English Programme

At Sunderland we teach English as a specialist subject from Year 7. Students engage with specialist teachers studying a range of texts and text types in Years 7, 8 and 9.

From Year 10, students are encouraged to develop specific skills which relate to the Cambridge Syllabus and lead directly to the two distinct IGCSE Literature and Language examinations at the end of Year 11. Essentially we treat the IGCSE course as an 18 month to two year course beginning in Year 10. This enables students to hone their skills and to come to grips with the complex prose and poetry texts set by Cambridge for examination in Year 11. It also gives them extensive opportunities to complete coursework for the Language Examination.

• English is the study, use, and enjoyment of the English language. Learning English encompasses learning the language, learning through the language, and learning about the language.
• Understanding, using, and creating oral, written, and visual texts of increasing complexity is at the heart of English teaching and learning. By engaging with text based activities, students become increasingly skilled and sophisticated speakers and listeners, writers and readers, presenters and viewers.
• Literacy in English gives students access to the understanding, knowledge, and skills they need to participate fully in the social, cultural, political, and economic life of New Zealand and the wider world. To be successful participants, they need to be effective oral, written, and visual communicators who are able to think critically and in depth.
• By understanding how language works, students are equipped to make appropriate language choices and apply them in a range of contexts. Students learn to deconstruct and critically interrogate texts in order to understand the power of language to enrich and shape their own and others' lives. Students appreciate and enjoy texts in all their forms. The study of New Zealand and world literature contributes to students' developing sense of identity, their awareness of New Zealand's bicultural heritage, and their understanding of the world.
• Success in English is fundamental to success across the curriculum. All learning areas (with the possible exception of languages) require students to receive, process, and present ideas or information using the English language as a medium. English presents students with opportunities to engage with and develop the key competencies in diverse contexts.