9ENG

Year 9 English

Course Description

English at Nelson College 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. Learning English encompasses learning the language, learning through the language, and learning about the language. In the Year 9 Junior English programme, each term will explore one the four concepts of tÅ«rangawaewae, pono, manaaki, and kairangi. Units of work will include a range of text types. Students will access these through key questions linked to each concept. Over the course of the year, students will develop their foundation skills in analysing, organising, producing text and using language. Boys are encouraged to explore the well-resourced library and read widely for enjoyment. They will have one reading assignment per term which is to be completed independently. 

The aims of English at Nelson College are to encourage and enable rangatahi to: 

• use language as a vehicle for thought, creativity, reflection, learning, self-expression, analysis and social interaction 

• develop the skills involved in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and presenting in a variety of contexts 

• develop critical, creative, and personal approaches to studying and analysing literary and non-literary texts 

• engage with text from different historical periods and a variety of cultures 

• explore and analyse aspects of personal, host and other cultures through literary and non-literary texts 

• explore language through a variety of media and modes 

• develop a lifelong interest in reading 

• apply linguistic and literary concepts and skills in a variety of authentic contexts.  


Course Overview

Term 1
Unit 1 : TÅ«rangawaewae – Our Place; Our Language
Students will explore an introductory topic related to their sense of place at Nelson College and its history. They will also learn about the story of New Zealand English and its origins.

Learning objectives:
B: Organising
D: Using Language

Term 2
Unit 2 : Pono – Friendship
Students will explore the role of friendship and the impact of relationships in our current and future lives. Both film and short stories will be used to investigate these ideas. Students will develop their reading and creative writing skills.

Learning objectives:
A: Analysing
C: Producing Text

Term 3
Unit 3: Manaaki – Empathising with Others
Students will complete a deep dive into a text analysis and learn how to write a literary essay. A film or novel will be used to investigate these ideas. Students will continue their visual language and essay writing skills.

Learning objectives
B: Organising
D: Using Language

Term 4
Unit 4: Kairangi – Heroes
Students will analyse aspects of the hero’s narrative genre and its conventions through a novel or film study, as well as short stories looking at our local and national heroes. Students will present a turning point in a hero’s life through a dramatic presentation.

Learning objectives:
A: Analysing
C: Producing Text

Pathway