Pre VCE Literature

Subject Overview

Pre-VCE Literature offers you the opportunity to explore the complexities and concerns of the world, through analysing texts of both the past and the present. This subject will help you to develop your awareness of other people, places, and cultures, and how texts explore the complexity of the human experience. Overall, Pre-VCE Literature aims to develop your enjoyment and appreciation of all texts, as well as your ability to think critically and respond both analytically and creatively.

Content and ideas:

  • Conventions of text types (films, short stories, graphic novels, poems, novels, plays)

  • Interpreting and finding meaning in texts

  • Close analysis of texts

  • Understanding the purposes of literary techniques

  • The influence of cultural and social context on the development of texts

  • How and why meaning changes from original texts to adaptions

  • How to broaden your vocabulary

  • How to enhance your piece of writing (analytical and creative)

Typical class activities:

  • Discussions (whole class and in small groups)

  • Debates

  • Analytical & creative writing activities

  • Analysing sample work

  • Individual research

  • Group activities and presentations

Assessment Tasks:

  • Adaptations and transformations essay (how meaning changes from one text to another)

  • Close analysis of both poetry and passages of prose

  • Text response essay, presenting a substantiated interpretation of a text in response to a topic

  • Creative writing accompanied by a written reflection

  • Delivery of an oral presentation

  • Discussion of literary criticism

Do this subject if…

  • You enjoy reading and writing and wish to enhance your existing skills

  • You desire both an enriching and challenging subject that provides you with the opportunity to regularly discuss complex themes and ideologies with your peers

  • You wish to broaden your vocabulary and critical thinking skills in a dedicated environment.

Content Warning: This subject contains in-depth study of films with an M15+ rating. It is recommended that students are aged fifteen or over when undertaking this subject.

Recommended prerequisite:
Preparatory English
Leads to future English subjects:
Unit 1&2 Literature
Unit 1&2 English

Student testimonials

“I have found Pre-VCE Literature to be a simultaneously challenging and enjoyable class. The subject has significantly increased both my vocabulary and my creative writing skills and has altered the means through which I view the concerns and intricacies of the world.”

“Pre-VCE Literature is for people who love reading and writing, it encourages students who may have previously been breezing through English to put more effort into their writing, by challenging them more. If you are one of these people, be prepared to be challenged in your writing skills, which is something that may not have often happened to you before. It helps improve your attention to detail, vocabulary, and enhances almost all of your writing.”

“I find that Pre-VCE Literature has been a challenging yet thought-provoking subject that has given me a great opportunity to broaden my vocabulary and better understand the ways of analysing different sorts of texts. Throughout the year we have analysed a range of texts and had discussions around various complex ideas. Despite being challenging I have learnt a lot and feel more confident in my abilities.”