English
English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Language and text shape our understanding of ourselves and our world. This allows us to relate with others, and contributes to our intellectual, social and emotional development. in English, students study language in it's various forms, which develop in complexity, to understand how meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected.
Students engage with literature from Australia, including the rich voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and from across the world. These texts communicate in distinctive ways and are shaped by lived experiences, knowledge, cultures and connections. By exploring historic and contemporary texts , representative of a range of cultural and social perspectives, students broaden their experiences and become empowered to express their identities, personal values and ethics.
Students develop foundational literacy skills in the early years and progressively build on these skills. This enables them to learn about and control language in a range of increasingly sophisticated contexts.
Through interrelated practices and experiences in understanding and creating texts, students learn about the power, purpose, value and art of English. The development of these interconnected skills and understandings supports students to become confident communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers, and informed and active participants in society.
The English Faculty
At Glendale Technology High School, our English Faculty is dedicated to guiding students to become thoughtful, ethical citizens who are ready to navigate the world with confidence. We foster strong communication skills, creative and critical thinking, and the ability to solve problems independently. Our students develop a deep understanding of our diverse, multicultural and global community, preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing world.
- K Dolle (Head Teacher)
- M Abbot (Languages)
- A Al-Ameri
- E Bowdler
- L Dowey
- C Moylan (Year 8 Year Advisor)
- R Petrie
- S Richardson
- M Smith
Text Selection across the Stages:
Engaging with texts is central to the study of English. 'Texts' should be understood to mean any written, spoken/signed, nonverbal, visual, auditory or multimodal communication.
Students undertake essential content, and work towards course outcomes, by engaging meaningfully with a range of texts. Teachers select texts based on their understanding of what students need to learn at particular points in time. A well-chosen text enables students to study features within and between texts that can enhance their knowledge, understanding and experience of how texts represent the world.
As students progress their learning they will encounter and engage with a range of increasingly complex and thematically mature texts. All text selections are made with consideration of a range of factors and are designed to either support or extend students' reading and abilities.
Subjects on Offer
Students engage in a deep dive into the mysteries of the crime genre. They will develop their understanding of the codes and conventions of genres while gaining insights into the enduring popularity of crime texts. In the second part of the course, students will have the opportunity to uncover the truth of a cold case based within the dark underbelly of GTHS.
Please note: this course will be offered as part of our Critical Thinking elective in 2026.
The course aims to engage and encourage students to develop their critical thinking skills and recognise the key aspects of a critical thinking mind. They will develop the essential skills to evaluate the vast and diverse amount of information they encounter in their daily lives. This will help them face future challenges in a continually evolving world.
The Critical Thinking course emphasises the fundamental attributes of critical thinkers and gives students a wide range of opportunities to transfer these skills across multiple disciplines. The course structure encourages students to think about thinking and transcend factual learning.
100 hour course:
- Core 1: Critical thinking in action
- Core 2: Research skills to support the critical mind
- Elective 1: Conspiracy Theories: what are the facts?
- Elective 2: How To Get Away With Murder
200 Hour course:
- Four additional electives, selected based on student interested and choice.
The aim of philosophy is to develop student knowledge of key philosophical thinkers, problems and arguments. By applying this knowledge to social dilemmas through communities of inquiry, students will challenge assumptions and beliefs and build their capacity for critical reasoning and ethical decision making.
Philosophical thought shapes what people think, value, and how they engage with others and the world around them. Philosophy is concerned with questions of ethics, knowledge, aesthetics and reality. It seeks to shed light on life's big issues, such as the nature of reality, how we should live and what it means to be human. Philosophy also grapples with the problems that lie at the foundation of issues of public debate such as artificial intelligence, human rights and freedom of speech.
100 hour course:
- Core 1: Introduction to Philosophy
- Core 2: Logic, argument and critical reasoning
- Elective 1: Ethics
- Elective 2: Personal Interest Project
200 hour course:
- Four additional electives, selected based on student interest and choice.
For further information on any of our courses please contact your students' teacher or K Dolle (Head Teacher English)
Have a question for our principal or teachers?
Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.