NCEA Level 3 English

English

Prerequisite: A total of at least 14 credits in Level 2 English, either from 12ENG or 12ENL, including an external Response to Text paper. You MUST also have gained UE Literacy at Level 2 (5 Writing and 5 Reading credits.) Entry is at the discretion of the HOD English and is contingent on demonstrated application and commitment to the subject.

13ENG - Year 13 English is a life-changing, horizons broadening course that grows skills essential for study in whatever field at the Tertiary level. You will grow in your ability to develop a thesis, use secondary critical texts and teach your peers tutorial style, which sets you up for the rigour of university study in an undergraduate course. We read literature and watch films that students time and time again come back and say, "that impacted me and challenged me like nothing I've ever read before." In English you get to challenge and argue, to critique and philosophise, while testing world-views against your own. What is the purpose of literature? Is there a common "human condition?" How might the way I see the world be different from the way others see it? Who are we behind closed doors? What does God think about it all? So many questions, so little time, so much fun!

At every level, our study of English is through a Christian worldview, and a redemptive narrative is central to each course.   Level 3 literature may deal with more mature themes than those discussed at Level 2, and students should be prepared to engage with content that sometimes presents a worldview different from their own; there is much we can learn from other perspectives and much to be gained from reaffirming our own values and opinions as we critique. Texts studied will be by male and female authors from a range of different historical periods and ethnicities. The NZ Curriculum requires us to engage with the Treaty of Waitangi in our classrooms, and the English department studies the works of Māori and Pākehā writers and directors, alongside those of other cultures and the Western Canon. We enjoy everything from the canonical classics, such as the drama of Shakespeare and the poetry of Rosetti, through to modern short film and oratory.

English is often perceived to be difficult at Level 3 because it is felt to be "subjective."  Level 3 English results tell a different story - it does not appear to be difficult to do exceptionally well if you are a diligent student. Level 3 English students consistently perform higher than their expectations, and they always find this subject helps their clarity of expression in other curriculum areas.  The very idea of a subject being "subjective" is in itself subjective - there are some very objective and concrete building blocks in the assessment of Level 3 standards, and it is important to grow in confidence, in backing your opinions, and your ability to exemplify and prove your thesis. Learning should involve taking a risk now and then; being courageous and intellectually curious is the way God designed you to be.  

To find out more, please come and talk to Mrs George, HOD English.