English Essence Statement
March 2005
An essence statement encapsulates the fundamental ideas of each learning area. These
will be one-page documents that clearly articulate important learning outcomes for
students.
The English essence statement writing team met on February 23 to review the essence
statement in the light of nationwide feedback.
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English in New Zealand schools is taught to increase students’ abilities to understand
English language and to use it effectively. Confident users of English will be effective
readers and communicators who can engage with, enjoy, interpret, and produce texts
which contribute to a sense of their own identity and place in Aotearoa New Zealand and
within a range of local and global communities.
In New Zealand schools English as a subject has two key emphases:
 the study of language and literacy skills
 the study of texts.
Skill and knowledge development in English is focused initially on learning-to-read and
write processes. This leads to thinking critically, processing information, and exploring
language through a wide range of relevant texts. These texts increase in complexity,
type, and breadth, and include historical and contemporary texts from a rich diversity of
cultures.
As a subject, English enables learners to appreciate New Zealand’s bicultural and
multicultural perspectives and heritage as well as the wider heritage of English literature
and world literature in English.
As they engage with and enjoy English language, learners become skilled in
understanding a wide range of oral, written, and visual texts. They learn to use
language appropriately and creatively in a wide range of oral, written, and visual
contexts. Through exploring texts, learners develop an understanding of how English
language works, which informs their ability to make meaning of texts and to create texts.
In English, learners develop skills in which are developed cumulatively and increase in
complexity and sophistication over time, in:
 making meaning when reading, listening and viewing
 communicating effectively through writing, speaking and presenting
 understanding how language works
 processing information and thinking critically
 critically understanding literature from a shared cultural background.
Many literacies are fundamental to English. Literate learners make meaning within,
across, and beyond a range of texts. Literate learners have a depth of experience of
language and how language works which enables them to make appropriate and
systematic language choices within different contexts.
Through the study of English and the acquisition of literacy skills learners can participate
equitably within and beyond school. Individuals are empowered to realise their potential
to participate effectively in the social, cultural, political, and economic life of New
Zealand society and in the international community.
English Essence Statement – Working document, March 2005
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