9-12 Course Selection Guide - Mount Eliza Secondary College

VCAL LITERACYFOUNDATION ENGLISHThe Foundation English course is designed for students who may require a more vocationally orientatedapproach to English or may be aiming to directly enter the workforce upon completing their post-compulsorysecondary studies.The study design draws on and strengthens the skills gained and the knowledge students have acquired abouttexts and language in the English domain of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards. It integrates speaking,listening, reading, viewing and writing across all areas of study to enhance students’ knowledge about thestructures and functions of written and oral language. The course allows students to improve their skills incomprehending and responding to a variety of texts, and to enhance their communication skillsStructureThe study is made up of two units:Unit 1:This area of study focuses on developing learning strategies and literacy skills. It describes the fundamentalunderstandings and processes students need in order to read and write effectively and identifies learningstrategies designed to enhance achievement in English.Unit 2:This area of study focuses on developing learning strategies and literacy skills. It describes the fundamentalunderstandings and processes students need in order to read and write effectively and identifies learningstrategies designed to enhance achievement in English.EntryThere are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1and 2.VCAL UNIT SENIOR READING AND WRITINGUnit purposeThe purpose of this unit is to enable learners to develop the skills and knowledge to read and write complex texts.The texts will deal with general situations and include some abstract concepts or technical details. At this levellearners produce texts that incorporate a range of ideas, information, beliefs or processes and have control of thelanguage devices appropriate to the type of text. In reading, the learner identifies the views shaping the text and thedevices used to present that view and express an opinion on the effectiveness and content of the text.At the end of the unit learners will be able to read, comprehend and write a range of complex texts across a broadrange of contexts.Learning outcomes and assessment criteriaTo allow for specialisation, learners must show competence in seven of the eight learning outcomes although theyshould cover all learning outcomes in the teaching/learning context.Summary of learning outcomes1 Writing for Self-expressionWrite a complex recount, narrative or expressive text2 Writing for Practical PurposesWrite a complex instructional or transactional text3 Writing for KnowledgeWrite a complex report or explanatory text78