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English Language Arts

ELA

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

 

 

 

ENGLISH 08

This course focuses on the connection of seven big ideas to language and communication skills (writing, reading, speaking, listening, storytelling, analysis) through the exposure to, and appreciation of a variety of literary genres: the novel, poetry, short stories, and plays. Using the integrated approach to the teaching of the curriculum, students will be encouraged to explore the connections between what they are learning in English and their other subjects.  For more information, check out: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/english-language-arts/8

 

 

 

ENGLISH 09

This course builds on the big ideas and skills foundations established in English 8. The course covers the genres introduced in English 8 and emphasis is placed on the writing process (writing and recognizing different kinds of paragraphs), reading comprehension, and oral listening skills. An integrated approach is followed, and students make connections to other subject areas.  For more information, check out: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/english-language-arts/9

 

 

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 10

In Grade 10, students will continue to build on their writing, reading, speaking and listening skills while developing their positive personal and cultural identities, communication and critical thinking core competencies. All Grade 10 English courses will integrate New Media, Creative Writing and Spoken Language learning standards.

 

All students must complete at least one of the following to meet the 4-credits of English Language Arts 10 required to graduate. All Grade 10 options will prepare students equally for their choice of the Grade 11 English courses. Please note, these courses will only be scheduled if there are enough students enrolled.  NOTE - Students taking a Grade 10 English course will be required to write the Grade 10 Graduation Literacy Assessment (GLA 10) in the same school year.

 

ENGLISH FIRST PEOPLES - LITERARY STUDIES AND WRITING 10

EFP Literary Studies + Writing 10 is designed for students who are interested in studying First Peoples literature and using writing for self-expression and communication in a variety of contexts. Students delve deeply into First Peoples oral and written literature in a range of media to explore various themes, authors, and topics. This provides a foundation for them to think critically and creatively as they continue to explore, extend, and strengthen their own writing. Within a supportive community, students work individually and collaboratively to explore oral and written literature and create powerful, purposeful compositions. Through the study of literature and the processes of experimenting with, reflecting on, extending, and refining their writing, students:

  • extend their capacity to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts
  • deepen their understanding of themselves and the world
  • expand their understanding of what it means to be educated Canadian and global citizens

NOTE - This course meets the mandatory 4-credit Indigenous content course required for graduation. It is also recommended that any prospective IB students take this course to meet their provincial graduation requirement.

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS - LITERARY STUDIES AND COMPOSITION 10

In Literary Studies 10 all students will explore the literature of a particular era, geographical area, or theme and the study of literature in general. The course allows students to delve more deeply into literature as they explore specific themes, periods, authors, cultures or areas of the world through literary works in a variety of genres and media. In Composition 10, students will work individually and collaboratively to explore and create coherent, purposeful compositions. Students will read and study compositions by other writers and consider a variety of styles as models for the development of their writing. The course builds students’ writing competencies by introducing them to varied structures, forms, and styles of compositions. Students have opportunities to individually and collaboratively study, create, and write original pieces, exploring audience and purpose. Students will develop their craft through processes of drafting, reflecting, and revising, including creative expression through language.  

 

 

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 11

In Grade 11, students will continue to build on their writing, reading, speaking and listening skills while developing their positive personal and cultural identities, communication and critical thinking core competencies. All Grade 11 English courses will integrate Literary Studies, Composition, New Media, Creative Writing and Spoken Language learning standards.

 

All students must complete at least one of the following to meet the 4-credits of English Language Arts 11 required to graduate. All Grade 11 options will prepare students equally for their choice of the Grade 12 English courses. Please note, these courses will only be scheduled if there are enough students enrolled. 

 

LITERARY STUDIES 11

This course will invite students to delve more deeply into literature. Students can explore specific themes, periods, authors or areas of the world through literary works of both fiction and non-fiction, and in a variety of media. Students will be provided with choices of literary topics to allow for diverse interests and passions. Students will increase their literacy skills through close reading of appropriately challenging texts and expand their growth as educated, thoughtful, global citizens. The exploration of text and story deepens our understanding of diverse, complex ideas about identity, others, and the world. Similarly, thinking about and questioning what we read, hear, and view contributes to our ability to be engaged and active citizens.

 

COMPOSITON 11

This course is designed to support students as they refine, clarify and adjust their written communication through regular practice and revision. Students will read and study compositions by other writers and be exposed to a variety of writing styles as they develop their writing. Students will write original and authentic pieces for a range of purposes, including real-world audiences and this includes narrative, expository, descriptive, persuasive and opinion pieces. Students will learn how to cite sources, consider the credibility of evidence and evaluate the quality of reliability of their sources. They will expand their competencies through processes of drafting, reflecting, and revising to build a body of work that demonstrates expanding breadth, depth, and evidence of writing for a range of situations. They will develop confidence in their abilities as they develop their writing craft.

 

 

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 12

In Grade 12, students will continue to build on their writing, reading, speaking and listening skills while developing their positive personal and cultural identities, communication and critical thinking core competencies.

 

All students must complete at least one of the following to meet the 4-credits of English Language Arts 12 required to graduate. All Grade 12 options will prepare students equally for the Graduation Literacy Assessment 12. Please note, these courses will only be scheduled if there are enough students enrolled. NOTE - Students taking a Grade 12 English course will be required to write the Grade 12 Graduation Literacy Assessment (GLA 12) in the same school year.

 

ENGLISH FIRST PEOPLES 12                                                                          

English First Peoples 12 builds upon and extends students’ previous learning experiences in ELA courses. The course is grounded in the First Peoples Principles of Learning and will delve deeply into the First Peoples’ oral and written literature. It is designed for all students to think critically and creatively as they continue to explore, extend, and strengthen their own writing. Within a supportive community, students work individually and collaboratively to explore oral and written literature and create powerful, purposeful compositions. Furthermore, through the study of authentic Indigenous text students will be able to:

  • extend their capacity to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts
  • deepen their understanding of themselves and insights into key aspects of Canada’s past, present, and future as related to First Peoples
  • expand their understanding of what it means to be educated Canadian and global citizens

NOTE - This course meets the mandatory 4-credit Indigenous content course required for graduation.

 

ENGLISH STUDIES 12                                                                          

English Studies 12 will build on and extend students’ previous learning experiences in ELA and EFP 10 and 11 courses. It is designed for all students and provides them with opportunities to refine their ability to communicate, read and write effectively in a variety of contexts and to achieve their personal and post-secondary goals; to think critically and creatively about the uses of language; to explore texts from a variety of sources, in multiple modes, and that reflect diverse worldviews; to deepen their understanding of themselves and others in a changing world; to gain insight into the diverse factors that shape identity; to appreciate the importance of self-representation through text and contribute to Reconciliation by building greater understanding of the knowledge and perspectives of First Peoples; and expand their understanding of what it means to be educated Canadian and global citizens. 

 

 

 

IB ENGLISH AND THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE

 

IB HIGHER LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE 11

IB HIGHER LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE 12

IB HL English is a two-year course for students who would like to explore knowledge through an extensive list of literary works and by developing their critical thinking through more sophisticated oral and written analysis and composition skills. Students who do well in HL English may receive first year post-secondary credits at many universities. As with all IB Diploma courses, enrollment preference will be granted to full diploma students first, in both Grades 11 and 12.

 

IB THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE 11

IB THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE 12

This course is part of the IB core and is required to achieve an IB Diploma. ToK is a two-year learning journey with a timetabled course in Grade 11 and an unscheduled class in Grade 12, with a focus on the ToK essay in year two. One of the main objectives of the course is to give students a forum in which they may question, reflect on, judge, consider, and weigh the validity of the knowledge claims made in each subject area of the curriculum. As open-minded, independent thinkers, students will consider and grapple with questions such as:

  • How does one make valid, independent choices?
  • Is the historical knowledge presented in history books accurate?
  • Does the acquisition of mathematical skills make us better thinkers?
  • What is ethically proper for me to do?

This is a required course for all students who are in the IB Diploma Program. However, all students with good writing and oral skills, and an inquisitive mind, will benefit from taking this course. Students who are not doing an IB Diploma are able to get IB credit for it; however, enrollment will only be granted if there is space as first preference will go to full IB Diploma students.