English Language allows students the opportunity to develop their communication and critical thinking skills. By reading widely, writing regularly, and engaging with course content related to the other four ‘language arts’ – listening, speaking, viewing, and representing – students will enrich their understanding of how texts are structured, the complex ideas they present, and how they can create texts to express their own thoughts and ideas.
All students must complete either English 30-1 or 30-2 in order to receive a High School Diploma.
All courses delve into visual literacy to varying degrees. Film Study, Still Image and Art Works are among those explored.
It is possible to switch between streams. Students who score 45% or higher in English 10-1 may advance to English 20-2, and the same holds true for students in English 20-1 advancing to English 30-2.
Students can move from the dash-2 stream to the dash-1 stream within the same grade level (English 10-2 to 10-1, 20-2 to 20-1, 30-2 to 30-1).
Students who excel in the dash-1 stream can move into the AP stream (English 10-1 to 20-1 AP, English 20-1 to 30-1 AP) with teacher and/or Department Head approval.
The Advanced Placement (AP) stream is designed for students who love reading and writing. Students in the AP course stream are assessed to the same standard and write the same final exam as students in the dash-1 stream. They write the AP Language and Composition exam in May of Grade 11 and the AP Literature and Composition exam in May of Grade 12.
Courses
5 credits
Students choosing 10-2 follow the 20-2 and 30-2 course stream through Grades 11 and 12. In these courses, students study narrative, creative, and non-fiction texts. An active and supportive learning environment allows students to develop their reading skills by focusing on comprehension and exploring their personal and critical responses to complex texts. Students also focus on the fundamentals of written expression by completing several short-form and full-length writing assignments.
The 30-2 Diploma Exam requires students to complete a Visual Reflection assignment, a Literary Exploration assignment, and a Persuasive Writing in Context assignment.
This stream is ideal for students entering the work force immediately after high school, as well as students considering post-secondary studies at institutions offering two-year and three-year diploma programs.
5 credits
Students choosing 10-1 follow the 20-1 and 30-1 course stream through Grades 11 and 12. In these courses, students study a wide range of narrative, creative, and non-fiction texts. An active and collaborative learning environment allows students to develop their reading and critical thinking skills by analyzing complex texts. Students also hone their writing skills by completing a number of full-length critical, creative, and personal response assignments.
The 30-1 Diploma Exam requires students to complete a Personal Response to Literary Texts assignment and a Critical/Analytical Response to Literary Texts assignment.
This academic stream is ideal for students considering post-secondary studies in most colleges and universities.
5 credits
The Advanced Placement (AP) stream is designed for students who love reading and writing.
Students in the AP course stream complete the same requirements of the regular dash-1 stream, with some enhanced content that prepares them for the English Language and Composition exam (completed as part of English 20-1 AP) and the English Literature and Composition Exam (completed as part of English 30-1 AP).
Students in the AP course stream are assessed to the same standard and write the same final exam as students in the regular dash-1 stream, including the Diploma Exam in English 30-1.
8 credits
This is a special version of English 20-1 AP that uses extra course time to integrate Capstone Seminar 25 into the regular English 20-1 AP course.
Students will meet the requirements of the regular dash-1 stream, prepare for the AP Language and Composition exam, and complete the required assignments and exam for Capstone Seminar 25. They will leave the course very well-prepared for English 30-1 AP and will gain valuable critical thinking, research, and collaboration skills.
This course is highly recommended for students who are interested in learning how to pursue a self-selected research topic and who are looking to enter post-secondary studies or the workforce with an enhanced skillset.