English 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 forms. Understanding, using, and creating oral, written, and visual texts of increasing complexity is at the heart of English. By engaging with text-based activities, students become increasingly skilled and sophisticated speakers and listeners, writers and readers, presenters and viewers.
Pathways
Literacy in English gives students access to the understanding, knowledge, and skills they need to participate fully in the social, cultural, political, and economic life of New Zealand and the wider world. To be successful participants, they need to be effective oral, written, and visual communicators who are able to think critically and in depth. By understanding how language works, students are equipped to make appropriate language choices and apply them in a range of contexts. Students learn to deconstruct texts in order to understand the power of language to enrich and shape their own and others’ lives. Success in English is fundamental to success across the curriculum. Learning areas require students to receive, process, and present ideas or information using the English language as a medium.
