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Here are some ways you can be successful in VCE EAL.
Learn from previous students
The most successful students:
- Practised essays
- Asked questions
- Worked every day on EAL
- Read and re-read
- Understood SAC and exam requirements and criteria and stuck to them
- Practised speaking with as many people as possible
Recognise your weaknesses and try to address them
Your teacher will be very open about your strengths and weaknesses. You may need to focus on grammar or spelling; on note-taking; handwriting; or writing introductions. Don’t ignore comments about weaknesses as they can be addressed and get you an extra mark or two. Remember that if your grammar is weak, only extremely hard work will raise the standard.
Understand the SAC and exam requirements and criteria
You should talk to other Sts, to staff and especially to your teacher if you do not understand what you need to do. Read criteria sheets very carefully and discuss them with your fellow Sts. Read the criteria for the exams.
Practise writing essays
This is one of the most obvious ways to be successful – the more you write, the more feedback you get and the more you are likely to improve. Write at least three practise essays for each of the text response outcomes.
Treat every SAC seriously
Make sure you are clear about the criteria. Make sure you practise, practise, practise. For your speech SACs, rehearse in front of a mirror, videotape yourself, record your voice, watch and copy famous speakers BUT most of all, make sure you connect with your audience.
Homework
There is always homework to do – you do not have to be told what to do. Do Note Form Summaries and Language Analyses; do practice essays; read; revise, etc. You need to be responsible for your own learning. Do at least one hour every day on EAL homework.
Look at the Learning Bites and the Sharepoint websites frequently
Be well organised
Keep your folder up to date. Keep the papers you are given. Make notes and reread them regularly. Don’t throw away anything through the year. Put your name on your books and handouts. Make a study plan including where, when, who with, how and what you are going to study each week.
Keep learning English!
Write down new vocabulary and use it in your own writing and speaking. Practise speaking and listening to English as much as possible. Use English at recess and lunchtime. Very importantly, read newspapers to build vocabulary and increase your awareness of the world you live in.
Keep connected
You live in Australia, you study in Australia, so you need to be aware of what’s happening in Australia. Become connected to Australia and to your school. There are many people at school who can help you with aspects of EAL. Stay connected by speaking to staff and students; e-mail or text if necessary with any relevant questions; remember that all staff want you to succeed and we are dedicated to you and your success so don’t hesitate or be shy to ask.
Be responsible
While staff are here to guide you, you still must take much responsibility for your own success. While staff will push you as much as we can, we cannot force you to read or write or speak or listen! You need to make a decision very soon about how serious you are about being successful in 2015.