At Orewa College, we support students to explore ideas, build confidence, and find their voice through English.

English at Orewa College is about more than reading and writing. From Year 7 through to Year 13, students develop the skills to think critically, communicate clearly, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

English learning at Orewa College

Language, literature and communication for life

Our English programme blends reading, writing, speaking, viewing, and creating across a wide range of texts, including novels, poetry, film, drama, speeches, and digital media. We value voices from Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond, and encourage students to respond with insight, creativity, and purpose.

Across all year levels, students are supported to develop literacy skills that prepare them for NCEA, University Entrance literacy, further study, and life beyond school.


Years 7 and 8

Building strong foundations in literacy and communication

In Years 7 and 8, students are introduced to key English skills through structured learning, guided inquiry, and hands-on activities. They explore a range of oral, written, and visual texts while building confidence in reading, writing, speaking, and presenting.

Learning focuses on understanding how language shapes meaning, ideas, and identity. Students are encouraged to think critically, express their own ideas, and make connections between English and other learning areas such as Science and Social Studies.

Years 9 and 10

Developing literacy for learning creativity and critical thinking

In Years 9 and 10, English places a strong emphasis on literacy development. Students learn to select, read, and respond to a variety of texts for enjoyment, understanding, and analysis.

They develop skills in creative and formal writing, oral presentations, and visual and digital texts. Students also explore how English in Aotearoa New Zealand reflects te reo Māori and Pacific languages, helping them understand language within cultural and social contexts.


Years 11 to 13

Preparing for NCEA success and confident communication

Senior English is both creative and critical, supporting students to communicate effectively for a range of purposes and audiences. Courses incorporate reading, writing, visual and oral language, and include mātauranga Māori and perspectives from the Pacific.

Students prepare for NCEA English and University Entrance literacy, with opportunities to develop skills that support learning across all curriculum areas.

At senior levels, students may also choose:

  • Integrated English and Mechatronics at Level 1, developing English skills through a technology context
  • Media Studies at Levels 2 and 3, exploring film, genre, representation, and narrative, alongside practical media production

Scholarship English is available in Year 13 for highly motivated and high-achieving students.


2026 English Department

2026 English Department

Contact

Find out more about English at Orewa College

For more information about English subjects, please contact:

Head of Department: Liz Henshall
Email: [email protected]