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English

Introduction

The English Department at ACS offers students many wonderful opportunities to not only learn the essential reading, writing and communication skills they will need to be successful but to also nurture a love of learning and of the written word. In Grade 8, students will select the level at which they will study in Grade 9: Academic or Locally Developed. The goal of the English program within a Catholic education is to encourage each student in the Christian tradition of compassion and reflection, to find and value his/her own voice and reach his/her full potential

Course Descriptions

Grade 9, English, Locally Developed ENG1L

This course provides foundational literacy and communication skills to prepare students for success in their daily lives, in the workplace, and in the English Grade 10 LDCC course. The course is organized by strands that develop listening and talking skills, reading and viewing skills, and writing skills. In all strands, the focus is on developing foundational literacy skills and in using language clearly and accurately in a variety of authentic contexts. Students develop strategies and put into practice the processes involved in talking, listening, reading, viewing, writing, and thinking, and reflect regularly upon their growth in these areas.

In this course students will:

  • read a variety of texts.
  • write a variety pieces, both informational and narrative
  • make oral presentations to effectively communicate their ideas
  • actively listen to respond to others’ ideas

Grade 9, English, Academic ENG1D

This course is designed to develop the oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy skills that students need for success in their secondary school academic programs and in their daily lives. Students will analyse literary texts from contemporary and historical periods, interpret informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on the use of strategies that contribute to effective communication. The course is intended to prepare students for the Grade 10 academic English course, which leads to university or college preparation courses in Grades 11 and 12.

In this course students will:

  • learn to read and annotate short fiction, poetry, novels, and Shakespearean drama
  • write a variety of pieces, including news reports, essays, personal reflections, and short fiction
  • make oral presentations and lead seminars to effectively communicate their ideas
  • actively listen to participate in discussions and others’ ideas

Grade 9, English as a Second Language ESLAO

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.

Note: There are various levels of ESL depending on the student’s proficiency with English. Each child will be assessed to make sure they are in the right level.

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