St Joseph’s strives to provide a program of study in the discipline of English that is relevant to 21st century learners. Students are challenged to develop their capacity for responding to and composing texts and engaging actively in the learning process, assisting the skills of independent and life long learning.
The English Key Learning Area (KLA) endorses the belief that education must be based, not just upon academic, but also upon spiritual principles. Policies, procedures and programs reinforce our school’s academic and spiritual goals. Thus, the Gospel values espoused in the School Mission statement are reflected in the KLA’s policies, structures and in our presence as role models of Christian living.
The creation of a positive environment, which allows students to realise their full potential, is an intrinsic aim of the English Syllabus and, thus, our KLA. We attempt, at all times, to encourage, nurture, foster and develop the students we teach. The atmosphere we endeavour to create is one of respect and consideration of the dignity of others.
Our many initiatives attempt to promote responsibility and independence in students and the KLA promotes the school aim of self discipline and growth. Wherever possible, students in English classes are provided with opportunities to work collaboratively, thereby fostering awareness, tolerance, acceptance, compassion and respect. Through activities such as public speaking etc. the English KLA recognises opportunities to promote positive community involvement.
Gospel values are incorporated into all aspects of teaching. Each program outlines Gospel Values relevant to that unit of work. Specifically, the KLA endeavours to promote Gospel Values by:
- Exploring, in a Christian context, the values and not just the content of literature, media and technology.
- Developing an awareness of the cultural context of the material taught, inspiring tolerance of and respect for a diversity of cultural perspectives.
- Developing the capacity for autonomous learning, which enables students to evaluate critically and make independent judgements about the material studied.
- Developing the whole person by incorporating analytical, imaginative and moral perspectives.
- Promoting English as, not just a means to pass examinations, but also a way to achieve personal growth.
- Promoting English as a way to explore feelings and emotions and thus achieve spiritual development.
- Exploring, where possible, Literature which advocates messages, such as freedom, peace and justice, linked to Catholic ideals.
