11–12English Studies 11–12 Syllabus

The following elective focus areas can be selected for Year 11 or Year 12.

Through the study of texts in this focus area, students explore the ways in which language is used in the production, promotion, reception and criticism of films. They understand the complex nature of meaning in visual texts and examine how visual texts are constructed. Students consider why some films receive critical acclaim, have enduring popularity, or are considered classics. They consider the power of film as a medium to engage and influence thoughts, feelings, behaviour and attitudes, and the techniques used by filmmakers to achieve this impact. Students respond to and compose short visual texts of their own to develop their understanding of the relationship between visual forms and features, how ideas are communicated visually and how the relationship between visual forms and features, and how ideas are communicated imaginatively and powerfully in short films.

Students engage with a range of literary and other texts that explore the world of filmmakers and the power of film. Students have the opportunity to engage with, critique and enjoy a range of films that use visual language and other cinematic techniques to convey meaning, including narrative and documentary, feature-length and short films. They may study texts such as biographies, autobiographies, novels or plays that have been adapted into films, storyboards or film scripts used in the production of films, and texts written about films and their reception, including reviews. Students may research and engage with the perspectives of the actors and the production crew, and explore the nature of their contributions.