentations; written work; oral presentations; written tasks; folio presentations and real-life projects.

In assessment for this study area, students will be expected to show that they have been able to:

• learn and understand relevant information and procedures from spoken or signed and written and visual text and other sources
• plan and produce spoken or signed or signed, written and visual texts over a range of contexts and purposes
• communicate ideas and information
• work individually and as a member of a team.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Students will be involved in learning experiences that allow them to develop their interpersonal skills, to learn and function in varied situations, and to acquire specific knowledge and skills related to further training and employment. Learning experiences can include communication that involves: performing tasks; using technology; expressing identity; interacting in groups; interacting with organisations; interacting with the wider community.

English Communication provides students with an opportunity to increase their repertoire of communication skills, a repertoire that is inseparably related to their language and literacy competence. It supports students in developing the capacity to learn from spoken, written and visual text and other sources. It allows them choice and negotiation while improving their potential for effective participation in fundamental life roles and engagement in lifelong learning.

HOW PARENTS/CAREGIVERS CAN HELP

Parents and guardians can assist by:

• reading the school program of study and discussing this with the teacher
• showing an interest in the area being studied by discussing the activities and relevant issues with the student
• assisting students to effectively manage time, particularly with regard to meeting assessment requirements and deadlines, but also with organising class materials and resourses, and
• discussing the student's progress with the student and with relevant school personnel.