Section outline

  • Term 3: Week 6




    Introduction to Debating 
         PLAN & DO / WHAKAMAHI

    PLAN & DO / WHAKAMAHI learning intentions:

    • We are PLANNING to build on our essay writing skills so that we may write persuasive formal essays
    • We are PLANNING to analyse themes, techniques and characters of a film to help decipher its purpose and meaning
    • We are PLANNING to collaborate, research and orally present an argument

    Our context for this term is "Kia Kaha" - Stand Strong! This, to me, means fostering positive relationships at school and tackling social issues. In addition, we will be looking at conflict resolution and standing together in the face of adversity. 

    The overall working plan for English this term will look something like this:

    - Formal essay writing: Building on what we have already done at the start of terms 1 and 2 (2 WEEKS)

    - Film analysis and critical essays : Recognizing cinema techniques in a film of your choice which tackles a social, political or societal issue. Analysing the film and its message to formulate ideas and create a film critical essay. (3 WEEKS)

    - Debating: Introduction to debating structure, skills, research and critical arguments. This will be your third assessment for the year, will be conducted in groups, graded individually and will involve research and public speaking.* (4 WEEKS)

    - Formal essay writing 2.0: Revisiting formal writing at the end of this term so we are well prepared for the end of year E-asTTle test. (1 week)

     * Groups will be chosen by you unless you guys decide otherwise, topics will be co-decided BUT assigned by me for each group. As always, this is open for discussion.


    Success Criteria for Term 1: We are learning to...

    1) Recognize areas of personal development with formal writing and answer the question: " What do I need to include to make my argument stronger?"

        - Incorporating the use of PEEL paragraphs

        - Utilizing the Introduction Triangle and Essay Checklist 

        - Extending the argument or main points to the outside world


    2) Critically analyse film and its message

    - Recognize cinematography techniques in a film

    - Begin to understand "director's purpose" and why it is important 

    - Analyse key scenes and interpret what they mean for the character, the film as a whole and the audience 

    3) Write film analysis essays 

    - Revisiting TEEP charts 

    - Introducing PETAL paragraphs and deliberately choosing specific techniques 

    4) Prepare for a group debate 

    -  Effectively research both sides of an argument 

    -  Communicate respectively with group members 

    - Organize ideas and arguments 


    5) Critically argue on a topic of interest 

    - Practise oral presentation skills: standing tall, speaking clearly at an appropriate pitch, tone and volume

    - Building confidence techniques 

    - Active listening of the opponent group's points 


    6) Formal essay writing 

    - Letter writing requirements and techniques 


    Activities for week 6:

    Tuesday (S1) - TBA

    Thursday (S4) - TBA

    Friday (S1) - TBA