Pretertiary English courses offered at Don College inlcude Studio 3, English Literature and English 3. These courses all have a different focus and allow students to develop analytical or creative writing skills.

Teacher Leanne Stones, described Lit as a pre-tertiary English course with a focus on contemporary and classic texts.   Divided into four core modules, students meet a range of texts throughout the year, including novels, films, plays and poems.  The course commonly has a high enrolment of year 11 students, with year 12 students choosing to undertake Literature as their only English at college or after the study of another English course in year 11.

"We commenced the year with a focus on the historical fiction novel, The Lieutenant, by the Australian writer Kate Grenville, the third novel in her loosely connected trilogy about first contact between indigenous people and colonisers.  We’ve been examining key events in the novel and looking at how these are presented, with class and individual reading enabling valuable follow-up of important ideas.  The Lieutenant will be paired with the modern sci-fi Arrival (dir Dennis Villeneuve) to explore common ideas in each text. During this study students will complete a creative response to show their understanding of key ideas and a major analytical essay." -Leanne Stones.

Some comments from students undertaking the English Lit course in 2024:

English Literature 3C helps me to understand the ideas and themes in texts, like the novel we're currently studying, The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville. The story delves deeply into the emotion and self-realisation of the main character, Daniel Rooke, while telling a thrilling story of settlement in NSW in the 1700s, which helps me to stay engaged and eager to read.   

-Jayden, Year 11.

Going into year 12, I want to broaden my experiences in my education. English Literature is an excellent avenue for extending my creative and analytical skills gained in English Writing and Modern History in Year 11. The course helps students find the areas in English that are appealing, preparing us for tertiary education.  

-Ruby, Year 12.

I came into English Lit as someone who has always achieved high marks in English throughout primary and high school. I realise the approach is different from my previous courses, but I think that's a good thing. I want to learn how to write a good essay and I think I'm in the right place! It’s only week 4 and we have already read and discussed a whole novel. I can't wait to see where this subject takes me.  

-Tess, Year 11.

English lit is helping me become more confident in analysing texts and sharing my thoughts with the class.  

-Cody, Year 11.

In English Literature I am learning how to effectively analyse and critically compare texts which will allow me to view future literary works through a deeper lens. In this class we openly brainstorm together with the guidance of our teacher, to reach the deeper meanings and values behind the wonderful world of literature.  

-William, Year 11.

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In English 3, students have had an introduction to the analysis of texts by looking at the adaptation process from written short story or novella to film. Not only do students have to analyse the changes that have eventuated in the adaptation process, but look at why the authors and directors gave composed their texts in the way they have and consider the impact this has on the audience. This is an important foundation unit for the students as they must reproduce this essay in their final exam at the end of the year. 

Students are doing well to tackle the rigorous introduction to this course! 

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English Studio 3 is a new course replacing English Writing. Students have begun the term examining short stories by various authors. Their first task was to write a scene which will be developed into a short story. 

This is Studio 3 student, Annabelle Halley's scene. Annabelle has used an adapted writing prompt from short story, The Berry Patch by Wallace Stegner to begin her story. 

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Studio 2 is also a new addition to the Level 2 offerings in English this year. Shane Wolfe's class has been working on poetry and exploring the adolescent experience through young adult writing. 

Here are poem from Studio 2 students Charlie Williams, Mackenzy Phillips and Jessi Ollington. 

Backyard by Charlie Williams

The umbrella in the glass table,

wrapped in a cocoon,

closed for years.

The yard light clocks in for the night;

startled, it wonders who I am.

I rest in an empty chair,

once free from webs.

The seat droops, arms withering.

Sausages, blackened by carelessness.

A smell drifts.

Laughter collides, dimples fold.

The sun bleeds through rips in the umbrella.

The glass table supports plates and elbows.

Light invites mosquitoes; a whizz past like a distant motorbike.

The soft surrounding glow catches my eye.

I brush my leg; later, I scratch.

A slender breeze caresses my cheek.

Mum’s fingertips touch my chin; they remain like a band aid.

The clicking of claws on the deck

as the Shar Pei trots to the water bowl.

Twisted Sister plays from the shed.

In my backyard you can fall between the cracks in broken memories,

and trip over time.

The door slides open behind me.

Dance Studio: 8pm by Jessi Ollington

Dim studio lights glint off a mirrored performer,

the room filled with concentration.

Thoughts flowing from step to step like a body of water,

I feel a rhythm, once danced.

Silk leotards, shoes in careful piles,

movements as soft as a flame.

Through windows come orange glows of streetlamps.

With the scrape of gravel

tires slide to a halt.

People pass, their voices like whispers.

A crescent moon.

The drop of a deodorant can,

the smell of sugary roses.

Through an open door, heels click.

Around the walls smooth wooden bars stretch,

laughs as delicate as butterflies.

Watching My Mum Draw by Mackenzy Phillips

The kitchen table lies bare,

ready to start.

A slump of laundry,

stiff in the background.

Her retired artist hands welcome the pen,

forgetting nothing.

Dancing as though no time has passed,

ink sprouts and blooms on the torn off page.

Her eyes so void of meaning,

so confident,

I muse over each completed stroke.

The fishtank gurgles.

Comfortable silence returns sleepy, aged memories.

The wrinkles on her forehead,

like silky waves of stress,

are eased by the pen.

The air is thick,

soggy.

Dishes swim in their filthy bubble bath.

Taking a breath,

ink colours the last standing sketch.

The dryer sings its muggy chime,

reminding the once-schoolgirl before me,

her chores await.

“I haven’t drawn in ages.”

An uncertain smile slinks on my mum’s lips

as the wooden chair pulls away.

Her lonesome, signed art

waits on the table

for no one.

Crisp folds in the loungeroom

echo in my ear.

I take the lined page of drawings.

She doesn’t notice.