Year 12 English as an Additional Language Units 3 and 4
Overview
In EAL Unit 3 there are two areas of study:
- Reading and responding to texts
- Creating texts
In this unit, you will express your ideas through creative writing under the Framework of ‘Personal Journeys’. You will study mentor texts that cover this idea. In reading and responding, you will read and analyse the memoir, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. You will listen to audio texts to build your understanding of the text.
In Unit 4 there are two areas of study:
- Reading and responding to texts
- Analysing argument
In reading and responding to texts, you will explore the text Requiem for a Beast by Matt Ottley. In analysing argument, you will build on your understanding of both the analysis and construction of texts that attempt to influence audiences. You will analyse written, visual and audio-visual persuasive texts. You will perform your own persuasive oral presentation. Students who complete Year 12 English as an Additional Language will improve their ability to think clearly; and express themselves orally and in writing. They will also be perceptive about the influence of today’s media.
Who is it for?
EAL Units 3 and 4 is a Year 12 English course for students who are eligible to complete EAL as an alternative to the mainstream English course. Student eligibility is determined by the VCAA and this is managed by the home school. A student may be eligible for EAL status if they meet the following criteria.
Criteria for EAL status.
If a student:
- has resided in Australia or another predominantly English-speaking country for a total period of less than seven years prior to 1 January in the year the student will be undertaking Units 3 and 4 EAL*
and
if enrolled in schools, where English has been the student’s major language of instruction, the total period is seven years or less over the period of their education^ - is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person whose first language is not English
- is deaf or hard of hearing and meets the eligibility requirements.
*The period of seven years is to be calculated cumulatively over the student’s whole life. The calculation of time spent in Australia is made from the date of last arrival plus any previous periods of time spent in Australia or any predominantly English-speaking country. Time spent out of Australia during school holidays should be included in the accumulation towards the seven years because there would have been no disruption to education during these periods.
^Schools must sight the student’s overseas school reports to confirm that the language of instruction was not English during this period.
For more information about EAL eligibility please visit this page.
What do you do?
Activities you will do include:
- writing both short and long responses to texts of many kinds
- exploring your own ideas in writing about a range of ideas and issues
- reading and responding critically to Australian media issues
- listening to texts to help support understanding of argument and the texts studied
- writing forum posts, discussing your ideas with other students
- presenting arguments and ideas on issues and ideas
- attend online lessons and tutorials.
What skills do you need?
Students should be able to read texts and respond in writing at a Year 12 EAL level. Being able to read and listen to a sustained text and write a sound paragraph are skills that are needed for this course.
It is recommended that prior to enrolment in this subject, EAL students have demonstrated achievement at C3 or above on the Victorian Curriculum F-10 EAL course.
What skills do you develop?
You will develop skills including:
- reading and analysing literary texts
- writing in a range of styles: creative, journalism, communication and analytical
- analysing ideas and themes in texts and ways other people write
- listening to different types of texts and responding to questions on those texts
- learning how to follow an argument
- building your vocabulary and developing your essay writing skills.
Requirements
Students seeking to enrol in EAL at VSV will need to complete and submit an EAL Pre-Enrolment Form with their enrolment application.
Internet is needed to access this course. All weekly work will be completed and submitted online.
Student must purchase copies of these texts in preparation for the study.
Born a Crime, Trevor Noah, 2017.
Requiem for a Beast, Matt Ottley, 2007
Things to think about
If you are eligible for EAL, you should do EAL instead of these other English courses. However, English, English Literature, Bridging EAL and English Language are also available for study at VSV.
VCE EAL is suitable for students who will typically have English language proficiency at a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 4 level or its equivalent.
If you believe you may need more support in developing your English skills, consider completing Bridging EAL first.
Things you can do now
Students can get off to a great start over the summer by buying and reading or viewing the set texts for Units 3 and 4, EAL. These texts and their details are available in your VSV Resource List.
To support your understanding of persuasive language, a useful activity is to read and collect newspaper and magazine articles. A good place to start is to read the news such as The Age, ABC News, SBS News, The Australian and The Guardian. Start with the topics that you enjoy and then progress to the front pages, opinion columns and current news.
You can also make a point of watching Australian current affairs programs on the ABC such as Four Corners, the 7.30 Report and Insiders. Listening to local ABC radio and Radio National programs and podcasts are excellent resources too.
Go to the VCAA website for more information about this subject.
Things to have a look at
VCAA Study Design
You can read the EAL VCAA Study Design on the VCAA website.