Outline

Overview

This unit of study is the first of three curriculum methodology units designed to equip you to teach secondary English and develop your professional identity as a high school English teacher. This unit will introduce you to the theories and principles of teaching and learning in subject English, raise your awareness of the debates and issues relevant to teaching English, and develop your understanding of the New South Wales English K-10 Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Education
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	72 credit points, including (EDSE2001 or EDHP2001) and 12 credit points at 2000 level from (Australian Literature or English)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jen Scott Curwood, js.curwood@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jen Scott Curwood, js.curwood@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Gerard Altura, gerard.altura@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Curriculum Library Report See Canvas	20%	Week 04 Due date: 17 Mar 2025 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Statement of Goals and Values See Canvas	40%	Week 08 Due date: 14 Apr 2025 at 23:59	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group Lesson Plan See Canvas	40%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

There are three assessments in this unit:

Curriculum Library Report, where you will showcase your ability to select and analyse appropriate texts for the English curriculum.
Statement of Goals and Values, where you will articulate your research-informed goals and values as a secondary English teacher.
Group Lesson Plan, where you will work in a small group to design and deliver a lesson plan based on one of the language modes.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

NOTE: All assessments in this unit must be passed in order to pass the unit. A failure of any single assessment will result in a failure of the unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1). See online marking criteria.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Standard FASS late penalties apply.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Becoming an English Teacher	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	An Introduction to English Method	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Contextualising the Australian Curriculum	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Teaching Reading	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Assessing Reading	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Understanding Goals and Values	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Teaching Writing	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Assessing Writing	Online class (3 hr)
Week 09	Teaching and Assessing Speaking	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Teaching and Assessing Listening	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Teaching and Assessing Viewing	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Teaching and Assessing Representing	Tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences' attendance policy is enforced in this unit, which states:

"Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 per cent of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean or relevant delegated authority. The Associate Dean or relevant delegated authority may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items when attendance is lower than 90 per cent."

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See Reading List on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate knowledge of the theory and pedagogy relevant to effective teaching and learning English across the language modes of listening, speaking, reading, representing, viewing and writing, and develop a repertoire of literacy strategies to address the needs of diverse students [1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.6]
LO2. critique and understand the central tenets of the major theories relevant to language learning as they apply to secondary English teaching, learning, assessment and student achievement [2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4]
LO3. be familiar with current issues and developments in the teaching of secondary English, including developments at local, state, national and international levels [3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4]
LO4. provide evidence of wide reading and knowledge across a broad range of textual forms, including poetry, drama, fiction, non-fiction, media, multi-media, and other types of texts appropriate to the range of abilities at all levels in the secondary school [3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4]
LO5. demonstrate an ability to integrate aims, outcomes, appropriate pedagogical and assessment strategies and resources in lesson planning, based on an understanding of the requirements of the Stage 4-5 English Syllabus and other curriculum documents and the needs and capacities of a diversity of students [3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, and 4.5]
LO6. demonstrate an understanding of the process for planning and designing units of work based on the requirements of the Stage 4-5 English Syllabus and the place of lesson plans within this broader unit and program scheme [5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2]
LO7. demonstrate a thorough understanding of outcomes-based approaches to teaching and learning in secondary English and be able to integrate this understanding in a sequence of lesson plans [5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2, 7.4]
LO8. demonstrate a thorough understanding of the structure, contents, underpinning theory, mandated texts and indicative hours, the place of ICT, and assessment requirements of the Stage 4-5 English Syllabus, and understand external examination/testing requirements for students in English in years 7-10 [5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2]

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The timetable and assessments have been updated for this unit based on student feedback.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EDSE3044: Teaching English 1

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links