In acknowledgement of its role as the national language, English is the only mandatory subject from Kindergarten to Year 12 in our NSW curriculum. The skills, knowledge and understanding acquired in English are central to the learning and development of students in NSW. Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers, lifelong learners and active participants in Australian society.
The English faculty at Gosford High School is an energetic and committed team, well matched to the needs of our gifted and talented students. Our programs allow for a range of teaching strategies that challenge, enrich and encourage students to reach their potential.
In Years 7 to 10 students study a variety of texts, including picture books, novels, short stories, plays and films that are appropriate to their needs, interests and abilities. These texts become increasingly sophisticated as students move from Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8) to Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10).
Classes are not graded in Stage 4, however in Stage 5 there is a top class in both years 9 and 10. As well, in Year 10 we offer selected students an opportunity to accelerate, with one class completing Year 9 and then accelerating into Year 11 Advanced English. These students are able to complete their HSC studies in Advanced English while in Year 11 and have the opportunity to complete a Board of Studies Distinction courses if they wish in their final year of schooling.
In the senior school, all students study Advanced English in Year 11 and then nominate to continue with Advanced, or transfer to Standard for the HSC. Extension English courses continue to be popular with students and some will choose to add Extension 2 English for their HSC course in Year 12.
Students from Years 7 to 10 compete in writing competitions, with Year 7 also adding a Spelling competition for the first time in 2008. Our students are also encouraged to enter other competitions offered such as the ‘Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition' and ‘The Sydney Morning Herald Young Writers' Competition.
Gosford High School has a flourishing culture in public speaking and debating and our students participate in a range of competitions conducted by the Department of Education, Lions and Rotary Clubs. Students from all years seek to be involved in these activities and are supported by the enthusiasm and commitment of members of the English faculty.
Recommended Websites:-
Recommended Websites Premier's Reading Challenge https://products.schools.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html Board of Studies http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/ HSC: All My Own Work http://amow.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/ NSW HSC Online http://hsc.csu.edu.au/ NSW HSC Examination Papers http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc_exams/ Absolute Shakespeare http://absoluteshakespeare.com/index.htm Children's Book Council of Australia http://www.gosfordhigh.com.au/admin/www.cbc.org.au Spelling it right: learn to spell confidently http://www.gosfordhigh.com.au/admin/www.spelling.hemscott.net Teenreads.com http://www.gosfordhigh.com.au/admin/www.teenreads.com Department of Education and Training's Teaching and Learning exchange http://www.gosfordhigh.com.au/admin/www.TALE.edu.au Netiquette – A technology guide for Parents http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/media/downloads/schoolsweb/news/technology/netiquette.pdf