It's so normal to be overwhelmed by the amount of choices there are in VCE subject selections. I have spoken to many senior school students over the years who are particularly anxious about which English subject they should choose. That's why we have created this article - to give you the 'what's what' on VCE English subjects.
There are four VCE English subjects to choose from:
English
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Literature
English Language
Each have their own differences, but what are they?
English & EAL
Let's start with mainstream English and EAL. VCE English and EAL are both run from the same study design, but the level of proficiency expected is slightly different; as EAL is designed for students whose first language is not English, there is some larger focus on the foundational aspects of the English language as a whole as well as the outcomes specified in the study design. In VCE English and EAL, students focus on reading and understanding texts (comprehension), creating texts (writing) and exploring and analysing arguments (persuasion).
Assessments comprise of oral presentations, creative writing pieces and analytical responses to texts (articles, books and film).
Literature
Next, Literature. VCE Literature focuses primarily on interpretation, understanding and analysis of prose (books and other writing) and film. This is done largely through close analysis of excerpts from books, poetry, a collection of short stories, scripts (for the stage), and comparisons between film/podcasts and books. If you choose to study VCE Literature, be prepared to do plenty of reading and annotating of the books you read throughout your two years studying the subject.
You will be assessed through theoretical essays and analytical close readings of texts.
English Language
Finally, English Language. Students studying VCE English Language will learn the intricacies of sociolinguistics. You will learn the technical names for language features (metalanguage) and apply this knowledge to texts that are given to you on the spot. You will learn linguistic theories, the history of the English language, how people acquire and learn languages, the difference between informal and formal language, and how language constructs identity including Australian English.
Common texts for assessment include transcripts of conversations, political speeches and radio interviews, posters and billboards, advertisements and anything you can think of in between. English Language is assessed through answering short questions about a text, writing an analytical commentary about a text, or writing an essay about language and society.
Conclusion
Choosing which English you want to take in VCE is a big decision, and taking your time to consider your options whilst talking to your past English teachers can be a good place to start. If you're still unsure, have a look at the study designs of each. These can be found on the VCAA website under 'study designs'.
Good luck for the year ahead - and remember the team at VELT are ready to hear from you and lend a helping hand throughout the year!
Which English are you leaning towards?
English
EAL
Literature
English Language
You can vote for more than one answer.
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