Curriculum Statement

At Willow Park School, we place great importance on our students being effective oral, written and visual communicators who are able to think critically and in depth so that they may fully participate in the social, cultural, political and economic life of New Zealand and the wider world.

What is English about?

English is the study, use and enjoyment of the English language and its literature, communicated orally, visually, and in writing, for a range of purposes and audiences and in a variety of text forms.

Why study English?

Success in English is fundamental to success across the curriculum.

English presents students with opportunities to develop the attributes contained within the learner profile. By understanding how language works, students are equipped to make appropriate language choices and apply them in a range of contexts including deconstructing and critically interrogating texts.

We would wish our students to appreciate and enjoy texts in all their forms and foster a sense of identity, awareness of New Zealand’s bicultural heritage, and understanding of the world through studying both New Zealand and world literature. 

How is the learning area structured?

English is structured around two interconnected strands:

• Listening, Reading, and Viewing

     Making meaning of ideas or information they receive

• Speaking, Writing, and Presenting

     Creating meaning for themselves or others

Students need to practise making meaning and creating meaning at each level of the curriculum with tasks and texts that are increasingly sophisticated and challenging and in increasing depth. At Willow Park School students make meaning and create meaning both in the context of their current Unit of Inquiry as well as in regular specific lessons aimed at improving their knowledge, skills and understanding of the English language.