English provides opportunities for all students to develop their personal communication skills. We cater for all abilities within our programme. Our courses enable students to achieve the literacy requirements for Level 1 and Tertiary study.
English provides opportunities for all students to develop their personal communication skills. We cater for all abilities within our programme. Our courses enable students to achieve the literacy requirements for Level 1 and Tertiary study.
Our students engage with and learn to enjoy language in all forms. They learn to become effective communicators, expressing themselves clearly and confidently, whilst also learning good listening habits. We aim to develop keen readers with sound understanding and research skills, and writers who can write interesting content to appeal to a chosen audience.
In Year 9 and 10 English you will study novels, plays, poetry, films and short stories. You will also show off your writing skills in creative pieces and essays. There will be at least one opportunity each year to practise your speaking skills. This could be a formal speech or from a range of other contexts like podcasts or monologues.
Analysis of grammar and language is an essential part of the programme, and you’ll also learn research skills with our librarian. Plus, because we live in a media age, you may study film, advertising and visual language.
However, the skill you will practise most is reading, because it is essential for every subject you take. Good reading will help you in all of your classes, and English focuses on developing that skill.
You’ll also be offered extra opportunities outside class with external competitions, visiting speakers, writing and speaking competitions, public speaking and debating.
“Maybe a person is just made up of a lot of people,” I say. “Maybe we’re accumulating these new selves all the time.”
― Jandy Nelson, I’ll Give You the Sun
For students who are interested in creating and analysing texts that explore the inner world and thoughts of people and characters: the ways people are influenced, how they think, feel, and change.
This could include:
Exploring the theme of identity and ways in which people express themselves
Unpacking motivational content
Analysing how/why people and characters do things and make decisions
E huri tō aroaro ki te rā
tukuna tō ataarangi
ki muri i a koe
Turn and face the sun
and let your shadow fall
behind you
“There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.”
– Amanda Gorman
For students who are interested in creating and analysing texts that explore the connections between people, animals and nature: power, relationships, and action for change
This could include:
The language and structure of persuasion
Context of texts and the relationships to the world we live
Power dynamics and the impact an individual can have
Tangata ako ana i
te kāenga, te tūranga ki
te marae, tau ana
A person nurtured in the
community contributes
strongly to society
“Science and technology multiply around us. Either we use those languages, or we remain mute.”
― J.G. Ballard
For students who are interested in creating and analysing texts that explore how technology and mechanics impact humanity on an individual and societal level, both in the present and potentially in the future
This could include:
Moral and ethical reasoning
Development of certain technologies
The impact of social media
He rangi tā matawhāiti,
he rangi tā matawhānui
A person with narrow vision
has restricted horizon;
a person with wide vision
has plentiful opportunities
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed for students who require qualifications in English in order to meet the requirements for UE literacy. There is an emphasis on writing and oracy. The course allows for flexibility for students so they can achieve at their own level.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Year 10 Course or at the discretion of the Head of Department.
QUALIFICATION(S): NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2
ASSESSMENT:
4 Internal Achievement Standards
Level 1 (13 credits)
OR
2 Internal Achievement Standards
Level 2 (13 credits)
There may be opportunities to sit at least ONE External Achievement Standard (4 credits)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course continues that of Level 1 at Level 7 of the curriculum. The texts and language studied is more demanding than at Level 1. Success in this course is determined by fluent writing, perceptive reading and independent learning
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: At least 15 credits in NCEA Level 1. This must include at least one writing and one reading standard and two external standards. One must be at Merit level. It is also at the discretion of the Head of Department.
QUALIFICATION(S): NCEA Level 2
ASSESSMENT: Maximum of 21 credits from:
3 Internal Achievement Standards (13 credits)
2 External Achievement Standards (8 credits)
UE LITERACY: Reading (12 credits)
Writing (14 credits)
Note: English Reading standards are worth 3 or 4 credits each
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Students in this course gain their credits through internally assessed writing, reading and visual standards. They must independently read texts at Level 7 of the curriculum.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Level 1 English or at the discretion of the Head of Department.
QUALIFICATION(S): NCEA Level 2
ASSESSMENT: Maximum of 21 credits from:
4 Internal Achievement Standards (17 credits)
2 External Achievement Standard (8 credits))
UE LITERACY: Reading (12 credits)
Writing (14 credits)
Note: English Reading Standards are worth 3 or 4 credits each
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course builds upon the skills and knowledge gained during Level 2 but includes new areas of study. Students will engage in reading texts, both NZ and international, and developing their personal writing styles. This course can be catered to the student, to suit the scientific mind or the artistic one to complement future pathways. Scholarship content will also be included.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: 17 Credits in NCEA Level 2 English or at the discretion of the Head of Department. Students must have achieved at Merit or above in at least ONE External Standard and Achievement Standard 91101. Produce a selection of crafted and controlled writing.
QUALIFICATION(S): NCEA Level 3 (UE Approved)
ASSESSMENT: 3 Internal Achievement Standards (13 credits)
2 External Achievement Standards (8 credits)
UE LITERACY: Reading (12 credits)
Writing (14 credits)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course builds upon the skills and knowledge gained during Level 2 and is predominantly an internally assessed course. The focus is more on visual texts and includes a lot of scope for student choice. Shakespeare is not studied in this course. There is an opportunity for an external assessment for those who wish.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: 10 credits in NCEA Level 2. One must be an external standard and Achievement Standard 91101 Produce a selection of crafted and controlled writing or at the discretion of the Head of Department.
QUALIFICATION(S): NCEA Level 3 (UE Approved)
ASSESSMENT: 4 Internal Achievement Standards (16 credits)
1 External Achievement Standard (4 credits)
UE LITERACY: Writing (10 credits)
JUNIOR CAMPUS
E: juniorcampus@jameshargest.school.nz
SENIOR CAMPUS
E: office@jameshargest.school.nz