overview

The ESL department is a one-stop-shop of support services for newcomers to Canada! We offer ELLs (English Language Learners) language acquisition support, as well as cultural and social acclimatization support. We help students develop skills for personal and academic success, confidence to forge new pathways, and a sense of connection to the school community.

Using a variety of instructional, assessment, and evaluation strategies, students are provided with numerous opportunities to acquire proficiency in English. Through a wide range of hands-on and theoretical activities, students are able to practice and apply new learning while continuing to hone their language skills.  

Activities such as paragraph and essay writing, research presentations, speeches, and debates help students become thoughtful and effective communicators. Through short stories, novels, news articles, film, and digital design, students are encouraged to apply their life experience and prior learning to their classwork in order to strengthen their English literacy skills.  

Ongoing explorations of culture, identity, and human interaction encourage students to develop their voice and connect what they are learning to their other courses, as well as to the broader world around them.

course listings

ESL Levels: Grade 9: Grade 10: Grade 11 & 12:

ESLAO8 FSF1O1 - Beginner French CIVCR8 - Civics and Careers GLS4O8: Learning Strats

ESLBO8 CGC1W8 - Geography GLS1O8 - Learning Strategies

ESLCO8 ADA1O8 - Drama ADA2O8 - Drama

ESLDO8 GLS1O8 - Learning Strategies

ESLEO8

co-curricular connections

PALs Association: Student Mentors to English Language Learners

Newcomers Club: Engaging initiatives, learning and volunteer opportunities led by School Settlement Workers.

TDSB ESL Speech Competition:  An annual, board-wide event for students in participating ESL programs.

Employment Workshops and Leadership Training: YMCA Youth Leadership Development, Financial Literacy & Digital Story Telling (NYCH), Acces Employment, TDSB Welcoming Communities, JVS

Class Trips:  Skating at Harbourfront, Apple picking at Andrews Scenic Acres, Haunted High Park & Colbourne Lodge, Hiking at Kelso Conservation Area, Walking Tour of UofT & Kensington Market, Tours of the AGO, ROM, Science Centre, Hot Docs Film Festival, Shakesperience, Country Heritage Park, and much more.

links & media

ESL Website: https://sites.google.com/view/eslnorthern/home 

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/nsspals/   @nsspals