English Language Arts

English Language Arts 10: 5 credits [1.0 blocks]

LCHS Recommendation: + 60% in ELA 9

At LCHS, English Language Arts 10-1 and ELA 10-2 are offered within a common classroom for the majority of students coming out of Grade 9.  The course is taught using the ELA 10-1 curriculum, but students have the option of streaming into the 10-2 level as the course progresses.  This course has both a literary and practical focus. Students will study short stories, essays and non-fiction pieces, a play, a novel, poetry, film and various media.  The six communication skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing will be used for assessment. Students will be encouraged to read and write and create to extend their thinking, their knowledge and their use of language.[Sample Course Outline]

English Language Arts 10-2: 5 credits [1.0 blocks]

LCHS Recommendation: - 60% in ELA 9

English Language Arts 10-2 is offered in a streamed class for students who have generally struggled with the key skills and knowledge in junior high English.  This version of the course is taught using the English 10-2 curriculum.  The course has a skill building focus as students engage with literary and informational texts to expand their communication skills.

English Language Arts 20-1: 5 credits [1.0 blocks]

LCHS Recommendation: +65% in ELA 10-1 or ELA 20-2

Students will continue to improve their academic craft in the six communication skills from previous courses (reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing) in order to build the skills necessary to achieve success in ELA 30-1.  Students will be expected to read and write both during and outside of school time.

English Language Arts 20-2: 5 credits [1.0 blocks]

Prerequisite:  ELA 10

Students will work to improve their reading and writing skills with additional speaking, listening, viewing and representing activities. While this class still has a literary focus, students will apply much of their class time to practical reading and writing tasks.  Students will be encouraged to use technology to organize and complete their work.

English Language Arts 30-2: 5 credits [1.0 blocks]  

Prerequisite: a minimum of 50% in ELA 20-2

Students will continue to improve the six communication skills from previous courses (reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing) with an emphasis on reading and writing. Students will be asked to analyze and synthesize ideas derived from reading and viewing. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to communicate effectively in many life situations.  Some applied and industry post-secondary programs will accept ELA 30-2 for entrance requirements.

English Language Arts 30-1 BRIDGING COURSE - 10 credits  

LCHS Recommendation: 50 - 65% in ELA 20-1 and/or a desire to build skills needed for post-secondary.

ELA 30-1 Bridging Course takes up a semester and a half in student schedules and is designed to ensure high school graduation by completing the ELA 30-2 diploma exam, while providing the opportunity for students to work with the ELA 30-1 curriculum in a more extended, supportive setting.  Students will write the ELA 30-2 diploma first, and stay in the class to write the 30-1 diploma. This course is designed for students requiring a more intensive focus on necessary skills needed for success on the ELA 30-1 diploma exam. This course is not built for students who wish to fast track ELA 30-2.  Enrollment indicates a commitment to stay for the full block and a half. 

English Language Arts 30-1: 5 credits [1.0 blocks]  

LCHS Recommendation: +65% in ELA 20-1 or ELA 30-2

Students who wish to develop their ELA skills and still take ELA 30-1 should consider taking the ELA 30-1 Bridging Course for 10 credits.

ELA 30-1 is a highly academic course.  It is intended for students who plan to continue their formal education beyond high school, and have had success in prerequisite courses.  Students will demonstrate fluency and coherence in their writing craft. Literature study focuses not only on levels of meaning, but also on genre, style and criticism.  Students must be prepared to read, write and create both during and outside of school time. Many universities expect students to have achieved 65% or higher to be eligible for their programs.