Subjects

Who is it for?

The course is designed for students who are completing their VCE VM and students who want a more vocationally orientated approach to English. It is also aimed at students who want to directly enter the workforce upon completing their senior secondary studies. It may also be suited to students who need additional time and assistance to strengthen and refine their literacy skills.

Please note that if you intend to complete a standard scored VCE program, the recommended pathway is to complete one of the other VCE English courses.

What do you do?

Activities you will engage in include:

• reading, analysing and reviewing written and visual text
• creating written and spoken texts for a range of audiences
• developing skills in analysing and presenting an argument
• preparing for the world of work.

What skills do you need?

You need to be able to read texts independently, write clearly and fluently and be able to participate in class discussions. If you are returning to education or have interrupted study experiences, you will be able to gain the necessary skills with practice and support.

What skills do you develop?

In this subject, you will develop the ability to:

• read and evaluate texts and form your own interpretations of them
• support your analysis with textual evidence
• identify contention, arguments, tone and language devices within persuasive texts
• compare themes, issues, and ideas between texts which explore related subject matter
• present your own point of view to an audience in an engaging manner
• write creatively for different mediums, audiences, and purposes.

Requirements

All work will be completed and submitted online weekly. The set texts for reading and viewing will be provided within the course materials.

Things to think about

To experience success with Foundation English, it is important to read as much and as widely as possible, not only what is required within the course. This will help you to strengthen all aspects of your language skills and let you see how other people express themselves when writing.

High-level writing does not end with the written page. Try to become aware of the way your favourite films, TV shows, games and comic books are written, by looking at what is said and what is not said; at how characters are made believable and relatable; and at how the writer works within the medium to fulfil your expectations and to surprise you. It is also important to take notice of current affairs and discuss your ideas with others.

Look all of the English courses available at VSV and consider whether you are best suited to Foundation English, VCE English, English as an Additional Language(EAL), VCE Literature, or VCE English Language. If you are not sure, speak to a year level coordinator at VSV.

Things you can do now

Go to the VCAA website for more information about this subject.

Go through the ‘Things to have a look at’ website recommendations on this page and read or view something that interests you.