ENGLISH POLICY

• Active and effective participation in Australian society depends on the ability to speak, listen, read, view and write with confidence, purpose and enjoyment. The study of English, and the broader concept of literacy, is about the appropriate and effective use of language, the use of language as a means of learning and the development of knowledge about language.

The English program aims to develop in students:

• the ability to speak, listen, read, and write effectively with confidence, purpose and enjoyment
• a knowledge of the ways in which language varies according to context, purpose, audience and content, and the capacity to apply this knowledge
• a knowledge of the linguistic patterns used to construct different texts, and the capacity to apply this knowledge, especially in writing
• a broad knowledge of a range of texts and a capacity to relate this to aspects of contemporary society and personal experience
• the capacity to discuss and analyse texts and language critically
• a knowledge of the ways textual interpretation and understanding may vary according to cultural, social and personal differences, and the capacity to develop reasoned arguments about interpretation and meaning.

• All students at Templeton will study a sequential English course based upon the outcomes contained within the Curriculum and Standards Framework II.
• All teachers will utilise ‘curriculum@work’ and will work with their respective teams to develop and implement a sequential English course for all students. Students in P-4 classes will be involved in the Early Years literacy program.
• Student’s individual abilities must be monitored using formal measurements including School Entry Assessment (SEA) tests, running records and learning opportunities must be provided that cater for the identified needs of each student, including the development of Learning Improvement Plans (LIPS).
• Reading Recovery will be available for Grade 1 students who require it on a priority basis.
• Student progress in all strands of English will be reported in half and end of year academic reports, as well as being reported in the school’s annual report.
• English study for each student will be not less than 10 hours per week, time tabled where possible in the first half of the day.
• English activities will form a regular component of each student’s homework regime.
• A staff member will be allocated the responsibility for coordinating English across the school as well as implementing an English budget developed by staff and resourced by School Council.

• This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s three-year review cycle.

This policy was last ratified by School Council in.... June 2002