English is the study, use, and enjoyment of the English language and its literature, communicated orally, visually, and in writing, for a range of purposes and audiences and in a variety of text forms. Learning English encompasses learning the language, learning through the language, and learning about the language.
Understanding, using, and creating oral, written, and visual texts of increasing complexity is at the heart of English teaching and learning. By engaging with text-based activities, students become increasingly skilled and sophisticated speakers and listeners, writers and readers, presenters and viewers.
English is structured around two interconnected strands, each encompassing the oral, written, and visual forms of the language. The strands differentiate between the modes in which students are primarily:
- making meaning of ideas or information they receive (listening, reading, and viewing)
- creating meaning for themselves or others (speaking, writing, and presenting)
Students need to practise making meaning and creating meaning at each level of the curriculum. This need is reflected in the way that the achievement objectives are structured. As they progress, students use their skills to engage with tasks and texts that are increasingly sophisticated and challenging, and they do this in increasing depth.
Year 9
English Discovery
Do you want to discover more about the world and your role in it? Would you like to have more confidence in expressing yourself?
This course allows you to build on English skills that will enable you to understand, use and create oral, written and visual texts. We will explore prior knowledge, take a quick check on the basics, and continue to build on knowledge, checking confidence with new learning as we go.
English Expand
Interested in why people do what they do? How to get your voice heard? What influences our ideas and beliefs? Then English Expand is the class for you.
In this course you will develop your ability to think and respond critically to a wide variety of texts, visual, oral, and written. Bring your problem-solving skills and big picture thinking to create written, visual, and oral texts that will prove the real-world impact your words can have.
Year 10
English Developed
In English Developed you will build on the knowledge you discovered in Year 9.
This class will develop your English skills so that you will be able to understand, use and create oral, written and visual texts of increasing difficulty, building on confidence with new learning as we go.
You will have the chance to explore a range of different texts. We will be delving deeply into what we read, view and listen to, aiming for increasing independence with more complex texts, to develop the skills needed for success at NCEA.
Cambridge English
No text ever exists in isolation. And neither do you. Test yourself on the international stage and accept the challenge of sitting the mind-broadening Cambridge Exams, cementing your study and time-management skills before hitting the NCEA years.
You will critically engage with written, visual, and oral texts developing your ability to understand how texts can influence people and who is trying to influence you. You will also create your own texts, developing your ability to effectively influence your audience to get your voice heard on the global stage.
Level 1 NCEA
English Whero
The focus of this course is bases on texts that explore people’s journeys. We will explore ideas such as: change, growth, family, relationships, and mortality. Possible genres covered could include dystopian, Cli-Fi, coming of age, NZ Fiction, and Science Fiction.
English Kikorangi
The focus of this course is developing your knowledge and appreciation of texts that have influenced societies. We will explore ideas such as: human nature, historical moments, expectations and society’s views. Possible genres covered could include social commentary, war, oral tests, and autobiography
Level 2 NCEA
English Oringatea
This course explores fantasy texts through key concepts from philosophy to discover how they both reflect and shape our understanding of the world and reality. We will analyse how fantasy explores ideas about reality, traditional roles, challenge and how authors challenge and reinforce traditional roles, challenge patriarchal structures and empower marginalise voices.
English Māwhero
The focus of this course is based on the extremes of human emotion. Delve to the depths of betrayal or soar to the heights of true love as we explore how text can be used to manipulate emotions and connect people with each other. Possible ideas covered could include love, hate, obsession, jealously, desire, self-expression and perception.
English Waiporoporo
The focus of this course is based on power. Who wields it? Should they? Explore how texts force us to question the status quo whilst driving social change or how they reinforce the current power structures found within society. Possible ideas covered could include power, rebellion, freedom, greed, justice, heroism and determination.
English Kōwhai
This course is designed to help you communicate efficiently and effectively in the modern workplace. This course includes interview skills, teamwork skills, reporting, appropriate and beneficial conduct, and other communication skills.
Level 3 NCEA
English 301
This course is an extension English programme and will cover close reading of and response to language and literature texts from both visual and written strands. There will be opportunities to deepen study of some genres through individual research and critical analysis. The achievement standards available to be assessed against will encompass both internal and external assessment.
301 English provides an enriching foundation for those who intend to study further in humanities or sciences.
English 302
302 English is designed with a communication focus in mind to prepare you for the real world; this course of study includes analysis of written and visual texts as well as opportunities to create meaning through oral and visual texts. It is an ideal course of study for those who need to further their skills in English for vocational purposes. The assessment focus is on both internally and externally assessed standards.
Scholarship
Scholarship English is an opportunity for students to synthesise information from various sources, draw conclusions from unseen texts and respond thoughtfully to fundamental questions about humanity. In Scholarship English students are challenged to ponder issues such as what Greek Tragedy has in common with Reality TV, what The Simpsons can teach you about Shakespeare and how an Instagram post can be as witty as Jane Austen.
Extra-Curricular Activities
- SGHS Writing Competition
- National and International Writing Competitions
- Debating
- School Speech Competition
- Readers’ Cup
- Ugly Shakespeare
- Visiting Speakers