Overview

Description
The English programme is based on the written, oral and visual language strands that make up the National Curriculum. A wide variety of activities and topics are offered to develop students’ awareness and confidence with English. Reading and writing, however, still form the core of the programme. English is compulsory from Year 9 to Year 12 and is an approved Level 3 subject for many tertiary courses. Alternative English programmes are offered for those who need extra support with their studies in this subject area. Media Studies can be studied from Year 11 onwards in addition to the English programme.

Why choose it?
By studying English, students will be able to achieve literacy which is needed to gain entry into a variety of tertiary courses. English also helps students develop an understanding and appreciation of language and literature. It teaches them to think critically, communicate clearly and encourages creativity.

Career opportunities
Success in English can lead into a range of career options, including:
Reviewer / Critic
Radio / TV Journalist
Television Presenter
Judge / Barrister
Secondary School Teacher
Website Administrator
Magazine Editor
Interpreter
Speech Language Therapist
Legal Executive

Interests
English is both useful and appealing if you have interests in the following:

• Writing creatively – poetry, advertising copy, short stories, weblogs and song lyrics.
• Writing factually – business reports, newspaper and magazine articles.
• Researching – social, business, historical and environmental issues.
• Speaking – wedding speeches, funeral eulogies, staff farewells, debating issues, presenting proposals and persuading investors.

HOD Profile

Christine Parkinson

Experience
I have been teaching at Rangitoto College since 1995. I was a dean for five years and have been HOD English since 2004. For ten years before coming to New Zealand and starting high school teaching, I worked in the field of English as a second language, writing language course books, and teaching both teachers and students in Soweto. I also taught university students in the US and in South Africa.

Qualifications
1994 Diploma in Education, Auckland College of Education.
1989-1990 M.Ed, Curriculum Studies, University of Rochester,
USA.
1988 British Council Scholarship, University of Lancaster, UK. Inservice Course for Inspectors of English and Teacher Trainers,
1986-1987 B.Ed (post-graduate), University of the Witwatersrand,
South Africa.
1983 B.A. Honours in English Language Teaching, Rhodes
University, South Africa.
1980-1982 Bachelor of Journalism, majoring in English literature
and journalism, Rhodes University, South Africa.

Personal Statement
My mother’s advice to me always was to “choose a career that you love” and I am lucky to have found just that. There is never a day when I am not happy to come to work. I am also fortunate to work with such a wonderful group of people. My colleagues in the department are skilled teachers, dedicated to their students and knowledgeable about their subject and I respect and admire them.

Books and reading have been a passion of mine since childhood, and translating this passion into English teaching was a step I took with great pleasure. The life of an English teacher is both stimulating and challenging. Every day new novels are written, new films are made and new plays are performed. At this very moment, poets are putting their thoughts on paper and short story writers are selecting every word with care. Each one of these represents possibilities for English teachers – ours is an exciting subject, alive with potential and filled with new perspectives.

I believe that English as a subject offers students a critical combination of skills and knowledge. It teaches them to hone their abilities to read, write and comprehend language so that they are better able to interpret the complex world in which we live It also enables them to express themselves with clarity and creativity. English offers students an insight into their own cultural heritage as well as the culture of the wider world. It reveals the past and asks questions about the future. It offers them new ways of seeing the world.

Aims

The aims of the English Department are to:

• Foster a love of language and literature
• Enable students to achieve to their full potential
• Promote critical and creative thinking
• Help students to communicate confidently and effectively

• Reading
• Interpreting texts
• Accurate and analytical written work

Testimonial

"There is no subject quite like English, nor any other that offers an opportunity for such enrichment. Despite having the exams in mind, what you learn is more about the appreciation and exploration of language as well as opening your mind up to a way of thinking that will both challenge and excite you". - Becky Johansen