Students can follow one of the course sequences (illustrated below). Although the content of the courses is similar, the depth of concept development, the sophistication of textual analysis, and the complexity of text creation are more rigorous in the -1 sequence.
We strongly recommend that a student has a mark of 65% or higher to continue in the -1 stream.
NOTE: English Language Arts at the 30 level is a graduation requirement for all high school students.
In the above diagram, the solid black arrows denote the typical pathways and preferred transfer points a student follows to progress from course level to course level. The dotted grey arrows denote potential entry points from course level to course level.
Courses
ELA -1 Stream: English 10-1, 20-1, 30-1
5 credits per course
This course sequence is designed for students with a strong aptitude for both reading and writing. Students must be independent and willing to rigorously develop the skills associated with critical thinking, expression of ideas, and personal interpretation in response to literature. Over the three course levels, students will develop their critical/analytical writing, reading, listening, speaking, viewing, representing, and metacognitive skills. Students can expect that, with each course level, the complexity and sophistication of both the content of the literature studied and the expression and quality of their own ideas and writing will increase significantly. This sequence of courses will provide students with the skills required for entry into post-secondary programs including the Arts, Education, Science, Business and Engineering faculties.
Prerequisite: Recommend 65% or higher in previous English Language Arts course.
ELA -2 Stream: English 10-2, 20-2, 30-2
5 credits per course
This course sequence is designed for students who are independent and competent readers and writers that are capable of moving upward through the course levels, with guided in-class reading and writing opportunities. Students will learn the technical skills associated with reading with a focus on character context, viewing, and writing practical, personal, persuasive, and analytical forms. If a student is looking toward entering technical programs, the trades, or other college level programs, the -2 course sequence is an appropriate choice.
Prerequisite: Recommend 50-64% in previous English Language Arts courses.
ELA -4 Stream (K&E): English 10-4, 20-4, 30-4
This course sequence is designed for students who require focus on skill development in the six language arts (reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and representing) in order to successfully enter the workplace upon leaving school. In this course, students will develop employability and occupational skills that meet industry standards, and this development will aid students in making successful transitions to other courses and/or to further education and training.
Placement in this stream is a collaborative decision made by families and school teams.