ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

The pathways for English are designed for students to reach their individual potential.  All students begin building and mastering essential reading and writing skills at the junior levels.  As students reach grades 11 and 12, more options are available.  We recommend that students choose courses to match strengths, interests, and goals. There are many pathways to graduation and post-secondary institutions.

 

English 9-12 classes focus on the Big Ideas embedded in the BC Curriculum: students will explore stories and other texts to help them understand themselves and make connections to others and to the world.  They will also question how what they hear, read, and view contributes to their ability to be educated and engaged citizens. All courses incorporate the First Peoples Principles of Learning.

ENGLISH 9

Students will read a variety of short stories, novels, drama, poetry and non fiction in order to build analytical, and critical thinking skills.  In addition to the study of language, sentence structures, vocabulary, and punctuation, students will work on developing skills in the writing of creative pieces, the writing of literary paragraphs and the formal essay.  Students will also focus on improving skills in spoken word and media studies. 

LITERARY STUDIES /COMPOSITION 10 

Students will continue to read a variety of short stories, novels, drama, poetry and non fiction in order to develop analytical and critical thinking skills, including a more focused approach to synthesis.  In addition to the study of language, sentence structures, vocabulary, and punctuation, students will continue to work on mastering the writing of literary paragraphs and the formal essay.  Students will also continue developing  skills in poetry, short fiction, spoken word, and media. 

English 11 Selections

One of these two courses is required for Graduation

EFP LITERARY STUDIES 11

Students will continue to study a variety of genres (including short stories, poetry, novels, non-fiction, and/or drama).  The main focus of this course will be on analysis and interpretation of literature.  Students will work on mastering essay-writing skills in both take-home and timed settings.  Students will further their skill in creative writing, spoken word, and media. 

EFP LITERARY STUDIES 11  - New Media Focus

Literary Studies 11: New Media Focus continues to develop writing, reading, and critical thinking skills through a variety of expressive mediums, including written works, podcasts, film, journalism, and more. Students acquire traditional English skills for a modern world, learning to read, write, and create for a digital landscape. Learners will read a variety of genres including fiction, nonfiction articles and essays, screenplays and more. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of core material in a variety of formats (including voice recording, video, published blogs/vlogs, and a digital portfolio).

English 12 Selections

One of these three courses is required for Graduation

ENGLISH STUDIES 12

Students will read a variety of genres (including short stories, poetry, novels, non-fiction, and/or drama) and will develop and refine individual writing skills. The main focus of this course will be on analysis and interpretation of literature, especially at the thematic level. Reading, writing (analytical and creative), and discussions are the main components of this course. Students will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their learning through creative writing, spoken word, and media skills. 

ENGLISH STUDIES 12

New Media Focus

English 12 Studies with a twist - This course will challenge students to write and think critically, expressing their understanding and learning in a variety of ways including persuasive writing, podcasting, video, spoken word and journalism. Reading, writing (analytical and creative), and discussions are the main components of this course. Students will read a variety of genres (including fiction, nonfiction articles and essays, and screenplays). Students will be required to present to the class in a variety of formats  (ex: voice recordings, video, and published blogs and digital portfolios). 

ENGLISH FIRST PEOPLES 12

English First Peoples 12 is an academic English course which can be taken in place of English Studies 12 or as an elective in addition to English Studies 12.  The course is grounded in the First People's Principles of Learning. For example, learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors.  Furthermore, learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place).  It is designed for ALL students, who are interested in delving deeply into First Peoples oral and written literature and visual texts in a range of media. The course focuses on the experiences, values, beliefs, and lived realities of First Peoples as evidenced in various forms of text, including oral story-telling, poetry, song, performance, carvings and film.

senior english electives

These courses are open to all Grade 11 and 12 Students

LITERARY STUDIES 12

(FORMERLY LITERATURE 12)

Literary Studies 12 is an academic elective for students in grades 11 and 12 that blends history with literature.  Students will learn about how culture and society influences creative expressions (writing, art, and music).  The selection of readings will span centuries, beginning with the first work written in the English language and ending with contemporary pieces. 

NEW MEDIA 12 (Podcasting)

This academic elective for students in grades 11 and 12 will teach students how to research, conduct interviews, write, record audio, and edit a podcast.  Students will collaborate in teams to develop and produce their own podcasts with an end goal of releasing their polished products.  

CREATIVE WRITING 12

Creative Writing 12 is open to grade 10 -12 students who wish to learn to write creatively. No experience is necessary. Students develop their individual styles while learning the drafting, editing, publishing, and creative processes. The course includes a balance of instruction between the study of contemporary writing and the practice of composition through guided-writing activities and extensive revision. Each student's work is respected and celebrated. Assessment includes individual portfolios, attending literary events, responding to guest writers and their works, and collaboration. Students’ grades are based on individual growth.


All students send work to magazines and to contests. Bi-weekly, professional writers visit the class for readings and/or workshops.

Advanced placement - English language ARts

EFP LITERARY STUDIES 11 / ENGLISH STUDIES 12/

AP LANGUAGE and COMPOSITION

For students who want a challenge, this yearlong course combines Literary Studies 11 and English Studies 12 with Advanced Placement Language and Composition. This is an ideal course for those who love non-fiction, argument, discussions and exploring ideas. Students have the opportunity to discuss and write about topics that matter to them.

The yearlong course gives students credit for Literary Studies 11 and English Studies 12 while providing the opportunity to complete the equivalent of a first-year English course during their grade 11 year. This course will prepare students for the rigours of both academic and creative thought that will help students succeed in university. University credits can be earned by students who score a 4 or 5 (out of 5) on the AP Language exam administered by the College Board every May.

AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION 12

AP English Literature and Composition is an academic elective that gives students the opportunity to complete the equivalent of a first-year English course during their grade 12 year. Students will intensively study, analyze, and discuss poetry, novels, and drama.  University credits can be earned by students who score a 4 or 5 (out of 5) on the AP Literature exam administered by the College Board every May.

Literature 12 Studies would certainly be beneficial but is no longer required 

ELL - english language learners

ELL-English Language Learners

Students will explore English and become proficient in all skill areas of language learning. They will explore cultural awareness, First People’s Principles of Learning, and use a variety of texts. The program recognizes that this is a personal journey and each student may have different levels of proficiency. Topics are relevant and personalized to maximum student engagement and proficiency.