Problematising eclecticism and rewriting English

Understanding and writing about the English subjects in Australia at present is not easily approached from a position outside of the divisive politics and rhetoric of the so-called ‘culture wars’ . In more general terms, the question ‘What is English?’ is one that has received considerable attention throughout the subject’s history. What is of interest, however, within the context of understanding the subject possibilities anticipated by such a relatively recent example of English curriculum renewal in Australia as the current Years 7–10 English syllabus in New South Wales (Board of Studies 2002), is the way it has been imagined that English teachers might break free of the debates they have found themselves caught up in, along with their subject area. To this end, the ‘writing’ (and ‘rewriting’) of the English teacher is recognised here to be a key consideration in furthering the project of subject revivification