ESOL
Range of subjects offered
10ESL
11EAP (English for Academic Purposes) – Level 1 Literacy for NCEA
12EAP (English for Academic Purposes) – Level 2 Literacy for NCEA
13EAP (English for Academic Purposes) – Level 2 Literacy for NCEA
Note: Literacy credits at Level two present difficulties for students from non-English speaking backgrounds. Therefore, the achievement of these credits must be seen as a two-year course at Years 12 and 13.
Why choose ESOL?
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programme is designed to ensure that all students are given the best possible opportunities to reach their full potential in learning English. The senior programmes are designed with achievement in NCEA and university entrance as an important focus.
Where can learning the English language take you in the future?
Learning English as an additional language opens doors for students on the international market. Within New Zealand, studying ESOL facilitates entry to tertiary study at university level or higher.
What skills are covered?
At all levels, studying ESOL covers the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Areas of study include research projects, analysis of visual and written texts and giving presentations.
HOD ESOL Profile
Mr Glenn Murphy
Qualifications:
Experience:
Awards/Scholarships:
Testimonials from ESOL students
Gaby Surja
Year 12, 2007
My name is Gaby Surja, a Year 12 student from Indonesia. I’ve been studying at Rangitoto College for one year. To me, this huge school is really an exceptional school. It is well-known for its academic, sports and arts achievements. Not so many schools can maintain such an excellent balance of these three crucial aspects of school life.
Upon my arrival at this school last year, I was really surprised to see all of the things around me. The massive building area, detached blocks, the cultural diversity of the students, the huge number of students attending this college; all of these things made me anxious and confused. I was afraid to make new friends, often got lost in the middle of the buildings, and sometimes found it difficult to understand what my teachers and friends said as my English was not very good. Yet, as time went by, which felt really fast in this school, I gradually became very well adapted to this school, its culture, community and environment. There’s no doubt that the school staff and students are really helpful and supportive towards new students. Now, I feel like I’ve been accepted as part of this school’s huge family.
Since I‘ve been here, I’ve experienced some of the school’s annual events, such as Chinese Day, Korean Day, piano competitions, Chaos, and International Day. The last one was so unique, as the students got to wear their traditional costumes from their home countries. The next up-coming event is the sixth form ball – and I’m really looking forward to it!
Fabiana Brasil
Year 11
When I came to New Zealand I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know a lot about the country, I just knew it was at the bottom of the world, really small but with a lot of beautiful views and lots of sheep. Almost all my international friends felt the same and I was scared. It was a school three times bigger than my one at home, there would be new friends, a new family and I knew I had to stay for 11 months.
Initially I found it hard to make Kiwi friends because I didn’t really know if they liked international students. I also remember in the second month of school I still found it hard to get around the school without getting lost. It was also challenging to wake up in the morning and not speak Portuguese – a lot of little things.
I know today that not everything is perfect and I will not always do everything right. But, it’s from my mistakes that I will learn. If you miss something it’s because it was nice, but I know I have to enjoy this experience and make the most of it.
Now I am completely sure that I chose the right country to visit. I am really happy that I spent the most perfect year of my life in New Zealand. I visited the most beautiful places that I have ever seen in my whole life. I love New Zealand, my host family and I am really glad that I took this opportunity.
Jason Chen
Year 11
When I came to this school for the first time I felt very strange because I had never ever thought that I would go to school in another country. I felt a mixture of excitement and fear. But I have discovered that going to school at Rangitoto College is very interesting because I have made some new friends from different countries. I hope that in the future I can continue to improve my English while I’m here.
Jiang Chen-Huan
Year 12
What a magnificent college! This was the first impression which Rangitoto College left on me. On the first day of school I was totally lost while holding the college map and the timetable. It was completely different from China. In China, we study in a fixed classroom for the whole day. But here, we have to change classrooms each period. Also, as the college is so big, I was always confused about which way I should go. Luckily I met some Chinese students and they were very warm-hearted and explained nearly everything to me.
Here the teachers are all very kind and lovely as well. When I first arrived my English wasn’t very good. It was hard to follow what the teachers were talking about. AT first I was nervous about asking them questions. But later I found that they were very patient. They answered my questions and encouraged me to do better. When I made some progress they always said “Well done,” “Excellent,” or “Good on you,” which made me feel more confident.
Last by not least I live with such a good Kiwi homestay! My homestay mother loves cooking and we usually try different types of meals. My homestay father is humorous so that he often jokes which makes us laugh easily. I really appreciate being one of the members in the family. I can’t say I never feel homesick here, but when it does appear, at least my homestay is always with me which helps me realise that I am never alone.
Time goes so quickly. I am grateful to everyone for all that they have done to help me. Without their help, I might still be a shy girl.