English & Media

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.

A critical understanding of media and how it works is becoming an increasingly important skill in our media-saturated world. This is a subject for students who are interested in learning about the media – including movies, TV, video games, print media (newspapers/magazines), the music industry, streaming platforms, the internet and more. In this course we examine how the media has social, political, ideological, cultural and economic impacts on individuals and the world. Students also have the opportunity to create their own short films and put the theory into practice.

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.

English is a passion for language and a love for literature.

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.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course continues on from Year 10 and is based at Level 6 of the curriculum. Students study a range of literature both
independently and in class. They will appreciate the usage and effects of language in a range of oral, visual and written texts. Students will derive and create meaning from listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and presenting activities.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Students in this course gain the majority of their credits from internally assessed Achievement Standards. The texts studied are at Level 6 of the curriculum and as with the 11 English A course, students must work independently in studying a range of texts from oral, visual and written sources.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course offers an overview of the media, how it works and the role it plays in our lives today. It includes both theorybased and practical work.

• Course content includes:
• Examining how individuals interact with the media
• Analysing film techniques
• Analysing characteristics of a film genre (e.g. disaster, superhero, teen films)
• Planning and producing a short film
• Writing media texts

Note: Students are required to complete their practical assessments using the school’s software.
Students may use their own cameras, phones, digital devices etc. for filming.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed for international 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.

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

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.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course continues on from Level 1 Media Studies and continues to build on media knowledge and analysis. It is both
a theory-based and practical subject.

Course content includes:

• Ethical issues in the media
• Narrative conventions of film
• Analysing representations in the media
• Close reading of film techniques
• Designing and producing a short film
• Examining the change in a genre.

Note: Students are required to complete their practical assessments using the school’s software.
Students may use their own cameras, phones, digital devices etc. for filming.

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.

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.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is an extension of the Level 2 course. It is both practical and theory based and expands on concepts studied in Level 2. Course content includes:

• Researching a development in the media.
• Analysing the relationship between genre and a society.
• Planning, filming and creating a short film.
• Examining media representation of an aspect of New Zealand society

Note: Students are required to complete their practical assessments using the school’s software.
Students may use their own cameras, phones, digital devices etc. for filming