The Renaissance was a rebirth of ideas spread through the arts and the sciences.  William Shakespeare was a master wordsmith of his day and we still use many of the phrases and words he coined today!  Curious?  Come learn about his world, his works, the Globe Theatre, and even the controversies around whether he was the author of all his works or if he stole them!

• All Humanities courses will develop both English and Social Science skills through expanding vocabulary and learning strategies to make meaning through reading, viewing, writing, and speaking. 

• Communication: Develop oral communication skills and reading with expression for effect as we read aloud a Shakespearean play together as a class

• Collaboration: Work both individually and collaboratively in small groups and as a class

• Creativity: Use your creativity to develop written, visual and oral texts 

• Extend your vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing skills

• Learn language features and develop skills in reader responses 

• Gain new understandings and apply critical thinking skills to learn how the literature reflects the historical and social context of the world it was created within and decide if it is still relevant in today’s world.

• Gain an understanding of how much Shakespeare’s works have influenced Western Literature and stood the test of time.

• Prepare to sit the NCEA Literacy Corequisite Unit Standards.

Note:  Students who are not prepared to read aloud and actively participate in group and class readings of a play should not take this course.

• Learn about Elizabethan England and the Renaissance

• Discover the ups and downs of being a playwright, and thespian 

• Actively participate in reading aloud and acting out scenes of a Shakespearean play - A Midsummer Night’s Dream (comedy), or Julius Caesar (a tragedy)

• Read alternate texts and watch Shakespeare’s play(s) recreated for the modern era

• Have a little fun learning not to be afraid of Ye olde English!

This course leads to senior subjects such as English, Social Sciences, Media Studies, Drama, History, Geography, Classical Studies, Psychology, Legal Studies, Business Studies and others.

Ākonga are encouraged to be curious and explore their understanding of identity, the world, belonging, and connection. In doing so, they explore a wide range of perspectives and draw upon different bodies of knowledge. This helps ākonga learn in other contexts and sets them up to be life-long learners.

The knowledge, skills, and values ākonga develop through English and Social Sciences support them to participate in social, cultural, political, and economic life, and prepare them for a variety of possible career pathways beyond school.  

English Career Pathways 

Social Sciences Career Pathways

• 1 B8 exercise book

• 1 document wallet

• Pencil, pen, highlighter, eraser - to stay in class in their document wallet

• Personal headphones 

• Personal Chromebook and charger

At times - other coloured pencils, felts, glue sticks, or scissors may be needed. These can be kept at home until needed.

Texts supplied by the Humanities Faculty.