"Language shapes our understanding of ourselves and our world."
- Australian National Curriculum Rationale English K-10 Syllabus.
At Sydney Tech, the English Faculty’s vision is underpinned by the belief that language is the principal means by which we relate to others and is central to the intellectual, social and emotional development of all students. Our purpose is to enable our students to become confident communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers, lifelong learners and informed, active participants in our social landscape.
Literature
Through an eclectic mix of print texts, spoken texts, visual texts, multimedia and digital texts we aim to provide a wide range of experiences to enrich student knowledge. Our selection of texts is informed by our pedagogical understanding of the needs of gifted and talented students and their interactions with texts become increasingly sophisticated as they navigate their secondary educational journey.
Communication
The core component underpinning effective communication is literacy. We support the development of writing and the expression of higher order ideas through our structured approach to critical discourse, drafting, editing, close marking and the provision of relevant feedback.
Wide Reading
The aim of the program is to develop a passion for reading by allowing students to choose their own texts so they can explore genres and ideas that interest them. Through reading, students are exposed to the richness of language, enhancing their literacy and communication skills.
Debating
An ability to present a coherent argument and effectively present a point of view is a vital part of communication. Students are given the opportunity to do this through the debating component in class and through the opportunity to represent the school in the state-wide debating competitions. This also helps to develop confidence in public speaking and a mental agility in the ability to refute opposing arguments on the spot.
Drama
We offer Drama as both a junior and senior elective. The courses expose the students to a wide range of theatrical styles through the theoretical study of plays and practical performances. They are encouraged to develop their own creativity through improvisation and the creation of group devised pieces. Excursions to the theatre are an important component of the study of Drama.
Staff (English)
Debbie Demetriadis (Head Teacher English)
Rumi Benyamin
Sharron Cleary
Mairi Contos
Dijana Curic
Alison Garrett
Jenny Haitidis
Kristine Lajkoski
Nathan Ngan
Anna Steel
Angela Tran
Mary Trovas
