Course Selection Guide

English Language Arts classes are dynamic courses that are filled with relevant themes and skills for the modern age. Our aim is to improve student literacy, and we focus on developing abilities, confidence, and competence across six key strands - READING, WRITING, SPEAKING, LISTENING, VIEWING, and REPRESENTING. Below are course thematic breakdowns to give you a sense of what to expect in ELA!

English Language Arts 10 (ELN10)

What students need to know:

Explore storytelling to answer life’s mysteries, examine our existence, and investigate worlds unknown
Experiment with genres like fantasy, science fiction, and mystery through novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and non-fiction

Literacy Skills: Reading and Writing ( LRW10L)

What students need to know:

This is a pathway for students who may need more time and skill-building with reading, writing, and comprehension in English Language Arts.
Strengthens core literacy skills by focusing on reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and understanding a range of texts.
Enhances writing fluency and expression by providing structured practice in organizing ideas, developing sentences, and communicating effectively in writing.
Builds essential academic habits such as critical thinking, note-taking, and responding clearly to written and oral texts.

English Language Arts 20 (ELA20)

Prerequisite: ELN10

What students need to know:

Reflect on self, their relationships with others, and their responsibilities in society.
Examine novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and non-fiction to explore the development of self-identity and the role of equity and ethics in society

BAND students choose non-semestered English 20 (ELA20-N)

English Literature and Composition 20 (ELC20)

Prerequisite: ELN10

What students need to know:

In this elective course, students will:
Explore challenging prose, poetry, and drama
Engage in more critical analysis of literature
Practice more written communication, particularly essay writing

This locally developed course is intended for students who:

Enjoy literature, writing, and deeper thinking
Want to prepare for university and careers that require communication skills
Intend to enroll in ELC 30 and/or AP ELA 30

Creative Writing 20 (ELW20)

Prerequisite: ELN10

What students need to know:

Look at modern digital writing forms and journalistic topics
Learn the process of creating and sharing their own work, workshopping with peers and the teacher
Create a dossier of their original writings, including genres such as short stories, poetry, and plays

Media Studies 20 (ELM20)

Prerequisite: ELN10

Open to Grade 11 and 12 students

What students need to know:

Be immersed in a thrilling exploration of some of the most famous films ever written while learning how to “read” and comprehend a variety of mass media
Elevate their understanding of what is seen on the screen in a course that is tailored for adventurous minds

Stories that Matter: From Print to Podcast: Journalism 20 (ELJ20)

Prerequisite: ELN10

What students need to know:

Conduct investigative reporting and ethical interviewing to uncover truth and tell stories that make an impact.
Create compelling podcasts, broadcast segments, and photo essays as you explore journalism through every medium.
Explore the power of the press, develop research and writing skills, and publish your work for real audiences.

English Language Arts 30A (ELA30)

Prerequisite: ELA20

What students need to know:

Reflect on how the land shapes the people who live here and how the choices and actions individuals make help to build a society that serves both individual needs and the collective good
Examine novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and non-fiction to explore Canadian perspectives and landscapes, and the forces that shape society.

English Literature and Composition 30 (ELC30)

Prerequisite: ELN10

What students need to know:

Explore challenging prose, poetry, and drama
Engage in more critical analysis of literature
Practice more written communication, particularly essay writing

This locally developed course is intended for students who:

Enjoy literature, writing, and deeper thinking
Want to prepare for university and careers that require communication skills
Intend to write the AP ELA 30 exam

Creative Writing 30 (CRW30)

Recommended: ELW20

What students need to know:

Explore digital writing, cultural voices, and journalism
Develop their creative thinking and writing skills, use the writing process to explore a variety of genres, and practice the techniques and exercises used by professional writers.
Develop manuscripts, write weekly assignments, collaborate in writing workshops, attend public readings by published writers, and present work to classmates.

AP English Language Arts 30 ( ELA30P)

Prerequisite: ELA20

It is highly recommended, but not required, that students have taken ELA20E

What students need to know:

Engage in critical analysis of literature
Practise close reading, appreciate various styles of writing, develop composition skills, and analyze prose, poetry, and drama.

This course replaces English 30 and is intended for students who:

Enjoy literature, writing, and deeper thinking
Want to prepare for university and careers that require communication skills
Want to earn a first-year university credit after successfully writing an international exam in May ( Enrollment in both AP ELA 30 and ELC 30 are highly recommended)