Year 09 5ENF1 – Foundation English

This course is compulsory for Year 9 students with Literacy levels below Level 4 at the start of Year 9. Students will be directed into this course following the triangulation of entrance data, overall teacher judgement and standardised testing. 

Main areas of study: Foundation English skills for success.

This is a foundation English course that will support transition from primary school to high school, while preparing students for continued English studies in Year 10. The course focuses on essential literacy skills, building toward Level 5 of the NZ Curriculum. Students will continue building the foundations of good communication by improving skills in punctuation, grammar and spelling.

The key strands of the curriculum will be explored with a focus on reading and writing. You will develop the fundamental reading and writing skills needed for achieving success across the curriculum.

In this course you will learn

• To closely view films and other visual texts.
• To study a novel in depth.
• To use information literacy skills.
• To closely read a range of short fiction and poetry.
• To present information clearly in visual and oral forms.
• To write a range of text types.
• Self-management skills for success at high school.
• Confidence to tackle reading and writing tasks.
• To use digital tools that improve reading and writing.
• Students who take Foundation English will move towards Level 5 in a more supported manner, with extra time spent on reading and writing skills.

Methods of Assessment

There is thorough diagnostic testing at the start of the year with PAT Listening, PAT Reading Comprehension and e-asTTle reading and writing tests.

During the year, you will be assessed in a number of modes: close reading of language features; essay writing, formal writing of different kinds, and creative writing; research, listening, speeches, viewing tests, and static images. You will also complete a PAT Reading Vocabulary assessment.

This course leads to:
Year 10 Foundation English (5AENF1 and/or 5AENF2) – for most students. Students may progress to 5AENW in the following semester, pending achievement levels and progression in this class.