English

At Woonona High, our English faculty is dedicated to helping every student thrive as a confident, creative, and critical communicator. We consistently achieve strong academic results, with HSC outcomes above the state average, while also fostering a love of learning through engaging, student-centred approaches.

We provide a supportive and adaptable learning environment, offering a range of options to meet the needs of diverse learners. Students benefit from rich literary experiences that expose them to novels, short stories, poetry, and film, with a strong emphasis on quality works authored by Australians, including First Nations voices. A dedicated Reading Program in Years 7 and 8 strengthens literacy outcomes while instilling a lifelong passion and joy for reading from an early stage. Our faculty is made up of well-established educators who bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and consistency to their classrooms. With many staff also serving as HSC markers, students receive the benefit of high-level guidance and a deep understanding of the curriculum.

Learning in English extends beyond the classroom through excursions, enrichment classes, and extension opportunities for high-potential and gifted learners. We also integrate technology through tools such as Minecraft Education, Adobe Express, Canva, and Education Perfect to prepare students for success in the 21st century. We offer a variety of extracurricular activities that extend learning and build connections, including debating, public speaking, book and friendship clubs, narrative-based roleplay groups, and chess. Initiatives such as peer-led “Cake Fridays” further strengthen student wellbeing and camaraderie, particularly for our senior cohorts.

As curriculum leaders within the Curriculum Networks Illawarra, we collaborate closely with neighbouring schools to ensure innovative and best-practice teaching. We hold high expectations and emphasise integrity and resilience, equipping students with the skills they need for academic achievement and lifelong success. At its heart, English at Woonona High is about more than just texts. It is about stories, ideas, and voices. We want our students to develop a passion for reading, the courage to express themselves, and the skills to succeed in school, work, and life.