English: Level 3

Qualification - NCEA level 3 and Scholarship (optional)

Course Outline

Most students take English at Level 3 because of the emphasis on effective communication and the demand for English qualifications in many tertiary courses. Students benefit from further exploration of our rich literary heritage, and being part of our active, creative community of English learners.

The course emphasises written skills, both creative and literary, but also includes oral presentation. Students analyse and evaluate language in a variety of contexts. Texts will include New Zealand works as well as those from other cultures, chosen from poetry, short story, non-fiction, short texts, film and novel.

For students who did not attain Literacy at level 2 (five reading credits and five writing credits), this course may be adapted.

Prerequisite

14 credits in Level 2 English or an equivalent course, or with approval from the HoD of English.

Scholarship

In consultation with the HoD English, students may extend their studies by entering New Zealand Scholarship. All assessment is based on a three-hour external examination, which students sit in addition to the Level Three NCEA Externals. There is considerable commonality between the two courses but more rigour is expected for the demands of Scholarship, so attendance at extra tutorials would be expected.

The student will respond critically to demanding texts and questions by means of extended, coherent and informed argument in three essays. The student's responses will derive from her understanding and experience across the written, oral and visual texts she has studied in class, along with her chosen supporting texts.

Internal Achievement Standards

English: Level 3

External Achievement Standards

English: Level 3