Expressions of Interest

Another opportunity for you to get involved with ETAWA!

We are currently seeking contributors for our 2025 Year 12 Good Answers English and Literature publications.  Please read the attached advertisement and apply if you would like to contribute.  Applications due October 31st.

ETAWA 2024 State Conference

The theme of the ETAWA 2024 State Conference on 24 February is We heard you.  Yes, we have and so we are trialling what you asked for – two mini conferences in 2024. The other request is PD on teaching First Nations literature, so we have two keynote speakers who are experts in this field. With the conference fast approaching, now is the time to register. Program and registration details can be found here.

Professional Development

Registration is now open for our November 30th PD session. This is a practical session supported by the findings of the ETAWA Marking Methods Study….and it includes afternoon tea! This event will also be live streamed for those who are out of the metro area. You can register for the PD here. 

ETAWA Festive Market

We are excited to be hosting a festive end of year celebration for our English teaching community. There will be a range of stalls at the event including representatives from Dymocks Ellenbrook, University of Western Australia Publishing, and The Literature Centre.

ETAWA 2024 State Conference

The theme of the ETAWA 2024 State Conference on 24 February is We heard you.  Yes, we have and so we are trialling what you asked for – two mini conferences in 2024. The other request is PD on teaching First Nations literature, so we have two keynote speakers who are experts in this field. Details about registration for the first of the two mini conferences will be released soon!

ETAWA State Conference – Call for Abstracts

If you wish to present at the State Conference in 2024, please submit your proposal via this form. The call for abstracts will close on the 8th of December.

Year 11ATAR Good Answer Guide

To bring this publication into existence we need your help, as well as your students.

If your school uses the ETAWA Year 11 ATAR English Examination, we would appreciate your assistance in collecting some ‘good’ examples of student responses. We characterise these as responses that have particular merit, such as:

• addressing the entire question
• providing a thorough analysis of studied texts
• creating interesting and complex narratives or arguments
• writing with clarity and control

We are not looking for samples from top students. We want to be able to annotate the answer within the publication to show what is being done well and how the response can be improved. We are seeking responses from which average students feel they can learn, rather than responses they feel are beyond their capabilities.

We hope that the Year 11 ATAR English teachers in your school are willing to be involved in selecting such responses for this important publication. Teachers are invited to select whole examination scripts, individual answers, or parts of answers that would make an illustration of a ‘good’ response.

If you think you can be involved in this publication, please let us know at executiveofficer@etawa.org.au or contact us with any questions you might have.

We have attached a letter to principals and teachers explaining the publication and a student/guardian consent form for selected students, which should also be signed by the school principal or Head of English as their representative. Students who are selected will be awarded a certificate recognising their work and contribution.

Claire Jones

Executive Officer

AATE Research Support 

The Australian Association for Teachers of English offers support for research that has a direct impact on the teaching of English in Australia. The application deadline for research grant proposals has been extended until the 1st of December 2023. Further information about this opportunity can be found here.

Professional Development

Registration is now open for our November 30th PD session. This is a practical session supported by the findings of the ETAWA Marking Methods Study….and it includes afternoon tea! You can register here.

ETAWA Festive Market

We are excited to be hosting a festive end of year celebration for our English teaching community. There will be a range of stalls at the event including representatives from Dymocks Ellenbrook, University of Western Australia Publishing, and The Literature Centre.

Year 11ATAR Good Answer Guide

To bring this publication into existence we need your help, as well as your students.

If your school uses the ETAWA Year 11 ATAR English Examination, we would appreciate your assistance in collecting some ‘good’ examples of student responses. We characterise these as responses that have particular merit, such as:

• addressing the entire question
• providing a thorough analysis of studied texts
• creating interesting and complex narratives or arguments
• writing with clarity and control

We are not looking for samples from top students. We want to be able to annotate the answer within the publication to show what is being done well and how the response can be improved. We are seeking responses from which average students feel they can learn, rather than responses they feel are beyond their capabilities.

We hope that the Year 11 ATAR English teachers in your school are willing to be involved in selecting such responses for this important publication. Teachers are invited to select whole examination scripts, individual answers, or parts of answers that would make an illustration of a ‘good’ response.

If you think you can be involved in this publication, please let us know at executiveofficer@etawa.org.au or contact us with any questions you might have.

We have attached a letter to principals and teachers explaining the publication and a student/guardian consent form for selected students, which should also be signed by the school principal or Head of English as their representative. Students who are selected will be awarded a certificate recognising their work and contribution.

Claire Jones

Executive Officer

AATE Research Support 

The Australian Association for Teachers of English offers support for research that has a direct impact on the teaching of English in Australia. The application deadline for research grant proposals has been extended until the 1st of December 2023. Further information about this opportunity can be found here.

Welcome to our May newsletter. There are lots of exciting events and professional development opportunities coming up this term so read on to find out more.

The Power of Language ETAWA State Conference Saturday May 13th, 2023 University of WA 

Registrations have been extended for a limited time. Please click here to register now

ETAWA  2023 National Conference Scholarships: Call for Applications

The national conference of the Australian Association for the Teaching of English ‘ACTion to ImpACT: English and Literacy that Empowers’ will be held in Canberra from 1-4 July 2023. Details are available at Canberra 2023 – AATE – Australian Association for the Teaching of English

The English Teachers Association of WA is offering up to five scholarships to members possessing either individual or group membership to attend the conference. The scholarships will cover economy class airfares from Perth to Canberra and return, accommodation in Canberra and conference registration.

It is a condition of each scholarship that the awardee attend a meeting at the conference with an ETAWA representative and provide within two months of attendance an article of approximately 600 words for the ETAWA journal Interpretations providing evidence of how attendance at the conference has enhanced the awardee’s understanding of English pedagogy and teaching practice. The article might take the form of:

• a series of lessons developed as a result of the awardee’s attendance
• a description of an approach to teaching a text developed as a result of the awardee’s attendance
• an explanation of pedagogical strategies implemented as a result of the awardee’s attendance
• an academically researched article with references from the conference and additional references from own research as a result of the awardee’s attendance
• an exploration of the importance of subject English’s role in society as a result of the awardee’s attendance.

If you wish to apply for one of the scholarships, please email an application to Rod Quin, Secretary, ETAWA at rodquin@iinet.net.au explaining in no more than 100 words in the body of the email why you believe you would be a worthy recipient.

Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received a national conference scholarship from ETAWA.

Applications close 5 PM Monday 22 May 2023.

Good Answers Guide Update

Dear ETAWA community,

We regret to inform you that there has been a delay in the publication of the 2023 editions of Good Answers English and Good Answers Literature. We are expecting these titles will be distributed mid-Term 2, still allowing plenty of time for students to engage with the activities and student samples in the lead up to the 2023 WACE Examination in November. We apologise for any inconvenience. Thank you for your ongoing support of our publications.

ETAWA Publications Portfolio.

Primo Lux 2023

Have your poetry published If you are in years Ten, Eleven or Twelve see your English teacher for a submission form now.

Only Students from Years 10, 11 and 12 are eligible

Entries close July 1st 2023 – Submit your entry through the link.

We hope that you have had a wonderful Term One and that your holiday break offers an opportunity for rest, relaxation, and riveting reads.  In this edition of our newsletter, you will find the latest news on upcoming events and professional development opportunities for English Teachers.

The Power of Language ETAWA State Conference Saturday May 13th, 2023 University of WA

Registrations for the ETAWA State Conference are now open. Please click here to register. 

Call for Papers

ETAWA invites applications to present a 10-minute short talk, 20- or 45-minute workshop or research presentation that seeks to explore our 2023 conference theme, The Power of Language. All teachers, including graduates, are encouraged to apply.
Presenters might consider ideas related to the theme such as:

• The power of language to examine culture and perspective
• The power of language in rapidly changing environments
• Texts and language that empower students
• The power of voice

Short Talks
A Short Talk is an exploration of an idea for the curious mind with a short attention span. The presenter could pose their own questions or share their own experience with links to curiosity and the English classroom. This year we are offering digital short talk presentations and welcome presenters to submit a pre-recorded short talk to be played at the conference

Workshops
A Workshop session typically involves an element of interactive activity for participants. The presenter could explore issues and ideas and their implementation in their own setting or explore strategies to add to a teacher’s repertoire. The interactive component could involve a question and answer or panel session, participant trialing of strategies, group problem solving or workshopping of ideas and techniques. Workshops will be scheduled during concurrent sessions on the conference program.

Research Presentations
Research extracts will be reviewed by members of the ETAWA Committee. No facility for full review of papers is available but presenters are encouraged to submit their research to the conference edition of Interpretations. Presenters are encouraged to develop papers that emphasise the benefits of research and research findings for the teaching community.

Proposals are to be submitted no later than Friday April 14th and must include:

• nomination of session type
• an abstract (up to 250 words)
• biographical details of the presenter/s (up to 50 words per presenter)
• any equipment you need for the presentation, such as data projector, wifi access etc.
• an agreement to be recorded and/or photographed

Applicants will be notified about the success of their proposal within two weeks of their submission. Short talk presenters will receive 50% off the cost of registration. All other presenters will receive complimentary registration to attend the full day of the conference. Offers to present must be accepted by Friday April 21st.

Please fill in the form here to submit your proposal.

State Conference Scholarships

ETAWA is offering ten scholarships to ETAWA members who wish to attend the 2023 ETAWA State Conference, The Power of Language, on Saturday May 13 at the University of Western Australia.

Five scholarships are available to ETAWA members (individual or part of group membership) in their first or second year of teaching. These scholarships cover the cost of registration.

Five scholarships are available to ETAWA members (individual or part of group membership) who are teaching in rural or remote schools. These scholarships cover the cost of registration, two nights’ accommodation in Perth (at a hotel selected by ETAWA), travel to and from Perth – air or train fare, or car travel at ATO mileage rates.

Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received a national conference scholarship from ETAWA.

It is a condition of each scholarship that the awardee attend a meeting at the conference with an ETAWA representative and provide within two months of attendance an article of approximately 600 words for the ETAWA journal Interpretations providing evidence of how attendance at the conference has enhanced the awardee’s understanding of English pedagogy and teaching practice.

If you would Ike to apply for one of the above scholarships, please send an email to Rod Quin, Secretary, ETAWA at rodquin@iinet.net.au explaining in no more than 100 words in the body of the email why you would be a worthy recipient.

March Professional Development – Recording Available

Links to our March Professional Learning held at UWA on March 16th are now available. We were delighted to host Stuart Bender and Anna Hardy for two concurrent sessions about ChatGPT and selecting picture books and graphic novels for study.

The link for accessing these recordings is within the Members Only section of our ETAWA website. Please log in and access here to listen.

Primo Lux 2023

Have your poetry published If you are in years Ten, Eleven or Twelve see your English teacher for a submission form now.

Only Students from Years 10, 11 and 12 are eligible

Entries close July 1st 2023 – Submit your entry through the link.

Good Answers Bookshop

Good Answers ATAR English and ATAR Literature are still available for purchase.

See our bookshop here if you would like to place an order.

REGISTRATIONS OPEN – March Professional Learning

Term 1 Professional Learning Workshops

The ETAWA invites you to an afternoon of ideas and discussion (and refreshments) at Curtin University. With two topical sessions to choose from, the afternoon promises to be a valuable opportunity to engage with specialist presenters and colleagues.

Session 1: ChatGPT and Teaching English
Stuart Bender (Curtin University)

OR

Session 2: Selecting Texts for Study: Picture Books and Graphic Novels
Anna Hardy (The Literature Centre)

Further session and venue details to be provided soon. A recording of the sessions will be made available for regional members.

Thursday 16th March, 4.30pm – 6.00pm
Curtin University

ETAWA Marking Methods Study 

The English Teachers Association of Western Australia are conducting a study into the ways in which English teachers make judgements about student progress and achievement. As part of this study teachers are invited to apply to be part of three separate marking trials, the results of which will inform teachers professional development and, hopefully, improve the standard of marking in the state, as well as the experience of classroom teachers and students. Trial 1 was completed in the January holidays.

State Conference Scholarships

ETAWA is offering ten scholarships to ETAWA members who wish to attend the 2023 ETAWA State Conference, The Power of Language, on Saturday May 13 at the University of Western Australia.

Five scholarships are available to ETAWA members (individual or part of group membership) in their first or second year of teaching. These scholarships cover the cost of registration.

Five scholarships are available to ETAWA members (individual or part of group membership) who are teaching in rural or remote schools. These scholarships cover the cost of registration, two nights’ accommodation in Perth (at a hotel selected by ETAWA), travel to and from Perth – air or train fare, or car travel at ATO mileage rates.

Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received a national conference scholarship from ETAWA.

It is a condition of each scholarship that the awardee attend a meeting at the conference with an ETAWA representative and provide within two months of attendance an article of approximately 600 words for the ETAWA journal Interpretations providing evidence of how attendance at the conference has enhanced the awardee’s understanding of English pedagogy and teaching practice.

If you would Ike to apply for one of the above scholarships, please send an email to Rod Quin, Secretary, ETAWA at rodquin@iinet.net.au explaining in no more than 100 words in the body of the email why you would be a worthy recipient.

ETAWA State Conference  – Call For Papers

ETAWA Art Competition 

Welcome to the latest edition of the ETAWA newsletter. This fortnight, we are calling for expressions of interest for the position of Editor – Interpretations. We also bring you information on how to win free tickets to a special preview screening of Blueback. Please read on to find out more.

Blueback Film is Swimming into Cinemas

Tim Winton’s best-selling book Blueback has been adapted to a live-action film, due to open in cinemas across Australia on January 1 2023. It is a timely tale about the ocean, a beautiful marine creature, and a young girl’s power to change the world.

Starring Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland, Crimson Peak) alongside Eric Bana (The Dry, Chopper) and Radha Mitchell (Pitch Black, Man on Fire). Blueback follows Abby as she befriends a spectacular blue groper that resides in her local reef. As she grows up, Abby works with her mother to protect her marine friend and the world’s threatened coral reefs.

Recognising the film as an important opportunity to engage audiences beyond the cinema, Minderoo Foundation hopes to build ocean literacy in school and community audiences to help them become informed about the importance of a healthy ocean. The Foundation’s Flourishing Oceans initiative is committed to returning the oceans to a flourishing state by tackling some of the most entrenched issues facing our oceans with a portfolio of projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water.

Minderoo Foundation is working with Roadshow Films, CinemaPlus and online education resource providers, to connect the themes of the movie with schools in Australia and New Zealand to inspire and empower the next generation of ocean advocates.

The Blueback Study Guide is due to be released at the end of November and fifteen additional Blueback lesson modules will be produced by Cool Australia, ready for the 2023 school year. The resources have been designed for use by teachers in a variety of curriculum contexts.

The study guide is beautifully presented with stunning images from the film and includes quotes from the characters, Tim Winton and Director, Robert Connolly. Full of practical activities, discussion ideas, and resources for further reading, it will enable educators and students to deep dive into themes around sustainability, marine life, families, coming of age and film-making. The study guide is fully aligned with the Sustainability Cross-curriculum Priority and General Capabilities of Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking and Ethical Understanding.

Minderoo is offering five (5) double passes to a special preview screening of Blueback at the Luna Cinemas on Thursday 15 December (a great way to celebrate the end of the Term). To be in the running for these tickets, email Wayne Walters at the Minderoo Foundation, indicating which year group studied (or you would like to study) either the Blueback novel or film. wwalters@minderoo.org

To be notified on the release of the education resources for Blueback and to watch the trailer for the film please click here.