English Refreshed Curriculum
In the English learning area, students study, use, and engage with language and texts.
Learning in English helps students develop an understanding of the shared codes and conventions of texts and to enjoy and celebrate the beauty and richness of classic and contemporary literature.
The English learning area enables students to access the thoughts and perspectives of others, to walk in different worlds, and to broaden their horizons by experiencing others’ values, ideas, and viewpoints. Exploring texts from different times and places helps students to see how some ideas and language change, while others stay the same. Making meaning of texts provides opportunities for students to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of different perspectives from Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider world.
As text critics, students come to understand how language and texts work and how they change over time, giving them the knowledge and skills to interpret and challenge texts and to create their own meaningful texts. As text creators, students are encouraged to see themselves as members of literary and digital communities, by contributing their own stories and ideas and interpreting the stories and ideas of others.
The English learning area offers meaningful opportunities for students to connect with and use their languages, including te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), and their diverse cultural knowledge as resources for learning. The use and development of first and heritage languages enable stronger language and literacy learning and can lead to improved educational outcomes and wellbeing for multilingual learners.
Literacy in English is critical for students to be able to engage successfully with all curriculum learning areas. Being literate and mastering the foundations of oral and written language enable students to be confident and competent learners across the curriculum.
The English learning area plays an important part in developing students’ capacities to think critically and express themselves coherently, fluently, and ethically as active members of society.
The learning sequence that is in the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum is outlined in more detail for parents in the Parent Portal. If you select the correct year group for your child, an outline of the English curriculum is shared. A link is provided on the picture below:
Teaching and Learning at Willow Park
Willow Park School has been using a structured approach to literacy for the last 5 years. This approach has now been mandated by the Ministry of Education for all schools since the beginning of 2025. All teachers at Willow Park School have been involved in rigorous, ongoing professional development in school with Learning Matters, a leading provider in New Zealand.
Willow Park Schools reading programme is based on the science of learning research that emphasise phonological awareness, phonics, the rules of spelling and writing, as well as comprehension and fluency. A structured literacy approach uses the latest neuroscience research, and with world-class professional development through Learning Matters, our literacy support for all students is a real strength.
See the graphic below for information about the building blocks of reading and writing success.
