Year 11 English Advanced
English at Matrix is known for its individualised approach to students. Theory classes take place once a week and students are encouraged to attend workshop sessions at our Writing Centre up to three times a week where they receive ONE TO ONE tuition. This combination of small class learning with individual tuition has assisted our students in achieving excellent results, with a large percentage of our HSC English students achieving Band 6 results, including two STATE rankings in the 2008 year group, and five FIRST school rankings in the 2009 year group. 15% of the 2009 cohort achieved a top TEN ranking at their school.
Case Study:
Eugene Kim (2009 English Advanced Student)
Hi Ms,
I got my comparative study assessment task back. I achieved 13 out of 15. I am ecstatic with this mark as I thought I would not get over a 9. I just want to thank you for all the help that you gave me with this assessment task and that I really appreciate it… If I haven't already said so, I would like to take your offer of extra help with my English ADV for Jane Eyre Critical study, and I will take the English Extension course with Matrix next term. Once again, thanks for all the help!
Robyn Luu (2008 English Advanced Student)
I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to you and Lucy for helping me with English, brushing up on my essays and making my writing more legible. That one week of revision just before HSC really helped … You are totally awesome and I know many kids to come will thank you for your continual effort and willingness to help us, not to mention your epic geniusness (it's true, the HSC makes people invent new words). I miss high school because I miss the classes we had together. It was always a joy being taught by you and Lucy… I was really amazed at how much my English mark increased from just one intense week at Matrix. Thank you once again.
During each lesson, students develop:
- The skills to undertake a comprehensive and sophisticated study of the set texts
- Key content issues for each text and Module
- Broader theoretical preoccupations related to each text
- The essential skills of critical analysis, articulate and concise writing and engaging oral communication
- Time management and planning skills under exam conditions
- Academic writing and expression skills to ensure success in every discipline of the Stage 6 Higher School Certificate
- Weekly Theory Booklets that introduce and examine a broad variety of texts, both written and visual. Students apply the skills of textual analysis, and compose formal written responses.
- Weekly Work Booklets which consist of exam-style writing tasks. They assist students in revising and applying the core knowledge and skills introduced in class, including formal essay writing and textual conventions.
- Templates for a variety of textual forms including essay writing.
- Topic Tests to assess students' progress. Students perform the test under strict exam conditions. This gives students an opportunity to practice exam techniques acquired and assess their progress before they sit for school and external exams.
- One to one feedback on written work. This is provided through weekly workshops, ‘The Writing Centre’, for students who need to improve analytical and written skills, and want to review school and / or Matrix assessment tasks.
- Additional help with their school work. Students are encouraged to make appointments to see their teacher before and after class in order to address their English concerns.
- Academic research materials and resources.
Students will learn in:
TERM 1: Area of Study – Alienation / Belonging
TERM 2: Module A – Comparative Study of Texts and Context
TERM 3: Module B – Critical Study of Texts
TERM 4: Module C – Representation and Text
The Year 11 texts under examination are suitable for related material regarding HSC English Modules and Area of Study.
The course is scheduled during each school term and consists of 1.5 hours x 9 weekly lessons.
