Important Considerations for English Language Learners) (ELL)/ Multilingual Language Learners (MLL) students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program:

Students continuing with English language support (ESL courses) can choose the appropriate level of English language study (A, B, C, D, E) at Markville based on the recommendations from their Elementary ESL teacher, or the Reception Centre.

ELL/MLL students need to select two ESL/English courses per year in order to proceed to the appropriate grade level of English (this requires that one elective credit will be used for an ESL or English course).

For example, a Grade 9 student could take ESL C in semester one, ESL D in semester two, and then as a grade 10 student take ESL E in semester one, and ENG2D/P (Academic or Applied) in semester two, resulting in the student being at grade level English by grade 11.

An ELL/MLL student does not have to study the compulsory credits at the ESL-supported level; this is a decision based on their English strength and ability in the course content, following recommendations by teachers in consultation with the student and guardian.  For example, a student may delay taking French.

French is a requirement for all students to graduate with an Ontario Diploma. If a student has not studied French in Ontario since grade four, they are required to take the FSF1O1 course to meet this requirement. If the student is not ready to learn an additional language at this time, this course does not need to be taken in Grade 9, and may be delayed until later years of study (ie. after successful completion of ESL C).

Students in the ESL program are supported extensively, which include, but are not limited to, additional time granted in all course assessments and examinations.  ELL/MLL students who are in the ESL program entering high school in ESLA, B, C, or D, are exempt from the 34 credit cap, allowing students time to successfully develop the English language before moving on to post-secondary destinations. 

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN...

Some ELL/MLL students will need to stay longer than their peers in order to attain the credits needed for Graduation, and in order to attain the necessary pre-requisites for Post-Secondary.  Do not feel the need to rush!  You can look at Summer School options (as well as eLearning during the school year), by reviewing HERE what is available to you, but we STRONGLY discourage doing ESL courses in the summer.  Developing the language is most critical, as it sets you up for greater success for attaining the marks needed for Post-Secondary, AS WELL AS once you are in your college or university program.  Please, do not rush.  But do plan - you can add a year in your myBlueprint course selection and plan ahead.  Book with a Guidance counsellor to discuss!

• The general rule states that students with less than 4 years of English in an Ontario high school should review the English Proficiency requirements of the post-secondary institutions to which you are applying.  There is great variation in the requirements from school to school.  Universities and colleges gather this information based on your Official Transcript, disclosure of ESL programming, and First Language identification.  Colleges see all courses from Gr 9 forward and will see any ESL courses listed, where Universities upload Gr 11 and 12 courses.   For students who had ESL courses in Gr 9 & 10, but do not show any ESL courses in Gr 11 and 12, note that ESLD and ESLE are deemed senior courses and WILL be part of your uploaded Transcript.  It is expected that students accurately self-disclose this information in their application/profile in the context of Academic Honesty.  

• If a student has been flagged to write a proficiency test, but they HAVE completed 4 consecutive years in an English school, in English classes, they can ask Guidance for an Official Transcript, and speak with the university/college directly about the request.  It is important to note, universities/colleges can also request that a student write a Proficiency test (some will tell you that you have to take a test with them), even without ESL courses being revealed or even taken.  They can do this based on grades, Supplementary items, and some have even requested this after communicating with a student and seeing how they write an email! 

• For those who do need to provide English Proficiency requirements, please explore the IELTS and TOEFL sites.

• Duolingo language tests currently count for SOME colleges/universities.  Please do your research.