English Department
Teachers in Charge: Ms K Grant (HOD)
Mrs C Fisher (Media)
Mrs D Gray (Classical Studies)
Courses Offered:
English: Forms 3-7
Drama: Form 6
Classical Studies: Forms 6 and 7
Media Studies Forms 6 and 7
General Aim: To develop abilities in reading, writing, listening,
speaking and viewing through as wide a variety of topics (literature, media studies,
drama, debating and research) as is possible to provide at appropriate levels for each
student, in line with the aims of English in the New Zealand Curriculum.
Form 3 English (Compulsory)
Course Content:
Students will complete a course based on the NZ English Curriculum
covering the processes and functions of the oral, visual and written strands. Teachers aim
to develop and extend the language abilities and critical faculties.
Assessment:
Common assessments by teacher, end of year examination.
Form 4 English (Compulsory)
Pre-requisite
None.
Course Content: Students will complete a course based on the NZ English
Curriculum covering the processes and functions of the oral, visual and written strands.
Teachers aim to develop and extend the language abilities and critical faculties in
preparation for the 5th form year.
Assessment:
By teacher assessment, end of year examination.
Form 5 English (Compulsory)
Pre-requisite:
None
Course Content:
School Certificate English Prescription.
Assessment:
School Certificate examination, teacher assessment, two school exams.
Form 6 English (Compulsory)
Pre-requisite: Grade C in School Certificate. Achievement during the
previous year will be considered.
Course Content: The sixth form course continues to develop close
reading and writing skills, critical thinking and language analysis with a strong emphasis
on literature.
Assessment: Full internal assessment for 6th Form Certificate.
Form 7 English
Pre-requisite: Grade 5 in 6th Form Certificate. Progress during the previous year will
be considered.
Course Content: Bursary English Prescription includes close Reading,
Literary Analysis of several texts including a Shakespearean play, Language study and
research. Oral language is an integrated part of the course.
Assessment: External assessment by Bursary examination
Alternative English Courses
Form 5: We offer students the opportunity to sit the Certificate in
Practical English Level 1 (5th Forms) which is a nationally recognised practical English
course.
Assessment: Two formal exams.
Form 6: We offer students the opportunity to sit the Certificate in
Practical English Level 2 (6th Forms) which is a nationally recognised practical English
course.
Assessment: One formal exam.
Media Studies
General Aim: Media Studies is the study of radio, television and print
journalism in New Zealand as outlined in the New Zealand curriculum for Media Studies. The
purpose is to give students:
A knowledge of a variety of genre in these three media, which they
can relate to.
An understanding of the techniques used and their effect.
A critical understanding of the issues which affect their viewing,
reading and listening.
Form 6 Media Studies
Pre-requisites: Grade C in S.C. English
Course Content: Students will investigate the language, conventions and
audiences of television, radio and print journalism (newspapers and magazines). They will
research, interview, plan and produce their own print or video news production.
Assessment: Internally assessed. Level 2 Unit standards for the
Qualification Framework. Assessment includes a two hour exam, a major oral and visual
presentation based on students' own research, comparative studies and their own
production.
Form 7 Media Studies:
Pre-requisites: A pass in S.C. English. Level 2 (SFC) Media Studies is
an advantage.
Course Content: Students will investigate how media audiences are
identified and targeted, media and media texts as commercial products, the role of the
media in New Zealand and how news stories represent the world.
Assessment: Internally assessed. Level 3 Unit Standards for the
Qualification Framework. Most assessments will be practical productions.
Drama
Form 6 Drama
Pre-requisite: Minimum one grade C in S.C. Interest in English and
Drama.
Course Content: Students participate in a wide variety of individual,
group and class exercises in role-play, improvisation, script interpretation, voice,
performance skills, script writing and analysis. They learn about different dramatic
styles, theatre history and go to see as many productions as possible, as well as
producing items for performance.
Assessment: Internally assessed for 6th Form Certificate.
Classical Studies
General Aim: Classical Studies is the study of the civilisations of
Classical Greece and Rome. The origins of much of European art, science, literature, law,
philosophy, politics and religion are to be found in ancient Greece and Rome. Classical
Studies is a multi-disciplinary subject, including history, art history and literature.
Form 6 Classical Studies
Pre-requisites: Strengths in English or History are desirable.
Course Content: Mythology, Greek and Roman Social Life, Literature, History, Art and
Domestic Architecture.
Assessment: Internally assessed. Assessment includes tests, seminars, research
assignments, essays and a three hour exam.
Form 7 Classical Studies
Pre-requisite: SFC Classical Studies is a decided advantage. Strengths
in English or History are desirable.
Course Content: Greek vase painting, Attic Comedy, Alexander the Great,
Socrates, Roman Epic Poetry - Virgil's Aeneid, Juvenal's Satires, Roman Religion, Roman
Art and Architecture.
Assessment: University Bursary Exam, with no internal assessment component. |