Teaching English at Hebron is very rewarding. It is a subject that lends itself to varied and interesting discussions raised by the texts being studied and the writing topics.Being a Christian school, it is wonderful to be able to look at what Scripture has to say about these issues compared to society's views.We believe in teaching texts that are excellent examples of literature and language, but that are also inspiring and challenging to us as individuals and especially as Christians. Some are classics (some students would never read these otherwise) and others are modern texts. The Bible itself, is of course, great literature: it has stood the test of time, has universal appeal, uses a wide variety of writing styles, is artistic, has emotional and individual appeal, and most of all, is God's true Word to us. As the Bible and man's writings reflect our inner thoughts, desires and experiences, the study of these books help us understand ourselves and others. In Philippians 4:8 God instructs us:"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things." As we study literature, we believe our students will become more discriminating and discerning, enabling them to distinguish between what is true and valuable, and what is superficial and transitory. Not all literature is good. Some should be avoided entirely, even burned as we see in Acts 19: 18-20. Other literature should be read with careful discernment.
Good English skills are essential for understanding all other subjects. As students develop skills in oral, visual and written language and presentation their confidence in other areas grows. A good command of English is essential for gaining access to tertiary institutions and for further study.
The courses for the Year 8, 9 and 10 classes establish a good foundation for later, more advanced study of English. The students cover a wide range of literature and language topics, concentrating on close reading skills and accurate, expressive writing. Listening and viewing skills are also developed, as students study advertising, static images and films. They may produce a newspaper, a short film of their own or a short drama performance. Independent research skills are also introduced and each student will participate in a class debate or produce a formal speech. Some NCEA Level 1 English achievement standards are offered in Year 10, which allows students to relieve some of the stress and pressure of the senior years and allows more flexibility in these courses.
The Year 11, 12 and 13 courses develop an understanding of deeper themes and attitudes as well as a greater appreciation of the ways in which writers use language to achieve their effects and influence their readers. At each level, at least 22 out of 24 NCEA credits are offered. Having smaller senior classes enables the teachers to give students more individual attention and tutoring, and therefore, students are more likely to reach their potential. At Years 11 and 12, English is compulsory, but is optional at Year 13. If students do not study English at Year 13, it is imperative that they achieve their literacy credits at Year 12 in order to access tertiary study.
We are proud of the achievements of our students and wish them an enjoyable and successful year studying English.
2009 JUNIOR SECONDARY SPEECH WINNER - RUTH TURNER
The Annual Secondary Speech Finals were held in the last week of Term 1 and Ruth Turner (Y9) won the Junior Secondary Speech Cup with her speech "Has Society Gone Soft?" Click here to watch Ruth's speech (15Mb).
Year 13s analyse Shakespeare's Richard III
Visual Language
Character Study