English

English at St Joseph’s

English is the language medium of most New Zealanders and a major language of national and international communication, therefore, all students will need to develop the ability and confidence to communicate competently in English in both its spoken and written forms.

“Literacy in English gives students access to the understanding, knowledge and skills they need to participate fully in the social, cultural, political, and economic life of New Zealand and the wider world. To be successful participants, they need to be effective oral, written, and visual communicators who are able to think critically and in depth.” NZC p18.

The English programme should ensure that students’ experiences of language are coherent and enriched through two interconnected strands –

• Making Meaning of ideas or information they receive: Listening, Reading and Viewing

• Creating Meaning for themselves and others: Speaking, Writing and Presenting

The achievement objectives within each strand suggest progressions through which students will move as they become more effective oral, written and visual communicators.

To practice making meaning and creating meaning, students need to use, underpinning processes and strategies to develop knowledge, skills, and understandings related to:

• Text purposes and audiences;

• Ideas within language contexts;

• Language features that enhance texts;

• The structure and organisation of texts.

At St Joseph’s, our school’s English Literacy programme will provide all students with equal educational opportunities recognising, respecting and responding to the educational needs, experiences, interests and values of all students.

Our programmes will acknowledge:

• Gender inclusiveness

• Maori students

• Students from language backgrounds other than English

• Learners with Special Needs, including Gifted and Talented