English

Success in English is vital for success in every other subject and in every aspect of a student's future life.

English at Marsden inspires a life-time love of literature and language.

We want the students to know the enjoyment that comes through knowledge and understanding of the English language and its literature.

Here is what some of our girls said about English classes at Marsden when we asked them:

"Inspirational"
"Challenging and interesting"
"Like a block of chocolate, rich, outstanding and extremely enjoyable"
"Hard, but teachers help you with what you want to know, so it makes it easier"
"Exciting and you learn at least one new thing every day"
"Enjoyable and well taught.  Student opinion is always taken into account and classes are always interesting to aprticipate in and a wide variety of topics is taught...the teachers are confident in their subject"
"Inspiring, creative, expanding horizons, broad, challenging"

Years 9 and 10
At this level students study written, visual and oral texts, learning through different media, including drama, role play and technology.  They develop thinking skills and take part in English-related activities such as debating, theatre visits, library sessions and competitions.

Year 11
Creative and formal writing and comprehension skills are part of the rich NCEA Level One programme, as well as communication both visual and spoken.  Some students carry their enjoyment of reading into a Level Two reading unit.  Debating, theatre and writing competitions continue.

Years 12 and 13
Critical analysis and literary appreciation are emphasised in the senior classes, along with the study of different genres and texts.  Year 13 students study a Shakespearean play, do independent research, deliver a seminar and complete an extended writing assessment.

Cambridge AS Level
Some students choose to study the Cambridge AS Level English Literature course as well as NCEA.  An extra class is scheduled after school each week.  Head Girl, Maria English (Y13) had the top mark in the world in Cambridge AS English Literature last year.