Learning Areas  >  English

About the Learning Area

English in the Senior School is underpinned by the study of language that is used in a range of contexts for a range of purposes and different audiences.

Courses are offered in English, English as a Second Language, Literature and English Language, in the Victorian Certificate of Education, and Language A1 and Language B English in the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

A variety of dynamic teaching and learning units have been developed by the teaching staff to enable the study of language in contexts including multi-media texts and cultural identity texts.

We have developed an extensive VCE and IB lecture series, and students regularly attend theatre performances or workshops associated with the texts.

A writer-in-residence program enhances the program at each level of Senior School, and we hold Master Classes for students who wish to develop their writing talents.

Extension programs

Many students participate enthusiastically and successfully in a variety of language-related activities in the wider community

• Bond University Mooting Competition;
• Debaters' Association of Victoria Schools' Competition;
• The Dorothea MacKellar Poetry Awards;
• Rostrum Voice of Youth public speaking;
• Mini United Nations Youth Conference;
• VCAA Plain English Speaking Awards; and
• various external writing competitions.

The English requirement for VCE

Carey offers a group of English studies

• English/ESL.
• English Language.
• Literature.

It is compulsory for students to complete an approved sequence of study in English in order to qualify for the award of the VCE. Options to meet this requirement are outlined in the table below:

	English requirement? English/ESL Units 1 and 2 English/ESL Units 3 and 4 Yes English Units 1 and 2 Literature Units 3 and 4 Yes English Units 1 and 2 English Language Units 3 and 4 Yes English Language Units 1 and 2 English Language Units 3 and 4 Yes English Language Units 1 and 2 English/ESL Units 3 and 4 Yes Literature Units 1 and 2 English Language 3 and 4 Yes Literature Units 1 and 2 Literature Units 3 and 4 Yes Literature Units 1 and 2 English/ESL Units 3 and 4 Yes