At the College we use an integrated pedagogical approach that melds together the various learning theories, ways of thinking and research to create a dynamic, engaging and highly successful educative model. We believe that explicit instruction in the finer details associated with writing, comprehension and literary analysis enables students to gain an extensive understanding of English. This is crucial for high levels of performance. The immersion in this learning process empowers students and ensures they are fully equipped for the challenges they will be presented at school and in life.
Years 7 and 8
It is important in the early years of High School that students consolidate the skills and understanding they will need in later years. We ensure that they have the foundations with spelling, grammar, comprehension and writing style. We believe that extending and diversifying reading choices is crucial for development. Students also need to be instructed on the language forms and features of range of text types.
Having established the basics, we both complement and extend beyond school based activities to ensure each individual student realises their potential.
Years 9 and 10
By unfolding each student’s potential we aim to instil a deep and detailed knowledge of language and literature. Our specially designed, individualised tutoring programmes not only complement, but also extend on the school based programmes.
Weaknesses in areas such as the following can be difficult to resolve by the time a student is in Years 11 and 12
- vocabulary
- using complex sentence structures.
- commenting on how meaning is formed
- throught the use of technique. detailed and sophisticated understanding of literature.
- writing across a range of forms including essays,speeches, feature articles, reviews, editorials, scripts and short stories.
At McDuff English College we target these skills using a dynamic and individual approach which builds confidence and expertise, whilst providing the foundation for success in the Higher School Certificate and beyond. The programmes are accelerated to ensure rapid development and are designed to both complement and enhance the work the students are doing at school.
Years 11 and 12
The senior school offers an exciting opportunity to embrace the power of language and develop skills which will benefit students in the HSC and their future careers. We believe that students need to be taught explicitly the complex writing demands of senior school English.
We are aware that many students find the multifaceted nature of written responses challenging, as they are requied to include concepts, context and values, analysis literary technique, textual detail and a sophisticated line of argument. It is, however, essential for HSC success. By developing a strong interpretative framework students can work through the various layers and complexities required to form engaging and perceptive responses to a range of questions.
Undertanding the specific requirements of the HSC modules and tailoring the learning to maximise performance in these areas has brought success for countless students over the years.
The College targets these skills using a dynamic and individual approach which builds confidence and expertise, whilst providing the foundation for success in the Higher School Certificate and beyond.
The programmes are accelerated to ensure rapid development and are designed to both complement and enhance the work the students are doing at school.
We look forward to working with you as you embrace the new found knowledge needed to excel in English.