English & International Languages

We're pleased to offer a variety of courses designed to not only inspire a love of literature and media arts, but also to help our students thrive as effective communicators. To meet the needs of all students we offer Advanced Preparation (Grades 11 and 12), Academic, Applied, and Locally Developed courses at a variety of levels. For those who love creative writing, we recommend Writer's Craft, which students can take in grade 12. In addition, we offer the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course, which is designed to help students acquire and demonstrate the cross-curricular literacy skills that are evaluated by the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). Students who complete the course successfully will meet the provincial literacy requirement for graduation. Finally, the Communications Department at JPCI offers an ELS course designed to further promote and strengthen skills taught in the regular English courses. In ELS, students hone essential reading and writing skills because they are exposed to additional informational, graphic and literary texts with a focus on locating information, identifying main ideas and supporting details, broadening vocabulary and consolidating skills by completing independent projects. ELS allows students to enhance their core learning strategies that ensure their success in other courses.

Do you love French? Do you hate it? Regardless of your previous experiences with the language, you’ll find something to pique your interest in JPCI’s French programme. With a primary focus on communication in the real world, JPCI French moves away from memorizing grammar rules and conjugating verb tables. Students will explore French music, food, cinema and literature as well as learning practical conversation skills. JPCI offers courses in Core French through the Academic-University stream, as well as the unique opportunity to study in the Applied-College stream. Bienvenue à la classe de français!

At John Polanyi Collegiate Institute we put emphasis on providing an education anchored in the 21st century with regards to learning a second language. We offer Spanish for beginners (LWDBD, intermediate (LWSCU) and advanced learners (LWSDU). All our courses encourage students to work together with their classmates to develop communication and interpersonal skills through conversations, presentations, games and group work.

In addition, our students discover the richness of the Spanish culture through films and excursions!

En el John Polanyi Collegiate Institute, ponemos un énfasis en una educación en el siglo XXI en cuanto a la adquisición de un segundo idioma. Ofrecemos cursos de español general para los niveles básicos (LWSBD), intermedios (LWSCU) y avanzados (LWSDU).

Los estudiantes en nuestras clases desarrollan competencias en comunicación y aptitudes orientadas al trabajo en equipo por medio de conversaciones, presentaciones, juegos y trabajo en equipo.

Además, los estudiantes descubren la riqueza de la cultura española a través de películas y excursiones!

• English and Literacy help after school Tuesdays Room 122 & Thursdays Room 124 (details coming soon)

• OSSLT Google Classroom- ask your teacher to join

• OSSTF/FEESO invites student writers & artists to submit creative work exploring this year’s theme: Ahead by a Century

• Turning Point – Writing Contest

• Creative Writing Club (Tuesdays after school Room 210)

To avoid finding yourself in a situation where you feel tempted to plagiarize, start your assignments early. Procrastinating to the point where you’re working at the ‘last minute’ very often leads to dubious research and writing techniques.

Any work that is copies (either verbatim or paraphrased) from any source other than your original work will be assigned a mark of ‘zero’. This is non-negotiable, and you will not be given an opportunity to ‘make up’ the mark. In serious cases you may also be referred to the Principal for further discipline.

So, plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to complete your writing assignments! Work through the five-stages of the writing process, conference with your English teacher and get your peers to edit your work. This will ensure your writing is clear, coherent and original. Gradually, you will build confidence in your own abilities as a writer!

Here are some hard and fast rules that will guarantee success in any English course:

1. Use class time productively.

2. Read in your spare time. This will help you not only in English class, but in all of your other classes too!

3. Pay attention in class and make your own notes along the way.

4. Use online study guides to deepen your understanding of literary texts: Sparknotes, Jiffynotes, Shmoop are some good examples of online resources.

5. Study groups are the way to go when you’re studying for a test or exam.

6. Asking questions is a good way of finding things out! Do some extra research: Read articles and summaries from experts, historians and sociologists, watch documentaries, and ask questions online. You can also attend special lectures that relate to what you are currently studying. Look up the period of history in which the book, play or poem is based or was written in. What were the social conditions like? Who was the ruler at the time? What was happening in the writer’s life at this time? Factors like these could have had a major impact on the writer’s choice of subject.

7. Watch movies and plays. Sometimes, reading is not enough to fully understand the material, especially if it’s a play (Shakespeare, anyone?) A great way to deepen your understanding and appreciation and be entertained along the way is to watch the theater or film version!

8. Make sure you know your literary terms and devices!

9. Prove and validate your points using evidence from the text when you are writing your essays. While you’re at it, avoid errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation ☺

10. Come to class prepared. Meet your deadlines. Study for your exams. GOOD LUCK!!!