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English Skills 2

Subject Overview

Content Advisory: This subject includes the in-depth study of films containing a range of mature themes. Please check the texts studied before selecting this subject. 

English Skills 2 is a year-long English program designed to strengthen literacy, confidence and communication through engaging novels, films and creative learning experiences. 

The course builds on the skills developed in English Skills 1 but is also suitable for new students who would benefit from additional support in English. 

A still from the film Stand By Me

FUTURE PATHWAYS 

English Skills 2 helps students develop the literacy, organisation and communication skills needed for future English studies. 

Students: 

  • are given additional time to learn key concepts and complete assessment tasks  

  • study accessible, engaging novels and films  

  • develop essay writing through explicit teaching and clear scaffolds  

  • experience differentiated learning through visual supports, model responses and teacher conferencing  

  • are assessed against the Victorian Curriculum Level 9 English Achievement Standards 

  • build strong organisation skills through structured note-taking, drafting and revision  

  • develop creativity and independence through activities including poetry and blackout poems.  

LITERACY SKILLS DEVELOPED 

Students strengthen their ability to: 

  • read and interpret a range of texts  

  • build vocabulary and reading comprehension  

  • write analytical paragraphs and essays  

  • plan, draft, edit and proofread their writing  

  • support ideas using evidence and quotations  

  • communicate confidently through discussion and presentations  

  • think critically about characters, themes and ideas.  

Students complete a variety of analytical, creative, oral and multimedia assessment tasks with appropriate scaffolding and support. 

 MATERIALS 

  • Exercise book (organised for note-taking, drafting and feedback)  

  • Pens and pencils  

  • Fully charged computer for OneNote, PowerPoint and classroom activitie

Example of a blockout poem

Themes & Key Texts

Family & Independence

  • The Way, Way Back

  • What’s Eating Gilbert Grape

Friendship & Justice

  • Holes by Louis Sachar (novel)  

  • Holes (film)  

  • Media articles: understanding argument and persuasive writing  

Friendship & Connection

  • The Simple Gift by Steven Herrick (novel)

  • Stand By Me (film)

Other Worlds 

Students explore fantasy and futuristic worlds while developing their own creative writing. 

  • Coraline  

  • The Maze Runner (extracts and film)
    Focus areas include symbolism, courage and imagination. 

WHY CHOOSE English Skills? 

English Skills 2 provides students with the opportunity to: 

  • strengthen literacy, confidence and organisation  

  • choose from a variety of analytical tasks 

  • improve reading comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills  

  • learn through engaging novels, extracts, films and creative activities  

  • receive structured teacher support and scaffolded learning  

  • develop analytical, creative and communication skills  

  • build independence and study habits for future success  

  • prepare for senior English pathways, including VCE, VCE Vocational Major (VM) and the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).