English

Junior English

Communication, in its various forms, is the basis of human relationships and success in both school and life.  English, as a subject, aims to teach students how to communicate effectively for different purposes and audiences in both verbal and written forms as well as how to interpret the communications of others.

In Years 9 and 10 we lay the foundations for the skills required in the senior school. Reading for enjoyment and knowledge, writing creatively and formally, listening effectively and speaking in front of an audience are our key areas of teaching and learning. The students are taught and assessed using a variety of methods and technologies according to individual needs and abilities. There is a mix of class-based assessments and examinations at the end of the year. In Year 10, the students are given the opportunity to undertake one NCEA Level 1 Achievement Standard:  Communicating Through Visual Texts. This allows the students to begin Year 11 English confidently having already achieved three NCEA credits.

Senior English

The Senior English Department takes great pride in giving valuable feedback, and feed forward to students on all aspects of their work because we want students to build on their learning and develop their skill set. We offer not only engaging lessons including a variety of activities, both in and out of the classroom and a weekly Scholars Group for Years 11 - 13.

What is covered is similar across NCEA Levels 1-3:

Reading: research skills, reading for enjoyment, focused text study and close analysis.

Writing: creating and crafting a range of styles on a variety of contemporary topics.

Viewing: films, advertisements and static images.

Presenting: making connections between texts, persuasive speaking, and development of oratory skills.