English Second Language (ESL)

Year 9 English Second Language    (9ESL)

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.

Year 10 English Second Language    (10ESL)

The objective of the English Second Language (ESL) course is: 

• To increase students knowledge and understanding of the academic English required for secondary and tertiary study in New Zealand
• To learn about New Zealand culture
• To develop confidence in taking part in New Zealand society

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.

Year 11 English Second Language    (11ESL)

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.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 90053 1.5  Produce formal writing  (3 credits)
• 90854 1.10  Read texts independently and present personal responses  (4 credits)
• 90855 1.7  Create a visual and verbal text  (3 credits)

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.

Year 12 English Second Language    (12ESL)

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.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 90052  Produce creative writing  (3 credits)
• 90853  Use information literacy skills to form conclusions  (4 credits)
• 90856  Show understanding of visual and/or oral text(s) through close viewing and/or listening, using supporting evidence  (3 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• 90849  Show understanding of specified aspect(s) of studied written text(s), using supportive evidence  (4 credits)
• 90850  Show understanding of specified aspect(s) of studied visual or oral text(s), using supportive evidence  (4 credits)
• 90851  Show understanding of significant aspect(s) of studied visual or oral text(s), using supportive evidence  (4 credits)

Year 13 English Second Language    (13ESL)

The objectives of the year 13 English Second Language course are:

• To achieve literacy for entrance to tertiary studies
• To increase students knowledge and understanding of the academic English required for secondary and tertiary study in New Zealand
• To develop confidence in taking part in New Zealand society

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.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 91101  Produce a selection of crafted and controlled writing  (6 credits)
• 91102  Construct and deliver a crafted and controlled oral text  (3 credits)
• 91103  Create a crafted and visual text (3 credits)
• 91105  Use Information literacy skills to form developed conclusion(s)  (4 credits)
• 91106  Form developed personal responses to independently read texts, supported by evidence  (4 credits)
• 91107  Analyse aspects of visual and/or oral texts through close viewing and/or listening, supported by evidence  (3 credits)