English is more than reading and writing: it’s about learning how to understand the world and have your voice heard within it. From Years 7–12, students engage with the three strands of the Australian Curriculum - Language, Literature, and Literacy - to develop the knowledge and skills needed to communicate with confidence, creativity, and critical awareness.
Through the study of novels, film, poetry, media, and everyday texts, students learn to think deeply, question ideas, and recognise how language shapes identity, culture, and power. Our curriculum emphasises real-world applications such as persuasive communication, collaboration, digital and media literacy, and problem-solving skills that transfer directly to senior study, the workplace, and life beyond school.
Junior Secondary
(Years 7 - 10)
English is where ideas come to life. Across Years 7–10, students explore stories, voices, and perspectives that help them understand themselves, others, and the world around them. Through literature, film, media, and real-world texts, learners develop the confidence to think critically, communicate clearly, and create with purpose.
Our program builds strong foundations in reading, writing, speaking, and listening while encouraging curiosity and creativity. Students learn to question viewpoints, analyse how language shapes meaning, and craft their own imaginative and persuasive texts. From debating contemporary issues to exploring classic and modern narratives, English is a space where every student can find their voice.
Aligned with the Australian Curriculum, our courses prepare students for the senior pathways of General English, Literature, Essential English, and English & Literature Extension. More importantly, we aim to develop thoughtful, articulate young people who can engage with the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Senior School
(Years 11 - 12)
Senior English provides students with the intellectual tools to interpret, question, and shape the world through language. Aligned with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) syllabuses, our senior courses develop sophisticated reading, writing, and thinking practices that prepare students for tertiary study, training, and professional life.
Students may choose from four distinct pathways designed to meet diverse interests, strengths, and post-school goals:
General English – develops analytical and evaluative skills through the study of literary, media, and contemporary texts. Students learn to craft purposeful responses and create imaginative, persuasive, and analytical works for authentic audiences.
Literature (General) – invites students into the rich traditions of literary study, exploring how texts from different times and places shape ideas about identity, culture, ethics, and aesthetics.
Essential English – focuses on practical literacy and communication for everyday, community, and workplace contexts, strengthening students’ ability to interpret and produce real-world texts.
English & Literature Extension – this invitation-only program offers high-achieving students the opportunity for specialised, independent inquiry into complex texts and critical theories, fostering advanced academic research and writing.
Across all courses, students engage with the QCAA dimensions of knowledge application, textual analysis, and purposeful communication. They learn to navigate diverse perspectives, evaluate the influence of language and representation, and compose sophisticated written, spoken, and multimodal texts. These capabilities nurture creativity, ethical understanding, and the confidence to participate thoughtfully in civic and professional life.
Senior English classrooms are vibrant intellectual communities where rigorous scholarship is balanced with strong relationships and individual support. Students are challenged to think independently, collaborate respectfully, and see themselves as capable contributors to Australia's future.
Faculty Enrichment Programs
Tea and Tales: voluntary reading club where students can bring their own book and have a warm cup of tea
Book Week: events and activities that are aligned to the yearly Book Week theme, including the annual dress-up competition
Short story and poetry competitions: Students can submit their creative writing to potentially win prizes
Incursions: performers for poetry units in Junior Secondary and Shakespeare units in Senior Secondary
FLI program: small group literacy intervention
Contact
Head of Department
Dani Lloyd
dlloy51@eq.edu.au
or 07 3881 6666