English

Students should consult their current English teacher for suggestions on appropriate progression in the subject. 

All English courses will help students to develop their written and oral communication skills as well as their understanding of digital media. 

Current grade 10 students who wish to further deepen and enrich their understanding of literature should consult their current teacher to determine if an advanced (pre-AP, or AP) track is appropriate for them. 

Grade 11 students who excel in Literary Studies 11 or Literary Studies 11 (pre-AP) may wish to further enrich their reading and writing skills by taking AP English Language and Composition OR AP English Literature and Composition with approval by the Head of the English Department.

English courses at each grade level will help students to develop their written and oral communication skills, a foundation in literary studies, and an understanding of digital media.

We encourage students to read for enjoyment and enrichment.

Skill development in English is a gradual process, and teachers use a range of texts at each level. While we do not encourage students to prepare for upcoming years by reading specific books, we strongly believe that any reading at grade level is good preparation, and provides a breadth of learning that will support student achievement in their English courses. Our library promotes a list of suggested readings, and of course, students may also ask teachers for book recommendations.

Most students will be taking the rigorous but general English Studies 12, but can also opt to take English First Peoples 12, which which covers the same skills as English Studies 12 using First Nations and Indigenous literature and themes as its content. Students who excelled in their Grade 11 English course, particularly those who took Literary Studies 11 pre-AP, may wish to choose AP Language & Composition 12 and/or AP Literature & Composition 12. A final mark of 86% or higher in the Grade 11 English course is recommended for the AP English courses. 

Creative Writing 12 is an elective offered to Grade 11 or 12 students, but they must be concurrently enrolled in English Studies (or English First Peoples )12, AP Literature & Composition 12, or AP Language & Composition 12 or Literary Studies 11, or English First Peoples: Literary Studies and Writing 11,  to fulfill their graduation requirements. Creative Writing 12 will fulfill the SMUS Fine Arts 11/12 graduation requirement.

Throughout the year our teachers offer an after school Writing Support Centre. Students are invited to drop in and work through their

course materials and other written assignments.

Please contact the Head of Department for English, Ryan Dewar, ryan.dewar@smus.ca