Make a difference through writing. This subject allows students to do just that. Explore a career possibility and at the same time use the power of the pen to attack injustice, generate debate and create change. Students will explore the world of professional writing, journalism and ethics and develop voice in their writing as they explore key societal issues and events. Students will also explore the changing nature of writing for purpose in a media context. This subject opens many doorways into media and communication career fields. 

What will I learn?

In this unit, students will choose a cause or current issue and use journalistic skills to generate action. In an era where the process of accessing news is rapidly changing, this course will help to make students more discerning readers. It will allow students to spot a writer’s bias, the shallow beat up, the weak headline and the badly written story. Students will also study journalistic styles of writing such as – hard news stories, feature articles and social commentary. Students will work as individuals and in teams to analyse articles based on the Journalistic code of Ethics. Students will create, publish and present news stories using new mediums such as Podcasts.

What will this lead to?

This study will assist greatly with skills needed for the Exploring Argument unit in VCE English. 

Why choose this subject?

• I enjoy writing

• I want to develop my critical thinking skills through the analysis and creation of professional writing

• I am interested in furthering my knowledge about written and spoken media

• I want to improve my media literacy

Duration: 5 periods per week for one semester

Contact/Further: Head of English - Kelly Brown