Level 1 English General
Course Description
Head of Faculty/Teacher in Charge: Ms J. Collins.
English is compulsory at Level 1. For most students, this general English course will be the appropriate choice. However, students who really enjoy literature and want to experience a broader range of texts, including some Shakespeare, may want to consider the English Literature course. Students who really struggle with reading and writing and who need to focus their efforts on gaining the Literacy co-requisite examinations will benefit from joining the English Skills course. Your teacher will have advised you if this is the best option for you.
Level 1 English General covers a range of learning activities focused on communicating and interpreting ideas. Students will explore language and think critically about language and literature. Tasks include reading, writing, speaking, viewing, researching and connecting ideas.
Course Overview
What is taught in courses varies from year to year. This course could include:
Language in context
In this unit you will explore verbal language use and how this is shaped by the context in which it is produced. Context may mean persuasive speaking, New Zealand literature, language of protest or politics, sports commentary etc.
Understanding studied text
This unit will focus on specific aspects which go into the creation of a written or visual text. You will look at ideas within the text, how they are expressed through specific techniques, as well as how these ideas are relevant to you and wider society.
Develop ideas in writing
This unit will be assessed in Term Three, with learning ongoing throughout the year. You will use your knowledge of language and literary techniques to produce a piece of writing based on a prompt. Writing will be assessed on ideas, accuracy and the ability to use written and stylistic conventions effectively.
Understanding unfamiliar texts
This will be assessed in the external examination at the end of the year, with learning ongoing throughout the year. You will analyse the use of language techniques, text structure and style in three different, unfamiliar texts to discuss how the author has used these to communicate ideas effectively with the reader. Texts will include at least one New Zealand text, and at least one poem.
Recommended Prior Learning
This course has no prerequisites; open entry to all.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
Charged device. Pen.
Pathway
English is a foundational skill, which is of value in any future career. This is particularly true in people-related jobs such as; social work, health care, journalism, media, education, etc. English is also useful in support of many other subject areas, and is a prerequisite for a number of courses, both in school and beyond.
Assessment Information
Three Achievement Standards are offered in this course - 1-2 internal standards and 1-2 external standards. This allows students ample opportunity to gain credits. Learning will be assessed in class time and for homework, as well as in the examination in November.The two Unit Standards are the Literacy co-requisite exams. Students can sit these exams twice per year if needed. Students can gain only N or A on these assessments.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
External
NZQA Info
Demonstrate understanding of ideas and information in written texts
NZQA Info
Write texts to communicate ideas and information
NZQA Info
English 1.1 - Demonstrate understanding of how context shapes verbal language use
NZQA Info
English 1.2 - Demonstrate understanding of specific aspects of studied text
NZQA Info
English 1.3 - Develop ideas in writing using stylistic and written conventions
NZQA Info
English 1.4 - Demonstrate understanding of significant aspects of unfamiliar texts
Click on a career pathway tag to explore more....
Author, Journalist, Tertiary Lecturer, Interpreter, Secondary School Teacher, Advertising Specialist, Early Childhood Teacher, Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Primary School Teacher, Kaiwhakaako Māori, Translator, Private Teacher/Tutor, Teacher Aide, Clinical Coder, Occupational Therapist, Trainer, Support Worker, Copywriter, Sales and Marketing Manager, Registered Nurse, Art Director (Film Television or Stage), Counsellor, Psychologist, Community Development Worker, Youth Worker, Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Case Manager, Career Consultant,
Disclaimer
Please note that courses will go ahead only if student numbers, staffing, and timetabling allow it. Where a subject is oversubscribed, and there are insufficient numbers or resources to create an extra class, a ballot system may be applied.
Costs
The Board of Trustees has again asked to opt into the Ministry of Education donation scheme. Doing so resulted in the ability to waive student fee donations. Kaiapoi High School aims to deliver quality educational courses over and above those that which is funded by the Ministry. It is likely the School will opt into the donation scheme for 2025, however parental contribution for the costs of trips and activities where participation is optional, and/or components not covered by the Government grant, may be requested. We appreciate the financial support our families make to the School.