At Mount Gambier High School students of English are encouraged to achieve their best and challenge themselves in supportive classrooms and by a very positive ethos in the school.

A range of options

We offer a range of options for students to extend themselves - the study of classics is offered at Year 9, and the choice between General and Studies English classes at Year 10 and 11.

There is an emphasis on oral communication and debating. Workshops are offered to interested students and they are encouraged to enter a range of competitions.

A Writers Camp was offered this year, and it is hoped this will become an annual event. It allowed students to work with guest writers and in workshop situations with a range of teachers. The camp generated writing which is being included in the 'Centenary Book', currently under preparation for our centenary celebrations.

An enthusiastic 'Writers' Club' meets regularly to develop and publish pieces of writing.

Shakespeare is taught across all year levels - both his plays and poetry and Bell Shakespeare performances provide students with an opportunity to see the plays in action and workshopped by professional performers.

Reading is encouraged in our Wider Reading Program and through our involvement with the Premier's Reading Challenge and the support of excellent library facilities.

Visiting Writers

Pegge and Potter

On Thursday 4th September Richard Potter and Edmund Pegge presented two poetry workshops for students at Mount Gambier High School.

Richard a teacher, and Edmund an actor and writer have been working with students as entertainers and teachers for more than ten years. They have a gift for bringing poetry to life in unexpected ways.

Their workshops catered for Year 8 and 9 students and for Year 10 and 11 students. Students had the opportunity to write, to listen and to perform poetry. It was a lively and engaging session enjoyed by all participants.

Success

Year 12 results in both English Studies and Communications have been outstanding over a number of years, attracting state wide media attention and the interest of SSABSA in our success. Up to 85% of students achieve in the 'A' band in English Studies and in 2006 100% of the class achieved an 'A' with 50% achieving a merit in English.

Courses offered

Level	Courses Offered	Duration/Value
Year 8	English	Full Year
	English as a Second Language (ESL)	Full Year
Year 9	English	Full Year
	English - The Classics	Semester
Year 10	English	Full Year
	English Studies	Full Year
Stage 1	English A	1 Unit
	English B	1 Unit
	English and Australian Studies for Apprenticeships	3 Units
	English Studies A	1 Unit
	English Studies B	1 Unit
Stage2	English Communications	2 Units
	English Studies	2 Units