This is a recommended option for most students for whom English is a second language. It provides students with the opportunity to practice and improve the four main English language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. This option may be compulsory for some students, especially recent arrivals from overseas.
The objective of the English Second Language (ESL) course is:
The English Second Language course covers academic and communicative English over the language skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary. The year 10 course includes pre-NCEA preparation for the NCEA English Core Literacy and ESOL Unit Standards in year 11. Theme-based and topical modules and curriculum - specific units of work are studied. A regular homework and testing programme is followed.
The year 10 course is assessed through two internal examinations.
Assessment at year 11 is 100% internal. Students sit two internal examinations and are recommended to attempt the NCEA English Core Literacy Achievement Standards. The course will be assessed to the Level 1 English Achievement Standard Level.
Students study three topics (standards) that count for 10 credits towards Level 1 NCEA.
Note: 10 credits from Level 1 English Achievement Standards is the minimum core literacy requirement for the award of the NCEA Level 1 certificate. Other Achievement standards may be offered if time permits. Achievement Standard 90854 may not be completed in year 11. Any work successfully completed at the standard can be taken into 12ESOL.
The focus at year 12 is on internal assessment with the opportunity to enter some external assessments.
Students study six topics (standards) that count for 22 credits towards Level 2 NCEA.
The objectives of the year 13 English Second Language course are:
At year 13 students prepare for the English literacy required for entry into New Zealand Universities. Students are assessed internally in Level 2 English Achievement Standards.
Students study six topics (standards) that count for 23 credits towards Level 2 NCEA.