At JPII English is a compulsory subject from Years 9 to 11. In Years 9 and 10 a focus on developing foundational writing, reading, comprehension and analysis skills is maintained with an emphasis on collaboration and creativity.

In Years 11 and 12 there is an option to select English or Literacy with the English course further developing literature-based comprehension and analysis skills and the Literacy course focusing on information literacy and preparation for the workforce. English is optional for Year 13 and this course is oriented towards preparation for tertiary pathways with a focus on critical thinking, analysis and expanding literary knowledge. Scholarship is also offered as an optional elective with the Towards Scholarship preparation group preparing students from Years 11 to 13 with the necessary critical thinking and discursive skills to achieve highly in the English Scholarship exam. Topics covered throughout Years 9 to 13 include reading Short and Extended Texts and Poetry, Essay Writing, Creative Writing, Film Studies with film analysis and creation, Oral Presentations and Static Image. Authors covered range from William Shakespeare to Hone Tuwhare - there is something for everyone here in the John Paul II English Department!