In order to graduate, students must successfully complete an English course at each grade level.  In Grade 11, students have the option of taking English Language Arts 111, 112, or 113.  This choice continues in Grade 12 with English Language Arts 121, 122, or 123.  Students planning to attend university and certain college programs must complete 111 or 112 and 121 or 122.  Students planning to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or who plan to attend certain college courses and who do not plan to attend university may take 113 and 123.  Students may wish to consult their guidance counselor as to which Grades 11 and 12 English courses they should take.  Please note prerequisites for individual courses in the course descriptions.

Canadian Literature 120, AP English Literature 120, Journalism 120, Media Studies 120, Reading Tutor 120, Theatre Arts 120, and Writing 110 are elective courses.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 111

Prerequisite: English Language Arts 10 with an 80% and recommendation of English Language Arts Teacher

This course is designed for students whose aptitudes and interests in language and literature are above average.  While English Language Arts 111 meets the same goals as English Language Arts 112, this course also provides an enriched variety of experiences, texts, and ideas to challenge students to a greater range and depth than English Language Arts 112.  To suit students’ interests and abilities, this course progresses at a faster pace and students are expected to work more independently and to take more responsibility for their studies than in English Language Arts 112.  Strong reading and writing skills are essential for success in this course.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 112

Prerequisite: English Language Arts 10

This is the regular college preparatory course for students who plan to attend university or college.  Students will study novels, plays (including a Shakespearean play), and poetry.  Students will also develop their sentence, paragraph, and essay writing skills.  Students will also focus on information and media literacy. 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 113  

Prerequisite: English Language Arts 10.

This course is for students who wish to enter the workforce after graduation or enter certain college programs.  This is not a course for a student who wishes to attend university immediately after graduation.  High priority is given to the development of reading comprehension and to effective oral and written communication. Practical and personal writing is stressed.  Students will also be exposed to a variety of literary forms.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 121

Prerequisite: English Language Arts 111

As with English Language Arts 111, this course is designed for students whose aptitudes and interests in language and literature are above average.  Though essentially the same outcomes are met in English Language Arts 122 and English Language Arts 121, English Language Arts 121 progresses at a faster pace and students are expected to work more independently and to take more responsibility for their studies.  Students are also expected to cover a wider supplementary reading and writing program. 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 122

Prerequisite: English Language Arts 111 or 112

This is the regular college preparatory course for students who plan to attend university or college.  Although there is emphasis placed on good writing skills, English Language Arts 122 has a greater focus on literature and on personal and critical responses to literature.  Upon completion of this course, a student will be prepared for a university level course in English or a related discipline.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 123

Prerequisite: English Language Arts 112 or 113

As with English Language Arts 113, this course is for students who wish to enter the workforce after graduation or who wish to attend certain college courses.  This is not a course for a student who wishes to attend university immediately after graduation.  There is emphasis on sentence structure and paragraph writing skills.  Students will study short stories, plays, novels, and poetry.  Students will be exposed to Shakespeare and his works.  There will also be a focus on media literacy.

JOURNALISM 120

Prerequisite: English Language Arts 111, 112, or 113 and have an interest in writing.

This is a practical, hands-on course.  While the academic aspects of journalism form the foundation, the focus is on developing writing and publishing skills. The second part of the course is devoted to the publication of a school newspaper that will be distributed to the student body.

LEARNING STRATEGIES 110 / 120

This course provides students in grade 11 and 12 who have special education plans with strategies for success needed in post secondary educational opportunities (University and Community College, etc.). Additionally, support is provided through collaborative consultation with classroom teachers, helping students in this program become more effective learners and successful students.  Reading strategies, test taking tips, organization and study skills are some elements taught in this course.

MEDIA STUDIES 120

Prerequisite: English Language Arts 111, 112 or 113 

Media Studies explores the unique characteristics, workings and impact of film, television, radio, and the printed media. 

Emphasis is placed on reading and discussing articles, critiques, and reviews of the various media under study. Students considering this course should have, therefore, good reading and writing skills and should be able to engage in-group discussions.  Students may be expected to work beyond class time to fulfil the requirements of the course. Students enrolled in Media Studies 120 must be mature enough to meet the high level of independence, reliability, and responsibility required of them.

READING TUTOR 120

Prerequisite: English 111 or 112

This course presents a unique opportunity for grade 12 students with high academic achievement and good communication skills to become reading tutors. Under the guidance of the resource teacher, tutors work on a one-to-one basis with students who are seeking to raise their reading level and to improve their writing skills.  Tutors are first trained in basic reading theory and teaching techniques. They are then assigned one student to work with for the term.  Tutors must commit to being present each and every day and to preparing daily tutoring activities for their Grade nine student... This is a chance to make a positive contribution to our school, to acquire leadership skills, and to experience a real-life teaching situation.  This course is especially recommended for those planning careers in education, guidance, or social services.

WRITING 110

This course is intended for students who have taken English Language Arts 10.  The course is for Grade 11 and 12 students who are capable of working independently.  NOTE: This is not a remedial writing course.  It is intended for students who enjoy writing and wish to improve their skills.

The mechanics of constructing clear, correct, and effective sentences, paragraphs and essays will be emphasized.  Students will be encouraged and have an opportunity to develop their own technical and creative writing on a daily basis and have regular feedback from their teacher and peers on their work. 

AP ENGLISH LITERATURE 120

Prerequisite: English Language Arts 111, 112, 121 or 122 with recommendation of teacher of English.

 This course engages students in the careful reading, discussion and critical analysis of some of the best world literature and, in so doing, deepens their understanding of the ways authors use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers.

This course will be offered in the second semester and students who apply for it are required to attend a number of after school seminars in semester one to prepare them for the course. Upon completion of the course, students may, for a fee, write an external examination.  Some universities will grant a college credit to those students who succeed on the external examination. Students selecting this course should have above average reading and writing abilities and an interest in English.