English for Speakers of Other Languages is a subject that provides students with pathways to English literacy for NCEA and university entrance.
Students study English language, as well as English literature (at higher levels). ESOL courses draw on two New Zealand curriculum learning areas: English and Learning Languages.
Range of Subjects Offered
ESOLPR – Pre-Intermediate ESOL
This course teaches the basics of English needed in high school and around home. This course is for students with a low level of English language competency.
ESOLIN – Intermediate ESOL
This course teaches English language required in the wider community and introduces English Curriculum level 4 concepts around literature study, film study, writing, and wide-reading.
Level 1 NCEA ESOL
This course provides an alternative pathway for English language learning students to level 1 literacy through the assessment of level 1 English achievement standards. Students study academic writing, literature, film, static images, formal speaking, research, and responding to wide-reading.
University Entrance Literacy – Reading, ESOL
This course has pre-requisites for entry. Students study towards assessments that give them half of the university entrance literacy credits required (in reading).
University Entrance Literacy, ESOL
This course has pre-requisites for entry. Students study towards assessments that give them half of the university entrance literacy credits required (in writing).
IELTS Preparation Course
This course is for international students wishing to study a course of academic English. It is structured around preparation for the IELTS examination, but even if students do not choose to sit this examination (offered by IELTS testing centres at University of Auckland and Massey University, Albany), the course will teach valuable skills around academic listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Note: literacy credits for university entrance present difficulties for students from non-English speaking backgrounds. Therefore, the achievement of these credits should be seen as a two-year course at Years 12 and Year 13.
Emily Wong
ESOL, UEL and UER have helped me to improve my vocabulary and grammar. They have also helped me to think outside the square when reading a book or watching a movie.

ESOL Department
Nopparuj Jiratchayasakul
Level 1 ESOL has improved my thinking when I am doing and essay or writing paragraphs. It has also improved my personal thinking when I am cummunicating. I find that this subject has prepared me for further studies.

Why choose ESOL?
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses are 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 language and the skills to analyse literature opens doors for students on the international market. Within New Zealand, studying ESOL facilitates entry to tertiary study at university level or higher.
What the Department Offers
Trained, qualified and specialised ESOL teaching staff
Host of visits from other educational institutions
Small class sizes (see ERO report)
Safe, supportive classroom environments where students are encouraged to succeed to the best of their ability
Courses that contribute to NCEA and university entrance literacy
Pathways to University literacy

Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)
Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages