English

About the Department

The English Department at Glenfield College is a vibrant, forward-thinking department which is increasingly recognised as a leader in the national English teaching community.  We are staffed by a blend of new and experienced teachers, ensuring a balance of both expertise and new ideas.

An emphasis is placed on the literacy skills required for success in education and the world beyond.  Reading and writing are a high priority on the list of classroom and homework activities. We are well resourced with a wide range of modern and traditional materials, both written and visual.  Our classrooms are equipped with data projectors, and the teachers are aware of the importance of engaging students through the use of modern technologies appropriately.

A number of philosophical beliefs underpin teaching and learning in an English classroom at Glenfield College:

·  A supportive learning environment: We recognize that our students represent a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.  We reflect this in our choice of texts from a range of cultures, especially those represented within the class.

·  Encouragement of reflective thought and action: We encourage the students to critically evaluate the material they use, and reflect on their performance in assessment tasks.

·  Enhancing the relevance of learning: Making explicit the raison d’etre of each activity or the selection of certain texts.  Where possible, students are encouraged to involve themselves in choosing texts or themes, so that they may find them more relevant during their process of learning.

·  Facilitating shared learning:  We ensure there are a range of cooperative learning activities used on a regular basis in the classroom, and students are encouraged continue discussing what they are learning when they are at home.

·  Making connections to prior learning:  Students are encouraged to make connections between what they are learning in the classroom and their own experiences, as well as making connections between presented texts.

·  Teaching as inquiry: Teachers are aware of the mixed ability levels of students present in their English classes.  The usage of assessment data enables the staff to make informed decisions and thus cater their teaching to the diverse needs of the students.

·  Assessment: A range of programmes, using both internal and external assessment, ensure that most students can enjoy success according to their individual abilities.  An emphasis is placed in the senior school on achieving NCEA success, with specialised programmes for those students who need help with literacy.  Able students abilities are extended through the use of challenging themes and texts, with a constant aim toward excellence. 

Karl Lee
Head of English
Phone: 444 9066 ext 705
Email: [email protected]

Please check for the our course listings: English