The Structure of this Learning Area
English is not a foreign language for children in Māori medium schools. For some, English will be their first language. The vast majority of learners in Māori medium settings are proficient speakers of English. This learning area acknowledges that learners have prior language knowledge and seeks to build on that base in order to develop bilingual learners.
This learning area identifies two major aspects of language – using language in everyday settings and using language for academic purposes. Both aspects incorporate listening, reading & viewing and spelling, writing & presenting. Learners will experience the functional, colloquial and idiomatic features of English language within the context of everyday settings. Functional language refers to the purposes for which we use language such as greeting, buying things, making appointments and asking for help. Multiple language functions are evident in everyday language use.
In order to achieve academically, learners need to be proficient in academic language. Through learning these aspects of English language learners will be equipped to reach their full potential at secondary school and tertiary level.
The language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing can be strengthened through the exploration of these two major aspects of te reo Pākehā.