English
YEAR 9 Status
literacy skills by working on new projects which include the analysis and production of visual and oral texts, information literacy and research tasks. Our conceptual focus is on the power of language as a persuasive tool. At both Year 9 and Year 10 there are co- curricular activities in which students could consider taking part: junior drama productions, House Plays, Theatresports, debating, creative writing competitions and the Tancred Literature examination. We also have a dedicated Oxbridge English Scholar available to offer extension and enrichment on a small group or one-on-one basis. Year 10 boys interested in developing reading practice as their skill for the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award programme are encouraged to join the English reading club.
Compulsory
None Four
Prerequisites
Periods per week
Description Students who enter Year 9 have already sat the English Levels Test and been placed in an appropriate class. Early in the year, comprehensive diagnostic testing takes place across all English classes, as a result of which students may begin a programme of work with the Learning Centre. For some, this will be only a short course; for others it will be the beginning of a support system that may last across their secondary schooling. The Year 9 English course is based largely on developing students' fluency within the written strand of the New Zealand curriculum. There will be a considerable variety of material and approaches across classes, and a focus on reading and writing strategies for a range of purposes and audiences across the year. While increased literacy is a major aim, it is intended that the course should be stimulating, enjoyable and demanding. Our conceptual focus for Year 9 is on appreciating the roots of Western literature alongside the unique literary heritage of Aotearoa and Pasifika. Assessment Continual formative assessments to check progress. Scheduled common assessments at mid-year and end–of–year.
Assessment As for Year 9.
YEAR 11 Status
Compulsory
None
Prerequisites
Five
Periods per week
Description In Year 11, students will use the skills and content knowledge they developed in junior English to embark on a deeper inquiry into literary themes and their relationship to the world around us. Classes will study a range of literary and non- literary texts, including novel, film, drama, poetry and short texts. They will delve into wider disciplines like philosophy, psychology or sociology in order to explore what literature tells us about humanity. Our students will develop and practise their skills across the written, oral and visual strands of the curriculum, while also beginning to develop deeper critical thinking skills. They will be encouraged to draw connections across texts, ideas and curriculum areas. As in the junior school, boys will be offered a range of extension and support opportunities. Boys may work in and out of class time with the Learning Centre, or the Head of Advanced Learning, or both. Year 11 students who are looking towards sitting the English Scholarship examination in Year 13
YEAR 10 Status
Compulsory
None Four
Prerequisites
Periods per week
Description Year 9 and 10 English are treated as a cohesive two-year course which builds foundational language and literacy skills and literary knowledge for the study of English in the senior school. While Year 9 classes focused on the written strand of the New Zealand curriculum, in Year 10 we consolidate and expand on this foundation with a focus on the oral and visual strands: listening, speaking, viewing and presenting. Boys will practise and expand their
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