Level 2 English (L2ENG)

Overview

Students in Level 2 at Mount Aspiring College get to choose their English course.

This selection takes place at the start of the school year and sees the Level 2 teachers selling their programmes to the learners. The courses are differentiated based upon teacher, challenge level and theme. Once teachers have their students in front of them, they then design their assessment programme around their learners' needs (this is reflected in the credit table below).

All New Zealand University Entrance reading and writing literacy requirements will be met within the scope of this course. The English curriculum areas of reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and presenting are all thoroughly covered in the course – the distinction is that these competencies and processes will be learned in the context of the deeper thematic analysis of English literature, the close examination of written and visual texts with a focus on the highly detailed study of language, as well as robust examinations of contemporary film and the acute development of higher-order oratory skills.

What will I learn?

The course at Level 2 is designed for all English students. Within this option there will be different thematic based courses for you to choose from with varying levels of difficulty. This ensures that you can select a course based on the topic that you find the most engaging and at the appropriate challenge level for you. You will be required to extend your range and depth of understanding through a course that draws upon the strong tradition of English Literature teaching in New Zealand schools. The reading of novels, Shakespearian and contemporary plays, a theme-based wide reading assignment, the close analysis of texts, writing in both the creative and transactional modes, the viewing and analysis of a contemporary film, a language investigation and the study of poetry all combine to form this Literature course.

What should I have done already?

Entry to Level 2 English will be limited to students who achieve a minimum of ten Level 1 credits in English, including credits in reading and writing. Year 12 students who do not meet these basic criteria will be required to conference with the Head of Learning Area. Preferential entry will go to students who gain a minimum of 16 merit and excellence grades in the Level 1 English course.

Assessment outline

Level 2 English

Assessment regulations

This subject is assessed using a range of Level 2 achievement standards, including the English standards necessary for the gaining of New Zealand University Entrance literacy requirements (5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing).

The following is an indication of the proposed assessment credit values in this course:

Level 2 Achievement Standards: 22 credits

  • 65% assessed internally

  • 35% assessed externally

Teachers will confirm course credit values based on the learners in their classes.

The standards offered are compulsory for the course that the student chooses. This applies also to speaking standards; a skill-set that the Department values. Every student, at every level of the College is expected to complete a speaking assessment in front of their peers.

Plagiarism

This is a matter that the Department approaches with a huge deal of seriousness. We deem it unacceptable to present a piece of work that has someone else's voice in it and claim it is your own. In all plagiarism matters the HOD is notified, so too is the College's NCEA coordinator, and the student loses the opportunity to gain a grade for the submitted piece and jeopardises the chance to get a resubmission. With plagiarism undeniably being a breach of ethics, we treat matters with the utmost gravity as this is in the students' best interests as worldwide citizens.

Where does this course lead?

This subject leads to the Level 3 English options, with the highest challenge level course being recommended if you wish to attempt University Scholarship examinations in English in your final year.

Indicative costs

Read more about indicative course costs.