Whangarei Girls’ High School

Year 11 English

Course Description

In 11 English, students will explore their own identity and how this is shaped by their experiences, their whānau and the people and environment around them. They will delve into what it means to be a teenager in the 21st century in Aotearoa and students will be exposed to a range of (mostly) New Zealand literature in all its forms, reading and viewing texts to help develop their analytical skills. This course encourages students to think about texts as windows or mirrors. They will use critical thinking skills as they unpack and analyse the ideas within a range of texts. Students will explore different forms of writing and learn how to target particular audiences in an effective way. Students will also consider the power of words- how language is used to manipulate, persuade and educate us.

Learning Opportunities

In this course you will need to:

Develop these skills:	Explore this content:
Essay writing skills - how to independently write a structured essay that addresses a studied text.	Read an extended text and learn the elements of a novel.
Analytical skills - how to interpret texts and unpack the complex ideas within them.	Use our understanding of these elements to write a literacy essay based on the literature that has been explored.
Reading skills - read a range of text types, to build understanding and an appreciation of reading for pleasure.	Make links and connections with society and the wider world around us.
Literature and film analysis - looking between and beyond what is seen on the surface.	Become familiar with different language techniques and styles so that writing will always fit the audience.
Thinking about how and why language is used for a given purpose.	Understand how consistent word choice and imagery can build mood and atmosphere.
Develop written personal voice in a range of genres.

Year Levels/Departments:

Year 11, English

Assessment Information

Optional 91927 External Assessment (Exam)