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 with and build relationships with others and with the world around them. The study of English helps 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. The key learning area of English plays an important part in developing the understanding, attitudes and capabilities of those who will take responsibility for Australia’s future.
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. http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/English/Rationale
The Australian Curriculum: English Foundation to Year 10 is organised into three interrelated strands that support students' growing understanding and use of Standard Australian English (English). Together the three strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking and writing. The three strands are:
Language: knowing about the English language
Literature: understanding, appreciating, responding to, analysing and creating literature
Literacy: expanding the repertoire of English usage.
Strands and sub-strands
Content descriptions in each strand are grouped into sub-strands that, across the year levels, present a sequence of development of knowledge, understanding and skills. The sub-strands are:
Language |
Literature |
Literacy |
Language variation and change |
Literature and context |
Texts in context |
Language for interaction |
Responding to literature |
Interacting with others |
Text structure and organisation |
Examining literature |
Interpreting, analysing and evaluating |
Expressing and developing ideas |
Creating literature |
Creating texts |
Sound and letter knowledge |