What is the ESL Program?
York Catholic District School Board offers English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. These programs assist English Language Learners from diverse linguistic and educational backgrounds in attaining English language proficiency. The goal is to support students so they can learn better and feel part of the school community.
ESL English Courses Overview
This course builds on students’ previous education and language knowledge to introduce them to the English language and help them adjust to the diversity in their new environment. Students will use beginning English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing for everyday and essential academic purposes. They will engage in short conversations using basic English language structures and simple sentence patterns, read short adapted texts, and write phrases and short sentences. The course also provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to begin to adapt to their new lives in Canada.
Check the specific pathway plan on the other page: Pathways
ESL Level 1
This course builds on student’s previous education and language knowledge to introduce them to the English language and help them adjust to the diversity in their new environment. Students will use beginning English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing for everyday and essential academic purposes. They will engage in short conversations using basic English language structures and simple sentence patterns, read short adapted texts, and write phrases and short sentences. The course also provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to begin to adapt to their new lives in Canada.
ESL Level 2
This course extends students’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English for everyday and academic purposes. Students will participate in conversations in structured situations on a variety of familiar and new topics, read a variety of texts designed or adapted for English language learners, expand their knowledge of English grammatical structures and sentence patterns, and link English sentences to compose paragraphs. The course also supports students’ continuing adaption to the Ontario school system by expanding their knowledge of diversity in their new province and country.
ESL Level 3
This course further extends students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English for a variety of everyday and academic purposes. Students will make short classroom oral presentations, read a variety of adapted and original texts in English, and write using a variety of text forms. As well, students will expand their academic vocabulary and their study skills to facilitate their transition to the mainstream school program. This course also introduces students to the rights and responsibilities inherent in Canadian citizenship, and to a variety of current Canadian issues.
ESL Level 4
This course prepares students to use English with increasing fluency and accuracy in classroom and social situations and to participate in Canadian society as informed citizens. Students will develop the oral-presentation, reading, and writing skills required for success in all school subjects. They will extend listening and speaking skills through participation in discussions and seminars; study and interpret a variety of grade-level texts; write narratives, articles, and summaries in English; and respond critically to a variety of print and media texts.
ESL Level 5
This course provides students with the skills and strategies they need to make the transition to college and university preparation courses in English and other secondary school disciplines. Students will be encouraged to develop independence in a range of academic tasks. They will participate in debates and lead classroom workshops; read and interpret literary works and academic texts; write essays, narratives, and reports; and apply a range of learning strategies and research skills effectively. Students will further develop the ability to respond critically to print and media texts.
