The English Department at Gisborne Boys’ High School attempts to nurture and develop the knowledge of language and the literacy skills of the students who study the courses provided.
In accordance with the New Zealand Curriculum, students are expected to develop communication skills in oral, visual and written language appropriate to their ability.
- A typical Year 9 and 10 course involves reading a range of texts, At least three extended written texts, a range of short stories, articles, websites and poems. Creative, expressive and transactional writing. Film study and static images. A series of presentations, interpersonal listening and speaking skills and a prepared presentation. Exploring Language Skills, critical Thinking and Processing Information skills, including research skills.
- In the Senior School we run a range of programmes linked to the NCEA qualification and targeting students of different abilities. At Level 1 for example we run a 24 credit NCEA course, a 19 credit course and a Unit Standard course that caters more for visual, hands on learner.
- Levels 2 and 3 offer similar courses.
The main focus of the English department is to offer courses that develop the essential skills of our students and encourage them to realise the importance of English and to motivate students to further study and enjoyment of language.
The English Department staff…
Mrs Liz Minogue (HOD), Mr. Steve Connell (Assistant HOD), Mr Willie Yuile, Ms Michelle McCarthy, Mr Nick Chapman, Mr Andre de Plooy and Mrs Maria Jefferson.
Innovations…
The department has set itself the focus goal of improving the transactional writing skills within the school. This is a major problem area generally for boys in NCEA and success in this focus area should improve overall literacy in the school.
Developments…
The department continues to develop modern and exciting units of work and is constantly updating its written and visual resources with a special focus on NCEA related texts that will give our students a head start.