Department

Like mathematics, English literacy is a major subject in the teaching curriculum and students were tested to ensure they had satisfactory spelling and grammar. They were placed into remedial, normal and advanced streams. The written English course was developed out of suggestions and needs of the students themselves. The advanced groups were instrumental in the biennial College magazine.

In Oral English, there was emphasis on the practical application and use of voice in the classroom situation. Child Drama, was involved with puppetry, assisted by the Art Department. There was also participation in play readings, productions and poetry reading.

English staff were at the forefront of a number of publications including: Loot, Seedtime, Talus and the Calendar ….

Programs

  • English methods
  • Literature
  • Oral English methods
  • Film and television
  • Creative writing and journalism
  • Theatre arts

Research and Publications

Staff

Glen Phillips (HOD)

Glen grew up in the Western Australian gold-mining town of Southern Cross.

He trained as a teacher and worked in Subiaco and Northam before taking up a position at Graylands in 1962.

He gained a Master of Education degree in 1967 from the University of Western Australia.

While working at Graylands, he was selected by Bob Peter for a position at MLTC, the new teachers’ college in 1970.

He became the inaugural head of department for English, oral English an Drama.
Glen has been prolific in terms of literature and art.

He was instrumental in setting up the Edith Cowan University’s International Centre for Landscape and Language in Perth.
Amongst his many achievements was: establishing the performance poetry group “Poetry in Motion” and founding the “Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre”.

David Hough

Vale Dr David Hough OAM. We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of David, who was a leading light of the arts in Western Australia. A strong supported of Perth Festival, he shared his gifts generously as a mentor and patron. In 2017 he received an Order of Australia Medal for his service to the performing arts, which included and integral role in establishing the WA Academy of Performing Arts.

Notes from transcript of interview with David John Hough, Performance critic: David-Hough
Date of Interview: 15 November 1988
Interviewed by: Karen Wood [Australian Association for Dance Education project]

Margaret Erneste

Passed away 22/4/23 – need info

Colin Kenworthy

Colin Kenworthy has been a member of the Western Australian Secondary Education Authority Literature Syllabus Committee and has published and presented papers and workshops at international, national and regional conferences.

Oliver Deacon

Oliver Deacon – interview with Sybe Jongeling

David Nicholas

Glenys Nicholas

Bernie Hird

Gillian Hogben (Moore)

Priscilla Broadbent

Sue Statkus

Sue specialised in literature and literacy.

Vivian Evans

Ian Malcolm

Ian Malcolm initiated the linguistics program at Edith Cowan University and established the Centre for Applied Language and Literacy Research.

He held the Chair in Applied Linguistics from 1991 until retirement in 2003.

Ian carried out research into Aboriginal English in Western Australia from 1973 onwards, including studies of its linguistic structure, sociolinguistic patterns of use, genres, classroom interaction patterns and conceptual dimensions as investigated through cultural linguistics.

Ian Malcolm’s farewell speech

Patricia Norton

Alastair McGregor

Doug White

Terry Williams

Joy Bignall

Obituary

Ms Joy Bignell…very fondly remembered from our Mt Lawley College days back in the early 1980s. Her classes were always entertaining, varied and a delight to attend…as we always did, come rain, hail, shine, and even the dreaded winter sniffles! We still speak of her wonderful classes often! Her legacy will live on always. Rest in Peace, Ms Bignell. From Christine Hatzon and Angela Jackson (Young)

Christine Hatzon August 25, 2013

Betty Barker

Roger Dettman

Daniel Jenks

Daniel Jenks lectured in the area of English, Speech and Drama.
He specialized in the development of the Theatre Arts Program at Graylands before transferring to MLTC, in 1978.
He produced a number of theatrical events including period plays and musicals.

William Rogers

Doug White

Hugh Thompson

Laurence Lockwood