While it may not be easily possible for the Stage 4/5 English syllabus outcomes to be aligned with particular units of work or areas of study that allow the Environmental Education Policy to be realised through the English KLA, it is possible nevertheless, for English teachers to support a whole school approach to environmental education by selecting texts that satisfy the rigour required of the English syllabus outcomes.

A selection of texts with environmental themes include:

  • Silent Spring by Rachel Carson (1962)
    Non fiction Theme: the effect of pesticides and insecticides on songbird population in the United States.
  • The lake at the end of the world by Caroline Macdonald (fiction)
    Theme: a world almost destroyed by environmental pollution.
  • Soylent Green
    Theme: Over-population
  • Silkwood
    Theme: Nuclear waste

Texts and media such as these allow teachers to explore environmental issues by examining such aspects as:

  • the point of view from which the text is written or directed
  • debating or discussing alternative points of view
  • the language used by the author to position the reader in a particular way
  • the techniques used by a director to position a viewer.

Other examples of linking English outcomes to the objectives of environmental education may be found in the document supporting the Environmental Education Policy for Schools.