18 Feb 2022
Teachers of English have been working hard to prepare units of work to inspire and challenge Merewether students.
Our staff this year are: Ms Burdekin, Ms McNaughton, Ms Parker, Ms Bennet, Ms Biram, Ms Latimore, Ms Daley, Ms Carman and Mrs Roberts.
Mrs Roberts joins us from Newcastle Grammar School where she taught in the Languages and Literacy Department. Mrs Roberts is a language specialist and an experienced NAPLAN marker.
Mr Shumack and Ms Gollan will be covering staff absences and I am thrilled that we have their support this year.
Ms Leanne Corney is working in the Learning Centre on Wednesdays and students in Years 11 and 12 are encouraged to attend her seminars and seek individual support with English if the need arises.
In Year 7, we begin with the study of ‘Australian Voices’. This unit looks at how Australia’s image and Australia’s identity are represented through the ‘voices’ of Australian people in a variety of texts. Assessment will involve delivering a speech and creating a poster.
Students in Year 8 are in engaged in a poetry unit which features a variety of poems that deal with the subject of war and conflict. Students will learn how to structure an analytical response to poetry.
In Year 9, we are implementing a new unit titled ‘Crime Fiction’. I hope this study will ignite a passion for this very popular genre and inspire students to write using the conventions of Crime Fiction.
Year 10 are immersed in the study of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. We are challenging students to consider the notion of agency in relation to Macbeth’s actions. I’m sure the study of Macbeth’s ‘vaulting ambition’ along with an evaluation of the ‘weird’ sisters’ prophecies and Lady Macbeth’s spotty hand will provide them plenty to consider.
Year 11 have commenced the first unit, Reading to Write. In addition to an anthology of short texts, students are reading an extended text and considering the notion of ‘writing for truth’.
Year 12 continue their HSC studies and will sit their mid-course assessment at the end of this term. Students are encouraged to maintain a regular home study routine that includes revision of key concepts and engagement in the writing process. We look forward to sharing the learning journey with you and your child.
Mrs Angela Colbert, Head Teacher English
Debating
In 2022, Merewether High will field two teams in each of the 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12 NSW Premier's Debating Challenge competitions. We are looking forward to another enjoyable and successful year of debating which extends student confidence, knowledge of issues, skills in critical thinking and collegiality.
Calls for expressions of interest will take place very soon for any available positions. We encourage students with a high interest in debating to try out for teams.
Unfortunately, with limited spaces and so many talented students to choose from, not all can be selected.
There is also an expectation that students selected for debating teams will make themselves available for brief meetings during some lunchtimes, respond promptly to emails about debating matters, will attend after school online coaching sessions set to take place in Term 2, and work as a supportive team member at all times.
Ms Burdekin and Ms Latimore