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

Week 7 Term 2 - Totara House: Defining our House Values for 2026 (June 01 - June 05)

Totara House 2026: Blessing + Dedication Assembly Term 1

Totara House dedicates Term 1 and Term 2 each year to collaboratively establish its core House values. This respectful and inclusive process is led by the House leaders, who visit mentor classes across all year levels to ask students directly: 'What do you want Totara House to represent?' The leaders diligently gather all student feedback, which is then used by the leadership team to determine the final, simple, and clear values that will guide Totara House for the academic year.

Totara House Leadership Team 2026

Totara House Leadership Team 2026

After discussing and unpacking the student feedback this year, the leaders identified a clear and powerful theme: students want Totara House to represent genuine togetherness and unwavering commitment to their learning and collective work as a house. Inspired by this student voice, the Totara House Leaders proudly chose Unity and Discipline as our core values for the year. These values will motivate us to stand stronger together and dedicate ourselves to achieving individual and collective excellence.

Totara House: House Values Assembly Term 2

In Week 4 of Term 2, our House Leaders proudly revealed our core Totara House Values for 2026: Unity and Discipline. Students have already begun to exercise these expectations, most notably during the recent Inter-Whanau Turbo Touch tournament, where Unity represented Kotahitanga (togetherness) in our teamwork and Discipline guided our commitment and effort. We look forward to seeing these values further explored and reinforced during the upcoming House events for Samoan Language Week, scheduled for Week 7, as we continue to build our collective strength and dedication to excellence as a whanau.

Totara House: Athletics Day Assembly Term 1

Totara House Alumni (House Prefects 2022 @ UoA Graduation 2026)

Totara House is committed to executing our core values of Unity and Discipline. Unity, or kotahitanga, ensures we move forward as one team, lifting each other up, while Discipline provides the structured, focused mindset required for success. We honor the excellence demonstrated by our alumni, former House Prefects 2022 Lakai Vaisima and Lisia Pauu, who showcased this discipline by graduating with their Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Auckland. Their success inspires our House; our hope is that as a House, we will unite and lead with discipline to make Totara House great. 

Week 6 Term 2 - English Department: Unit Plan - Rain (Hone Tuwhare) (May 25 - May 29)

Hone Tuwhare's 'Rain'

The seven-week Year 10 English unit plan is a Short Text Study focused on Rain by Hone Tuwhare, culminating in a Creative Writing Common Assessment Task (CAT). The initial phase in Week 1 is the introduction of the text study, focusing on context, key vocabulary, and concepts. The key goal is for students to understand how the text is influenced by its historical, cultural, and social contexts, which in turn provides deeper insights into its themes, characters, and the author's purpose. Explicit instruction is given on key vocabulary like "Akonga" and "Metaphor," and structured scaffolding is used to practice explaining the relationship between the text's context and setting.

A preview of the Unit plan for 'Rain'

Following the introduction, Weeks 2 and 3 are dedicated to reading the text and completing chapter questions. During this phase, the focus is on students learning how features of text—such as characterization, setting, pacing, compressed plot structure, and narrative perspective—work together to shape meaning and create effects. This knowledge is built upon in Weeks 4 and 5, which center on Theme Analysis. The explicit teaching practices introduce students to defining direct and indirect themes, different perspectives. Student learning activities during these analysis weeks involve working on a Themes Presentation. 

Creative Writing Assessment for Rain

Theme Analysis for Rain

The final stage of the unit, spanning Weeks 6 and 7, is dedicated to the Summative Assessment: the Creative Writing CAT. During these two weeks, the lesson focus is on teaching and learning how to craft a narrative or creative text. The knowledge and practice from the previous weeks are applied as students work on their creative texts. The goal remains the same: using text features to support interpretation, reveal underlying themes, and allow connections with the text to emerge.

Week 5 Term 2 - English Department: Designing our unit plans (May 18 - May 22)

As we move through Term 2 and Term 3, our main goal is straightforward: we're going to focus on creating, sharing, and collaborating on our Units of Learning. Why is this so important for us? Simply put, it helps us all get on the same page. When we work together to build these unit plans, we ensure long-term consistency for our students. It lets us share our best practices—what's working well in your classroom can help mine! This collaboration establishes a really strong foundation for all our future planning, making sure our curriculum is robust and effective across all year levels.

To show you what this looks like in action, here is an example of a unit plan I've created and shared with the English Department. This is the template we all use for our Unit Plans.

First part of the Unit plan (template)

Second part of the Unit Plan (template)

The unit plan is a detailed framework that maps out a course of study over several weeks, such as the 7-Week Short Text Study for Year 9 English. It outlines the specific Knowledge students need to learn and the Practices they will master.

The unit plan is a clear and explicit roadmap for instruction. It shifts the focus from simply preparing for an assessment to building a complete body of teaching and learning. It helps you deliberately sequence and time the exposure of important concepts so that students will acquire knowledge, engage in deep learning, and successfully transfer that knowledge into their long-term memory.How to Follow the Unit Plan. 

Follow the Weekly Focus: Use the table to guide your lesson's main focus, the knowledge required, and the practice goals for that week (e.g., Week 5 focuses on Character and/or Theme Analysis).

Use Explicit Teaching Practices: Implement the recommended methods for instruction:Direct Instruction on key vocabulary and literary concepts (e.g., Akonga, Metaphor).

Think-aloud processes to demonstrate how to analyze relationships, such as between context and setting. Model how a text’s historical and cultural context influences its meaning.

Factor in Time: Ensure students have spaced interactions with the new content over time, which is essential for deep and transfer learning.

Use Assessments: Administer the planned Formative assessments (like weekly quizzes) and the final Summative Assessment (e.g., the Common Assessment Task/Creative Writing)

*In my next post I will share a unit plan that I have created for one of our short texts that we are doing this term, Hone Tuwhare's poem 'Rain'.