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Senior English

NCEA Level 1 English 

Level 1 programmes are taught using a thematic approach.  This means that the class will spend its time investigating an overarching theme which seeks to help answer a number of key focus questions.  Formative and summative assessment opportunities are linked to this theme.  This approach encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of the ideas studied which in turn enables them to demonstrate the higher order thinking required for NCEA Level 1, especially for Merit and Excellence grades.

 This method of inquiry is consistent with the vision, values and principles of the New Zealand Curriculum and allows teachers to place an emphasis on the learning, rather than just the assessment, of students.  It is more engaging for students as it encourages them to find more relevant connections between the texts studied and their world.  Each class will explore two themes during the year. Students are generally encouraged to aim for 14-18 credits from a selection of standards. Student interest and individual teaching and learning programmes will inform assessment choices.

  • 11ENG: We will read a range of written, visual and oral texts for pleasure and close analysis, develop writing skills, and speak and listen in both informal and formal situations.  This course has a balance of internally and externally assessed standards. 
  •  11FLM:  We will read a range of written, visual and oral texts for pleasure and close analysis, develop writing skills, and speak and listen in both informal and formal situations.  This course has a focus on visual language and is for students who may find aspects of English challenging. There are more internal standards and just one externally assessed standard. 
  • 11FEN: We will read a range of written, visual and oral texts for pleasure and close analysis, develop writing skills, and speak and listen in both informal and formal situations. This course is for students who have found junior English very challenging and would benefit from extra support to develop literacy skills. The course is generally internally assessed.

NCEA Level 2 English

Level 2 English is exciting, challenging and rewarding. Students can expect to learn about some really interesting new concepts, gain some valuable life knowledge and have some existing assumptions tested. The programmes are taught using a thematic approach.  This means that the class will spend time investigating an overarching theme which seeks to help answer a number of key focus questions. It is more engaging for students as it encourages them to find more relevant connections between the texts studied and their world.  Each class will explore two themes during the year. Students are generally encouraged to aim for 14-18 credits from a selection of standards. Student interest and individual teaching and learning programmes will inform assessment choices.

  • 12ENG: As we read and analyse a range of novels, articles, poems, short stories, plays, films and images we will come to better understand the world and our place in it. This course is recommended for those students who intend to study English at Level 3 or humanity subjects at university level. This course has a balance of internally and externally assessed standards.
     
  • 12FLM: This varied, challenging and rewarding course builds on the skills from Level 1 English and develops a wide range of analytical reading, writing and thinking skills, and there is also a focus on visual language. There are more internally assessed standards and just one externally assessed standard.
  • 12FEN: This course is responsive and flexible, and is intended to suit students who want to concentrate on improving confidence with the study of language and literature and the basic English skills of oral, written and visual communication. This course is generally internally assessed.

NCEA Level 3 English

Level 3 English is fun and challenging; it demands analysis of language and literature, and requires critical thinking. The programmes are taught using a thematic approach.  This means that the class will spend its time investigating an overarching theme which seeks to help answer a number of key focus questions. It is more engaging for students as it encourages them to find more relevant connections between the texts studied and their world.  Each class will explore two themes during the year. Students are generally encouraged to aim for 14-18 credits from a selection of standards. Student interest and individual teaching and learning programmes will inform assessment choices.

  • 13ENG: This course is for students with an enjoyment and appreciation of literature and language, and is strongly advised for students wishing to study humanity subjects at university level. There is a balance of internally and externally assessed standards.
  • 13FLM: This course builds on the skills from Level 2. There is a visual language focus and more internally assessed standards with just one externally assessed standard.
  • 13ENL: This course is intended to suit students who want to concentrate on improving confidence with the study of language and literature and building basic English skills of oral, written and visual communication. 

Opportunities

A range of extra-curricular opportunities are offered to students to enhance, develop extend skills and understanding. Examples include writing and spoken word competitions and events.