Week 3 Term 3 - English Department: Term 2 Senior English Review (August 03 - August 07)

The Senior English review for Term 2 will highlight the student achievement data for our NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3 English classes and the story behind the data.

NCEA Level English Data (Term 2)

Snapshot of NCEA L1 English Data T2 (July 04)

As we transition into Term 3, we have reviewed the current achievement data for NCEA Level 1 English. While the provided data reflects varying levels of credit attainment, it is important to note that not all results have been fully entered for the Term 1 assessment (91926). We anticipate that these figures will shift significantly once the final processing is complete.

NCEA Level 2 English Data (Term 2)

Snapshot of NCEA L2 English Data T2 (July 04)

In reviewing these figures, it is essential to note that not all results have yet been fully entered for assessment 91107. While the current data set is incomplete, we are mindful that these numbers will evolve significantly as final assessments are processed, offering a more comprehensive picture of student success. Despite these pending entries, we are incredibly pleased with the progress students have made on assessment 91107. It is heartening to observe the dedication they have poured into their work, reflecting the genuine effort invested in our classroom culture. Furthermore, we have found the Verification Moderation feedback to be an invaluable professional tool. This guidance has been pivotal in refining our marking practices, ensuring we maintain consistency, rigor, and equity across our assessments. We remain committed to this reflective cycle of improvement, confident that our collective efforts will continue to support every student in reaching their academic goals as we move through the remainder of the year.

NCEA Level 3 English Data (Term 3)

Snapshot of NCEA L3 English Data T2 (July 04)

As we move into Term 3, we have reflected on our NCEA Level 3 English achievement data. It is important to note that not all results for assessment 91480 have been fully entered; we anticipate these figures will shift once final processing is complete, offering a clearer picture of student success. Despite these pending results, we are pleased with the progress students have made on assessment 91480. It is inspiring to see the dedication our seniors have invested, reflecting a strong commitment to their academic journey. Furthermore, the Verification Moderation feedback has been invaluable. We remain dedicated to this cycle of reflective improvement, confident that our collaborative approach will continue to support every student in achieving their goals as we navigate the remainder of the year.

Week 2 Term 3 - English Department: Term 2 Junior English Review (July 27 - July 31)

Term 2 Junior English Program 

For Term 2, 2026, our Year 9 and 10 English theme was 'I see myself in texts.'. Our department remains committed to curating a program featuring texts that are culturally diverse and directly relevant to our students’ lives and unique experiences. By prioritizing literature that resonates with their own journeys, we aim to deepen engagement and foster a sense of connection. We are particularly excited by the selection of short texts explored this term, which have sparked insightful discussions and provided meaningful opportunities for students to see themselves reflected in their learning. 

Ms George's Year 9 English class Term 2 2026 

Our Junior English classes explored various texts, focusing primarily on short texts. For our Year 9 English program our students looked at Witi Ihimaera’s ‘Big Brother Little Sister’ and Willie Davis’s ‘Ka Kite Bro’. Our Year 10 English program offered short texts such Apriana Taylor’s ‘In The Rubbish Tin’ and ‘Rain’ by Hone Tuwhare. The assessment centered on Formal and Creative Writing, alongside successful Mid-Year Junior Examinations in Week 9. To support our 'Read for Pleasure' department goal, we continue to use the StepsWeb app for our Year 9 English program.

Mid Year Junior English Exam Term 2 2026

We successfully concluded Term 2 with our Mid-Year Junior English Examinations. We are incredibly proud of the students' dedication and the effort they invested throughout the term; their accomplishments are a testament to their hard work and engagement in their learning journey. 

Week 1 Term 3 - English Department: Term 2 Review (July 20 - July 24)

As Term 2 has ended I find myself reflecting on what has been a remarkably busy and long journey. It has been a term defined by its challenges, yet equally by the profound rewards we have shared as a team and with our classes. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our English Department; your unwavering dedication to our learning area, our students, and the shared kaupapa that strengthens our team is truly inspiring. Thank you for all the heart and energy you pour into our school community both in and out of the classroom.

I am deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment each of you brings to our department. To Ms. Anahina Latu, Mrs. Pravina Harde, Mr. Faiyaz Hoosein, Mr. Jeiel Sevilla, and Mrs. Nivashni Lata, thank you for your service to our learners and the heart you pour into our classroom culture. I would also like to extend a special welcome home to Ms. Amber George; your creativity, dedication, and genuine love for 9TKl have been one my highlights of this term, and we are so grateful to have you back with us. Additionally, I want to acknowledge Mrs. Pravina Harde in her new role as Co-HOLA of the English Department. Your leadership this term, particularly in driving the Literacy CAA and the Mid Year Junior English Exam, has been instrumental, and I truly value the hard work you have poured into these initiatives.

As we celebrate our current successes, we also hold in our thoughts Ms. Francis Kolo, who is currently on maternity leave. We want to extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to you, Francis, as you embrace this beautiful new chapter. We are so excited for you and your growing family, and we eagerly look forward to the arrival of baby Helena Maivani Latrel Taniue Kolo. Thank you all for making this term a meaningful and supportive time for us and for our students.

Finally, I want to express my deepest appreciation for the service each of you gives to our school. It is clear that the dedication you bring to our students is deeply rooted in the values, traditions, and love you cultivate within your own homes; you carry your families' best with you, and it shapes our students' lives in profound ways. As we draw this term to a close, taking the time to pause and reflect on our Term 2 journey is essential. This reflection provides the necessary perspective to learn from our shared experiences, ensuring that we move into our planning for Term 3 not just with new goals, but with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of our collective path.

Week 11 Term 2 - English Department: Unit Plan: In The Rubbish Tin (Apriana Taylor) (June 29 - July 03)

Apriana Taylor

Our Department is deeply committed to prioritizing texts that are local, relevant, and culturally responsive to our students, our school, and our community. We believe that when students see their own lives and environments reflected in literature, it fosters a more profound connection to learning and a stronger sense of identity. By exploring stories that resonate with the world right outside our classroom doors, we aim to make English a subject that feels both personal and powerful for every student.

In The Rubbish Tin - Apriana Taylor

This Year 10 unit centers on a close study of Apirana Taylor’s short story, In The Rubbish Tin. Over the course of seven weeks, students dive into the world of characters like Phillipa and Ruth, exploring a narrative that navigates themes of domestic struggle and the search for hope amidst harsh realities. The unit is designed to move from initial vocabulary building and context setting to a deep-dive analysis of how a story's historical and social background influences its meaning..

Narrative Structure - In The Rubbish Tin Workbook

Throughout the study, we cover the essential building blocks of narrative, such as characterization, setting, and pacing. Students use the "STEAL" method to analyze characters and learn to identify complex plot structures, including parallel and non-linear narratives. We also spend significant time looking at Taylor’s specific craft, such as his use of symbolism and the effect of the story's "open ending," which leaves Phillipa’s fate for the reader to consider.

Common Assessment Task: Creative Writing (Short Story Unit)

 By the end of the unit, they will apply these insights to their own work through a Common Assessment Task (CAT) focused on creative writing. This allows them to transition from being analytical readers to becoming confident storytellers who can craft their own meaningful narratives. 

Week 10 Term 2 - Teacher Practice: Preparing my Y9 and Y10 students for the Mid Year Junior English Exam (June 22 - June 26)

To prepare students for their Mid Year English Junior exam in Week 9, we have focused on mastering the essential components of essay writing. We started by exploring how to construct a strong introduction that effectively sets the tone for their work. Students have learned to include critical elements like identifying the author and text, providing a brief summary, highlighting key words from the exam question, and clearly outlining the main points of their argument. This foundation ensures that every essay begins with clarity and purpose.

Introduction Structure + Exemplar

Following the introduction, we concentrated on building body paragraphs using the PEEL method. By breaking down paragraphs into Point, Evidence, Explain, and Link, students now have a reliable framework to focus on one main point per paragraph. Using the example of the text 'In The Rubbish Tin' by Apriana Taylor, students practiced finding supporting quotes and explaining how they back up their analysis, ensuring each point is directly linked back to the question. This structured approach helps transform abstract ideas into well-argued insights.

Paragraph Structure + Exemplar

Finally, we looked at how to create a meaningful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression. Students practiced the structure of restating their chosen question, summarizing their key points, and offering a thoughtful final reflection. By applying this to their study of loneliness in the text, students have learned not just how to finish an essay, but how to synthesize their understanding of human themes. 

Conclusion Structure + Exemplar

This preparation provides a supportive toolkit for their exam, helping them feel confident and well-equipped to express their ideas clearly and effectively. 

Week 9 Term 2 - Totara House: Samoan Language Week 2026 - Understanding our House Value of Unity through the concept of Fealofani (June 08 - June 12)

Totara House SLW Au Siva 2026

The concept of fealofani in the Samoan culture goes beyond a simple gathering or coming together; it is deeply rooted in alofa—a love that is nurturing, protective, and focused on mentoring and caring for one another. When we practice fealofani, we are extending this deep, loving care to our peers, ensuring that every member of Totara House feels seen, supported, and valued. This deep connotation of relational love is what breathes life into our House value of Unity. It reminds us that our unity isn't just about standing side-by-side; it is about standing with one another in a way that is committed to each other's growth, well-being, and collective success. By grounding our Unity in fealofani, we transform our House from just a group of students into a genuine, loving aiga. 

Totara House SLW Au Siva 2026

At the heart of everything we do in Totara House are our core values for 2026 of Unity and Discipline. These values serve as the backbone for our House events, providing us with the strength and structure to grow together as an aiga. Our recent Siva Samoa House Competition in Week 7 of Term 2 was a beautiful opportunity for us to express these values in action. It was a powerful moment of kotahitanga, where we came together in unity to celebrate our culture and build the confidence and respect that define our House spirit.

Totara House SLW Au Siva 2026

During Weeks 5 and 6 of Term 2, our House came alive as students from Years 9, 10, 11, and 13 gathered during every lunch break to learn and rehearse our Siva Samoa for the House competition. This two-week journey was much more than just practice; it was a profound time for our House to embody the values of fealofani (fellowship) and maopopo (togetherness). By showing up for one another day after day, we strengthened our bonds, learning in unity and discovering that when we work in harmony, our strength as a House truly shines. 

Totara House SLW Au Siva 2026 - 1st Place for SLW House Comp 2026

Reflecting on this journey, we are deeply humbled and incredibly proud of our students' dedication and heartfelt performance; coming together to secure first place in the House competition is a true blessing that represents our commitment to the value of fealofani and unity. 

Week 8 Term 2 - Vaiaso O le Gagana Samoa 2026: E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le 'nu'u. From the high mountains are the blessings of the village (June 08 - June 12)

Samoan Language Week 2026

Vaiaso O le Gagana Samoa took place in Week 8 of Term 2.  This year, our official theme is the powerful proverb: "‘E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le 'nu'u" or, "From the high mountains are the blessings of the village." For me, this theme is a clear, concise reminder that the blessings we enjoy in our community—our strength, identity, and belonging—are a direct flow from the high places: the unwavering foundation of our faith, the sacred wisdom of our ancestors, and the enduring strength of our culture. 

Au Siva @ Te Oro 2026

"‘E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le 'nu'u" or, "From the high mountains are the blessings of the village." For me, this theme is a clear, concise reminder that the blessings we enjoy in our community are a direct flow from the our faith, family and our ancestors. This strength is visible in the power of our collective and togetherness, which I believe is the very heart of our culture. The mountain itself is a spiritual and physical pillar in the village, representing stability and being the essential source from which all blessings flow.  

Tamaki College Samoan Language Week 2026

For us here at school, our faigaoga (teachers) embody these mountains. They stand as guiding pillars, much like our ancestors and the constant, unwavering prayers of our parents and grandparents, providing the foundation that nourishes our nu'u (village).

Au Siva @ Te Oro for SLW 2026

Samoan Language Week 2026 at Tāmaki College has been a beautiful celebration of faith and culture. The week began with a sacred blessing and a formal flag-raising ceremony to open our festivities. Our Au Siva Polyfest group represented us with pride, performing at the Manaiakalani Teacher Only Day and the Te Oro Music and Arts Centre to share our heritage with the wider community. 

Au Siva @ Te Oro for SLW 2026

Students also showcased their passion and house spirit during the annual Siva Samoa House Competition. All these events reflect our theme, showing how our faith, ancestors, and traditions serve as the steady mountain that nourishes and strengthens our entire village.

SLW House Competition - Samoan Language Week 2026