Extension programs

​At Benowa State High School we have a number of extension programs available to our students in English, French and Music

Year 11 students who receive a B+ or higher in English or Literature will be invited to apply for this Year 12 only subject. English and Literature Extension is a course which focuses on the theorised study of literature, using literary theory ranging from author, text, reader and world-context-centred approaches. It is ideal for students pursuing academic tertiary studies. The course is challenging and requires that students:

• choose individual complex texts to study and analyse through the application of theoretical approaches
• develop specific lines of inquiry for academic research, using the studied theoretical approaches
• formulate specific research questions that they can then analyse and explore through the application of theory to complex literary texts
• have excellent time management skills
• have the ability to plan, draft and edit long pieces of work

French extension

The course level is between Year 12 and 1st year university. The prerequisite to enrol in this course is completion of Year 12 French at a high or very high level of achievement or Year 12 French teacher recommendation.

The course aims to give an extra dimension to learning French. The focus is not in learning the language anymore, but learning and discovering French culture comparing it and contrasting it with the Australian culture. Therefore, the lessons are essentially made of critical analysis, text deconstructing rather than vocabulary and grammar.

There are 4 main topics:

• advertising - study of stereotypes in French and Australian advertising and the different techniques used by the two cultures in ads

• translation interpretation - through role plays, students are asked to use their language skills to function with ease between the two languages.

• French regions - an in depth study of a region of France and French culture (gastronomy, folklore, music, art)

• French literature - No study of French culture would be complete without it! The students study major writers like Hugo, Baudelaire, La Fontaine, Prevert, St Exupery, and many more

The assessment is a variety of tasks with emphasis on speaking, listening, reading and writing (formal and informal, literary and business style).

Music extension

The Year 12 music extension syllabus caters for students with specific abilities in music. It is designed for students interested in exploring in greater depth one of the three areas of specialisation composition, musicology or performance. The music extension syllabus builds on the “experience of music” framework of the senior music syllabus (2004). Learning experiences and assessment are organised within each specialisation by the common general objectives of investigating and realising.

Students will complete individual projects over two semesters.

Student activities include:

• developing audition and music ideas

• researching contexts

• genres and styles

• researching performance styles and performance practices

• exploring and analysing contextual

• generic and stylistic features of musical scores

• audio and visual recordings and performances

• rehearsing

• critiquing​

• refining and reflecting on their developing work.

Student assessment:

• Semester 3 - Investigating task 1 and realising task 1
• Semester 4 - Investigating task 2, (selective update) realising task 2

For performance students may choose to perform as a soloist or in a small instrumental or vocal ensemble. They may also choose to perform as an accompanist or as a conductor.

Desirable attributes:

• performance talents and interests in music

• an ability to work independently and collaboratively

• good self organisation skills