Tararua College English

Te Reo Pākehā - Excellence, Involvement, Respect

Our English Staff

Ms R West, HoD English (Year 9, 11 & 13 English)
Ms J Sheridan, Deputy Principal (Year 10 English)
Ms S Prasad (Year 9-12 English)
Ms S Lata(Year 9-12 English)

Year 9 English

In Year 9, students will develop skills in the following areas:

Reading Skills

Reading and understanding a range of fiction and non-fiction texts.
Identifying main ideas and important information.
Understanding basic themes, characters, and settings.
Recognising language features and simple film techniques.
Building vocabulary and reading confidence.
Making simple connections between texts and personal experiences.

Writing Skills

Writing clear paragraphs with basic structure.
Using correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Writing creative pieces using descriptive language.
Learning how to write formal and informal texts.
Writing reviews, personal responses, and short essays.
Editing work with teacher guidance.

Speaking and Listening Skills

Participating in classroom discussions.
Sharing ideas respectfully with others.
Developing confidence in oral presentations.
Listening actively during group activities.

Thinking and Learning Skills

Beginning to explain opinions with evidence.
Asking questions and exploring ideas.
Working collaboratively with others.
Developing organisation and classroom routines.

Year 10 English

Year 10 English continues to build on foundational skills, focusing on:

Reading Skills

Analysing themes, characters, and author purpose in greater depth.
Understanding how language and film techniques create meaning.
Comparing ideas across different texts.
Making connections between texts and wider world issues.
Reading critically and interpreting different perspectives.
Using evidence to support interpretations.

Writing Skills

Writing structured essays and extended responses.
Developing persuasive and formal writing techniques.
Using a wider range of vocabulary and sentence structures.
Writing for different audiences and purposes.
Creating more detailed creative writing pieces.
Editing and proofreading independently.

Speaking and Listening Skills

Delivering organised oral presentations and speeches.
Participating confidently in discussions and debates.
Responding thoughtfully to others’ ideas.
Using appropriate language for different situations.

Critical Thinking and Independent Learning Skills

Analysing and evaluating ideas and information.
Supporting arguments with detailed evidence.
Reflecting on themes such as identity, power, conflict, and society.
Managing time and completing assessments independently.
Preparing for NCEA Level 1 expectations.

Pathways to Success

The senior English programme is a continuation of the Year 9 and 10 curriculum. It is specifically designed for students who plan to study at university or a tertiary institution. English is a University Entrance (UE) approved subject.

Extra Curricular and Enrichment Opportunities

Careers, Theatre, and Film Trips
Manu Kōrero
Intercollegiate Speech Competitions & Debating
Leadership & Peer Tutoring (Reading/Spelling Programmes)

Year Plans for 2027

English Level 1 Year Plan 2027

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