English

Year Level Description

Students use language features to create coherence and add detail to their texts. They understand how to express an opinion based on information in a text. They create texts that show understanding of how images and detail can be used to extend key ideas.

Students create structured texts to explain ideas for different audiences. They make presentations and contribute actively to class and group discussions, varying language according to context. They learn to express an opinion and to consider the viewpoints of others. They demonstrate an understanding of grammar, select vocabulary from a range of resources and use accurate spelling and punctuation, editing their work to improve meaning.

Students begin to develop an understanding of how personal interpretations of a text may vary. They read more critically and reflect on how socio-cultural values, attitudes and beliefs are represented or ignored. They identify the use of some simple symbolic meanings and stereotypes in texts. Students understand the purposes and characteristics of a range of text types and how to use these to access information. They explain how language features, images and vocabulary are used to engage the interest of audiences.

They describe literal and implied meaning connecting ideas in different texts. They express preferences for particular texts, and respond to others’ viewpoints. They listen for key points in discussions.

Achievement Standard

Reading

• Reads year level texts independently.
• Reads and responds to a variety of texts that reveal comprehension at a literal level.
• Reads and responds to a variety of texts that reveal comprehension at an inferential level.
• Reads and responds to a variety of texts that reveal comprehension at an evaluative level.
• Discusses literary experiences with others by sharing responses and expressing a point of view.

Speaking and Listening

• Uses active listening behaviours and responds appropriately.
• Communicates thoughts clearly and logically through spoken language.
• Participates actively in discussions and expresses an opinion.
• Follows and gives directions accurately.

Writing                    

• Uses quotation marks to indicate direct speech, titles or quotes.
• Incorporates new vocabulary from a range of sources into their own writing.
• Spells year level appropriate high frequency words.
• Plans and writes an informative and persuasive text choosing the appropriate structure and language features.
• Plans and writes an imaginative text choosing an appropriate structure and language features.
• Rereads writing to add, delete and move words (including word groups) to improve the content, meaning and structure.
• Writes fluently with clearly formed and joined letters.