This year, my favourite English unit we did was Creative Writing and Literary Analysis. It wasn't studying rules of grammar or essays — it was studying how to unlock our imaginations, learn about human experience, and learn how to communicate with power and beauty.
My favourite thing about this unit was the freedom it provided. For the first time in my life, I was permitted to write my own poetry, short stories, and even personal essays. We could make up characters, construct worlds of our own, and express ideas significant to us. Each class was an invitation to find new possibilities, to dream, and to put those dreams into words. In addition to that, we read world literature and discussed how writers of classics use language to produce meaning, emotion, and effect.
Perhaps the most useful skills we were taught are those that are not just useful for English class, but life. We discovered how to clarify ideas, build sound arguments, and modify vocabulary according to whom we're communicating with, and the reason for what we are expressing. We further developed analytical reasoning by reading in between the lines and finding veiled meanings laid beneath the layer of words. Skills like critical reading, persuasive writing, and creative thinking are essential irrespective of the career that you choose.
English education is important since communication is the centre of every activity we are engaged in. Regardless of whether you're writing a business proposal, recounting a tale, or merely expressing your mind, having the ability to efficiently utilize language sets you ahead significantly. English helps us comprehend our world and grants us the power to convey our thoughts to other people. In a world with more technology and worldwide connectivity on a daily basis, being able to read between the lines, understand other perspectives, and be a good communicator is more important than ever.
In short, English is not just something you study in school — it's a way you are able to express, inspire, and transform the world. After completing this unit, I understand the power of words better than ever before, and I'm excited to keep developing my skills.
If you are a person who is a creative soul, you like to explore different ideas, and you want to have your voice heard, then English is the right subject for you!
Jayden Araujo - Year 10 English Prefect