Multi-Lingual Learners (MLL)

MLL at montcalm

An English language learner is a student whose first language is something other than English. 

Montcalm offers two special programs:

At Montcalm, students will enroll in a specific English class based on the recommendation of their ESL teacher in Grade 8.  Beginning level students can take English Language courses (ELD A, B, C, D and ESL A, B) and courses in different subjects created for English language learners (e.g., Math, Civics, Geography, History, Science).  Upper level students (ESL C, D, E) will take mainstream versions of those courses, while taking their English class.

An ESL/ELD Guidance Counselor is available to help your student select courses, change courses, and plan for their post-secondary goals.


courses offered within the Mll porgram

The courses listed are a guideline to courses offered depending on ELD or ESL Level but students are not necessarily limited to these courses. Students at the ESL C, D and E levels will take all courses (except English) in the mainstream program.

Level A

ESL AO1 - English as a Second Language                                                                                                              Level 1, Open

This course builds on students’ previous education and language knowledge to introduce the English language and help students adjust to their new cultural environment. Students will use beginning English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing for everyday and essential academic purposes; use basic English language structures and simple sentence patterns in short conversations; read short adapted texts; and write phrases and short sentences. The course also provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to begin to adapt to their new lives in Canada. Prerequisite: None.

ELD AO1 - English Literacy Development                                                                                                            Level 1, Open

This course is intended for English language learners who have had limited access to schooling and thus have significant gaps in their first-language literacy skills. Students will use basic listening and speaking skills to communicate in English for everyday purposes; develop readiness skills for reading and writing; begin to read highly structured texts for everyday and school-related purposes; and use basic English language structures and sentence patterns in speaking and writing. The course will also help students become familiar with school routines and begin to adapt to their new lives in Canada. Prerequisite: None. 

BTT 1OE - Information and Communication Technology in Business                                                  Grade 9, Open

This course introduces students to information and communication technology in a business environment and builds a foundation of digital literacy skills necessary for success in a technologically driven society. Students will develop word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, presentation software, and website design skills. Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on digital literacy, effective electronic research and communication skills, and current issues related to the impact of information and communication technology.

SNC 1WE - Science ESL                                                                                                                                             Grade 9, Applied

Students will use the process skills and strategies of science to answer questions about the world.  They will recognize that technology is an application of scientific principles, concepts, laws and skills.  Students will use research skills to locate, retrieve and organize information relevant to a task from a variety of sources.  In addition, they will identify and evaluate career options that use science and technology.  Course expectations will be adapted to promote students= confidence in communication in English regarding Science.

GLS 1OE – Learning Strategies                                                                                                Grade 9, Open

This course focuses on learning strategies to help students become better, more independent learners. Students will learn how to develop and apply literacy and numeracy skills, personal management skills, and interpersonal and teamwork skills to improve their learning and achievement in school, the workplace, and the community. The course helps students build confidence and motivation to pursue opportunities for success in secondary school and beyond.

MAT 1LA/B - Math for Everyday Life, Numeracy                                                                          Level 1, Locally Developed

This course is to upgrade the mathematical skills of those ESL students who have experienced severe limitations to or interruptions in their education. Emphasis will be placed on the language skills required to handle application and communication tasks in Math. Strands include Numbers Sense and Numeration, Measurement, Geometry and Spatial Sense, Patterning and Data Management and Probability. Course materials will cover math from Grades 1 to 6. Students will be expected to achieve at a Grade 6 level to pass this course.

 Level B

ESL BO1 – English as a Second Language                                                                                                              Level 2, Open

This course expands students= listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English for everyday and academic purposes. Students will participate in conversations, in structured situations, on a variety of familiar and new topics; link English sentences to compose paragraphs; read a variety of texts designed or adapted for English language learners; and expand their knowledge of English grammatical structures and sentence patterns. The course also supports students= continuing adaptation to the Ontario school system by expanding their cultural knowledge of their new province and country. Prerequisite: ESLAO or equivalent.

 ELD BO1- English Literacy Development                                                                                                              Level 2, Open

This course is intended for English language learners who have had limited access to schooling and thus have gaps in their first-language literacy skills.  Students will use their developing listening and speaking skills to communicate in English; develop reading strategies to understand a variety of simple texts; produce simple forms of writing; apply increasing knowledge of English grammatical structures; expand their vocabulary; and develop fundamental study skills. The course will also provide opportunities for students to use school and community resources and build their knowledge of Canada. Prerequisite: ELDAO or equivalent.

CHV 2OE - Civics, Democracy and Government in Canada                                                                         Grade 10 Open

Students will learn about the elements of democracy and the meaning of democratic citizenship in Canada context.  Students explore and compare the functions and interactions of the three levels of government in Canada, and they compare Canada=s form of government to other types of government. They broaden their understanding of life in a democratic society as they investigate the Canadian electoral process Students also explore the reasons why immigrants choose to come to Canada and how to become a Canadian citizen.

GLC 2OE - Career Studies                                                                                                                                           Grade 10, Open

This course introduces students to career and educational planning. The students become familiar with developing and achieving personal goals in education and work and contributing to their communities. Student learning will include assessing their own knowledge, skills, characteristics and employability; exploring careers and obtaining information about education and training; how to become aware of volunteer and work opportunities; and ways to search for work. Students will design action plans for pursuing their goals.

CGC 1DE - Geography of Canada                                                                                                                                Grade 9, Open

Students will draw on personal and everyday experiences as they learn about Canada's distinct and changing character and the natural and human systems and global influences that shape the country. Students will use a variety of geotechnologies and inquiry and communication methods to examine practical geographic questions and communicate their findings. Emphasis will also be placed on developing written and verbal communication skills

CHC 2PE - Canadian History                                                                                                                                Grade 10, Applied

Students will explore interactions between various communities in Canada as well as contributions of individuals and groups to Canadian heritage and identity. Students will develop their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating the continuing relevance of historical developments and how they have helped shape the communities in present day Canada. Emphasis will also be placed on developing written and verbal communication skills

MAT 1LC - Foundation of Math                                                                                                          Level 2 Locally Developed

This course enables students to develop mathematical ideas and methods through the exploration of applications, the effective use of technology, and extended experiences with hands-on activities. Students will investigate relationships of straight lines in analytic geometry, solve problems involving the measurement of 3-dimensional objects and 2-dimensional figures and apply key numeric and algebraic skills in problem solving. Students will also have opportunities to consolidate core skills and deepen their understanding of key mathematical concepts. This course prepares students for the Grade 9 level mathematics course and will cover math from Grades 7 and 8.

Level C

ESL CO1 - English as a Second Language                                                                      Level 3, Open

This course extends student’s skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English for a variety of everyday and academic purposes. Students will make short classroom presentations; read a variety of adapted and original texts in English; and write using a variety of forms of text. Students will also expand their academic vocabulary and their study skills to facilitate the transition to the mainstream school program. This course also introduces students to the rights and responsibilities inherent in Canadian citizenship, and to a variety of current Canadian issues. Prerequisite: ESLBO or equivalent.

 ELD CO1 - English Literacy Development                                                                                                             Level 3, Open

This course builds on students= growing literacy and language skills and extends their ability to communicate in English about familiar and school-related topics. Students will improve their literacy skills through a variety of contextualized and supported reading and writing tasks; distinguish between fact and opinion in short written and oral texts; complete short guided-research projects; make brief oral presentations; and engage in a variety of cooperative learning activities. The course will broaden their understanding of Canadian culture and citizenship. Prerequisite: ELDBO or equivalent.

Level D

ESL DO1 - English as a Second Language                                                                                                               Level 4, Open

This course prepares students to use English with increasing fluency and accuracy in classroom and social situations and to participate in Canadian society as informed citizens. Students will develop the reading, writing, and oral presentation skills required for success in all school subjects. They will study and interpret a variety of grade-level texts; extend listening and speaking skills through participation in discussions and seminars; write narratives, articles, and summaries in English; and respond critically to various print and media texts. Prerequisite: ESLCO or equivalent.

 ELD DO1 - English Literacy Development                                                                                                            Level 4, Open

This course extends students= literacy skills and ability to apply learning strategies effectively, and teaches them how to use community resources to enhance lifelong learning. Students will engage in a variety of guided reading, writing, and viewing tasks; use media and community resources to complete guided-research projects; and communicate for a variety of academic and everyday purposes with increasing accuracy and fluency. This course further develops the critical thinking skills students will need to participate in Canadian society as informed citizens. Prerequisite: ELDCO or equivalent.

Level E

ESL EO1 - English as a Second Language                                                                                                               Level 5, Open

This course provides students with the skills and strategies they need to make the transition to college and university preparation courses in English and other secondary school disciplines. Students will be encouraged to develop independence in a range of academic tasks. They will participate in debates and lead classroom workshops; read and interpret literary works and academic texts; write essays, narratives, and reports; and apply a range of learning strategies and research skills effectively.  Students will further develop their ability to respond critically to print and media texts. Prerequisite: ESLDO or equivalent.

ELD EO1 – English Literacy Development                                      Level 5, Open

This course provides students with skills and strategies that will allow them to continue their education successfully and pursue pathways to employment that may involve apprenticeship and/or cooperative education programs. Students will develop greater independence in reading and writing, as well as in interpreting media texts; use a range of media and community resources; and communicate both orally and in writing on a variety of topics. This course also expands the critical thinking skills students will need in order to contribute to Canadian society as informed citizens. Prerequisite: ELDDO or equivalent.

ESL Course Selection Form.pdf

Mll course selection page