Senior English
Year 11 English, Year 12 English, Year 13 English
The NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3 English 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, 2 and 3, and especially for Merit and Excellence grades.
Building on the Junior English programme, each course uses the values and principles of Te Mātaiaho (the Refreshed New Zealand Curriculum, 2023) to offer relevant, authentic learning opportunities to help students build the skills, knowledge and confidence that will allow them to thrive now and in the future. Students are generally encouraged to aim for 14-18 credits each year from a selection of standards.
The overarching concepts are:
- Mā te reo, ka mōhio; mā te reo ka mārama; mā te reo ka ora | Language and literature give us insights into ourselves and others.
- Kia mau ki tō ūkaipō | The stories of Aotearoa New Zealand are unique taonga tuku iho.
- Ko pohewa, ko auaha ngā ara ki ao hou | Stories are a source of joy and nourishment.
- Ko te reo me ōna tikanga te hā o te whakawhitiwhiti kōrero | Communication depends on shared codes and conventions.
- Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro nōna te ngahere; ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga nōna te ao | Literature, language, and texts embody power relationships.