Welcome to English at RCI!

The English department at Runnymede Collegiate Institute is dedicated to nurturing lifelong readers and writers through a curriculum deeply centered on student voice and choice.

We recognize that every student begins their literacy journey from a unique entry point. Our approach is fundamentally personalized: we work one-on-one with students to ensure their educational experience is precisely tailored to their individual needs, delivering an engaging and effective experience designed specifically for them.

Courses and programs

Grade 9

ENL1W: This de-streamed course allows students to further develop their literacy and communication skills in preparation for success in the rest of their High School experience.

Grade 10

ENG2D: At Runnymede, we only offer academic grade 10 English, as we believe that all students can achieve success at this level. In this course students extend their communication skills to help them not only in high school, but also in their everyday lives.

Grade 11

NBE3U: Runnymede was one of the first schools to offer English: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices in place of the traditional ENG3U. Students here are given the opportunity to further develop their reading and writing, but with a focus on Indigenous content and ways of knowing. Students complete this course not only prepared for ENG4U, but with a much better understanding of the thrivance of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

NBE3C: In this English: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices, students have the chance to learn the literacy skills that prepare them for college, all through an Indigenous lens. Texts are varied, and still focus on student choice, while encouraging students to challenge and recognise their positionality.

Grade 12

ENG4U: This course prepares students with the writing and analysis skills needed for success in any University programme. Students are challenged to find deeper connections in the media they consume, and work to find their writer's voice.

ENG4C: This course prepares students for writing and reading both in college and workplace settings. Students work toward honing their literacy skills to become proficient readers and writers.

EWC4U/C: The Writer's Craft is a course in which students focus primarily on writing. In this course, students focus on the skills that lead to having their writing published, and prepare for careers that focus on writing.

What Makes English Different at Runnymede

Joyful daily reading: Reading for enjoyment is a daily practice, promoting engagement and stronger reading skills
Cultivating lifelong readers: Students are given the freedom to choose their own reading material, fostering a genuine love of reading
Representative collections: Our classroom libraries are thoughtfully curated to include diverse books that validate student experiences and broaden their worldview
Connecting learning to life: Through a consistent focus on social justice, students make meaningful, real-life connections to important issues

Novels that reflect student interest

We are always adding to our classroom libraries to ensure student voice is the driver for our choices.

Communicating ideas Effectively

Teachers help students develop the skills they will need to communicate effectively in varied settings.

Exploring real life issues

Students at RCI are given opportunities to explore the issues that matter to them.

Resources and helpful links

Check out the Toronto Public Library, to access thousands of titles!

Need help researching or want to browse the RCI Library? Check out the TDSB Virtual Library.

Need help with citations? Try the OWL Purdue site.

To access the OSSLT Practice Test, click here. Or try the TDSB OSSLT Resources. Or this Practice Test.

Contact us

To learn more, or to get a little extra support, please email carlotta.lovell@tdsb.on.ca

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