English 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 and build relationships with others and with the world around them. The study of English plays a key role in the development of reading and literacy skills which help 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.
Australia is a linguistically and culturally diverse country, with participation in many aspects of Australian life dependent on effective communication in Standard Australian English. In addition, proficiency in English is invaluable globally. The Australian Curriculum: English contributes 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.
Debate is a formal contest of argumentation between two teams or individuals. More broadly, and more importantly, debate is an essential tool for developing and maintaining democracy and open societies. More than a mere verbal or performance skill, debate embodies the ideals of reasoned argument, tolerance for divergent points of view and rigorous self-examination. Debate is, above all, a way for those who hold opposing views to discuss controversial issues without descending to insult, emotional appeals or personal bias. A key trademark of debate is that it rarely ends in agreement, but rather allows for a robust analysis of the question at hand. Perhaps this is what French philosopher Joseph Joubert meant when he said: “It is better to debate a question without settling it, than to settle a question without debating it.”
Shakespeare Online, is a teaching aid used in classrooms all over the world providing free, original, and accurate information on Shakespeare to students, teachers, and Shakespeare enthusiasts.
http://www.shakespeare-online.com/
Award winning author and illustrator Shaun Tan's thought-provoking book, Rules of Summer, is the focus of this website. Using short video's Tan offers readers further insights into the book's origins, aspects of illustrations, and themes.
The Australian Poetry Library contains over 42,000 Australian poems, and various critical and contextual resources relating to them. The website is searchable by poet, poem or phrase.
This site features podcasts of Australian poets reading their works, along with interviews, photos and transcripts. Featured poets are are Les Murray, John Kinsella, Robert Adamson, Jayne Fenton Keane, John Clarke, Jordie Albiston, and others.