Languages Dept.
Language is a powerful tool which allows students to develop ideas and insights, give shape to their experiences, and make sense of their world and its possibilities. We believe that the development of literacy should be a priority and we are committed to providing the support necessary for all learners to attain their highest level of literacy.
The goal of our language courses is to develop the knowledge and skills on which literacy is based. The curriculum is skills-based which outlines the expected skills in the areas of listening and speaking, reading, writing, as well as media studies.
We believe that learning a variety of languages broadens horizons and promotes thinking skills as well as career mobility. In our school, all students have an opportunity to earn credits in French and/or Spanish.
Interested?
View Classical Studies and International Languages p. 31; English pgs 32-33; and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit p.35 in the 2023-24 WCDSB Course Calendar
OR see the specifics about each course offered by the Languages Dept. below.
ENGLISH - GRADES 9 and 10
GRADE 9 ENGLISH (DESTREAMED – ENL1W1)
This course enables students to continue to develop and consolidate the foundational knowledge and skills that they need for reading, writing, and oral and visual communication. Throughout the course, students will continue to enhance their media literacy and critical literacy skills, and to develop and apply transferable skills, including digital literacy. Students will also make connections to their lived experiences and to society and increase their understanding of the importance of language and literacy across the curriculum.
This course enables students to continue to develop and consolidate the foundational knowledge and skills that they need for reading, writing, and oral and visual communication. Throughout the course, students will continue to enhance their media literacy and critical literacy skills, and to develop and apply transferable skills, including digital literacy. Students will also make connections to their lived experiences and to society and increase their understanding of the importance of language and literacy across the curriculum.
GRADE 9 ENGLISH (LOCALLY DEVELOPED – ENG1L1)
This course provides foundational literacy and communication skills to prepare students for success in their daily lives, in the workplace, and in the Grade 10 Locally Developed English course. The course is organized by strands that develop listening and speaking 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 speaking, listening, reading, viewing, writing, and thinking, and reflect regularly upon their growth in these areas.
This course provides foundational literacy and communication skills to prepare students for success in their daily lives, in the workplace, and in the Grade 10 Locally Developed English course. The course is organized by strands that develop listening and speaking 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 speaking, listening, reading, viewing, writing, and thinking, and reflect regularly upon their growth in these areas.
GRADE 10 ENGLISH (ACADEMIC – ENG2D1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG1D1 OR ENG1P1
This course is designed to extend the range of 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 analyze literary texts from contemporary and historical periods, interpret and evaluate informational and graphic
texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on the selective use of strategies that contribute to effective communication. This course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 11 University or College Preparation course.
GRADE 10 ENGLISH (APPLIED – ENG2P1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG1D1 OR ENG1P1
This course is designed to extend the range of oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy skills that students need for success in secondary school and daily life. Students will study and create a variety of informational, literary, and graphic texts. An important focus will be on the consolidation of strategies and processes that help students interpret texts and communicate clearly and effectively. This course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 11 College or Workplace Preparation course.
GRADE 10 ENGLISH (LOCALLY DEVELOPED – ENG2L1)
PREREQUISITE: A GRADE 9 ENGLISH CREDIT.
In this course, students focus on extending their literacy and communication skills to prepare for success in their daily lives, in the workplace, in the English Grade 11 Workplace Preparation course, or in the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices, Grade 11 Workplace Preparation course. The course is organized by strands that extend listening and talking skills, reading and viewing skills, and writing skills. In all strands, the focus is on refining foundational literacy skills and in using language clearly and accurately in a variety of authentic contexts. Students build on their strategies and engage in the processes involved in talking, listening, reading, viewing, writing, and thinking, and reflect regularly upon their growth in these areas.
ENGLISH - GRADE 11
GRADE 11 ENGLISH (UNIVERSITY PREPARATION – ENG3U1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG2D1
This course emphasizes the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will analyze challenging literary texts from various periods, countries, and cultures, as well as a range of informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on using language with precision and clarity and incorporating stylistic devices appropriately and effectively. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 University or College Preparation course.
PREREQUISITE: ENG2D1
This course emphasizes the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will analyze challenging literary texts from various periods, countries, and cultures, as well as a range of informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on using language with precision and clarity and incorporating stylistic devices appropriately and effectively. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 University or College Preparation course.
GRADE 11 ENGLISH (COLLEGE PREPARATION – ENG3C1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG2D1 OR ENG2P1
This course emphasizes the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will study the content, form, and style of a variety of informational and graphic texts, as well as literary texts from Canada and other countries, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for practical and academic purposes. An important focus will be on using language with precision and clarity. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 College Preparation course.
GRADE 11 ENGLISH (WORKPLACE PREPARATION – ENG3E1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG2D1 OR ENG2P1 OR ENG2L1
This course emphasizes the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in the workplace and in daily life. Students will study the content, form, and style of a variety of contemporary informational, graphic, and literary texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for practical purposes. An important focus will be on using language clearly and accurately in a variety of formal and informal contexts. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 Workplace Preparation course.
PREREQUISITE: ENG2D1 OR ENG2P1 OR ENG2L1
This course emphasizes the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in the workplace and in daily life. Students will study the content, form, and style of a variety of contemporary informational, graphic, and literary texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for practical purposes. An important focus will be on using language clearly and accurately in a variety of formal and informal contexts. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 Workplace Preparation course.
GRADE 11 MEDIA STUDIES (OPEN – EMS3O1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG2D1 OR ENG2P1
This course emphasizes knowledge and skills that will enable students to understand media communication in the twenty-first century and to use media effectively and responsibly. Through analyzing the forms and messages of a variety of media works and audience responses to them, and through creating their own media works, students will develop critical thinking skills, aesthetic and ethical judgement, and skills in viewing, representing, listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
ENGLISH - GRADE 12
GRADE 12 ENGLISH (UNIVERSITY PREPARATION – ENG4U1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG3U1
This course emphasizes the consolidation of the literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will analyze a range of challenging literary texts from various periods, countries, and cultures, interpret and evaluate informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on using academic language coherently and confidently, selecting the reading strategies best suited to particular texts and particular purposes for reading, and developing greater control in writing. The course is intended to prepare students for university, college, or the workplace.
This course may be offered as an in-class or online course.
PREREQUISITE: ENG3U1
This course emphasizes the consolidation of the literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will analyze a range of challenging literary texts from various periods, countries, and cultures, interpret and evaluate informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on using academic language coherently and confidently, selecting the reading strategies best suited to particular texts and particular purposes for reading, and developing greater control in writing. The course is intended to prepare students for university, college, or the workplace.
This course may be offered as an in-class or online course.
GRADE 12 STUDIES IN LITERATURE (UNIVERSITY PREPARATION – ETS4U1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG3U1
This course is for students with a special interest in literature and literary criticism. The course may focus on themes, genres, time periods, or countries. Students will analyse a range of forms and stylistic elements of literary texts and respond personally, critically, and creatively to them. They will also assess critical interpretations, write analytical essays, and complete an independent study project.
GRADE 12 ENGLISH: THE WRITER’S CRAFT (UNIVERSITY PREPARATION – EWC4U1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG3U1
This course emphasizes knowledge and skills related to the craft of writing. Students will analyze models of effective writing, use a workshop approach to produce a range of works, identify and use techniques required for specialized forms of writing, and identify effective ways to improve the quality of their writing. They will also complete a major paper as part of a creative or analytical independent study project and investigate opportunities for publication and for writing careers.
This course may be offered as an in-class or online course.
GRADE 12 ENGLISH (COLLEGE PREPARATION – ENG4C1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG3C1
This course emphasizes the consolidation of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life Students will analyze a variety of informational and graphic texts, as well as literary texts from various countries and cultures, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for practical and academic purposes. An important focus will be on using language with precision and clarity and developing greater control in writing. The course is intended to prepare students for college or the workplace.
GRADE 12 ENGLISH: THE WRITER’S CRAFT (COLLEGE PREPARATION – EWC4C1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG3C1
This course emphasizes knowledge and skills related to the craft of writing. Students will investigate models of effective writing; use a workshop approach to write a variety of works; and make considered decisions for improving the quality of their writing. They will also complete a creative or analytical independent study project and investigate opportunities for publication and for writing careers.
GRADE 12 ENGLISH (WORKPLACE PREPARATION – ENG4E1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG3E1
This course emphasizes the consolidation of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in the workplace and in daily life. Students will analyze informational, graphic, and literary texts and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for workplace-related and practical purposes. An important focus will be on using language accurately and organizing ideas and information coherently. The course is intended to prepare students for the workplace and active citizenship.
GRADE 12 ENGLISH: BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGICAL COMMUNICATION (OPEN – EBT4O1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG3U1 OR ENG3C1 OR ENG3E1
This course emphasizes practical writing and communication skills that are needed in the world of business and technology. Students will analyze the characteristics of effective models of business and technical communications, gather information to write reports, business letters, memos, manuals, instructions and brochures, and integrate graphics and text using technology appropriately for formatting and special effects. They will also make a number of oral and visual presentations.
GRADE 12 ENGLISH: ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL LITERACY COURSE (OPEN – OLC4O1)
This course has been developed to provide students who have been unsuccessful on the OSSLT with intensive support in achieving the required reading and writing competencies and with an alternative means of demonstrating their literacy skills. Students who successfully complete this course will have met the provincial literacy requirement for graduation and will earn one credit
FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS, and INUIT STUDIES
GRADE 11 ENGLISH: UNDERSTANDING CONTEMPORARY FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS AND INUIT VOICES
(UNIVERSITY PREPARATION - NBE3U1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG2D1
This course explores the themes, forms, and stylistic elements of a variety of literary, informational, graphic, oral, cultural, and media text forms emerging from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures in Canada, and also examines
the perspectives and influence of texts that relate to those cultures. In order to fully understand contemporary text forms and their themes of identity, relationship, and self-determination, sovereignty, or self-governance, students will analyse the changing use of text forms by Indigenous authors/creators from various periods and cultures in expressing ideas related to these themes. Students will also create oral, written, and media texts to explore their own ideas and understanding, focusing on the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 English university or college preparation course.
(UNIVERSITY PREPARATION - NBE3U1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG2D1
This course explores the themes, forms, and stylistic elements of a variety of literary, informational, graphic, oral, cultural, and media text forms emerging from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures in Canada, and also examines
the perspectives and influence of texts that relate to those cultures. In order to fully understand contemporary text forms and their themes of identity, relationship, and self-determination, sovereignty, or self-governance, students will analyse the changing use of text forms by Indigenous authors/creators from various periods and cultures in expressing ideas related to these themes. Students will also create oral, written, and media texts to explore their own ideas and understanding, focusing on the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 English university or college preparation course.
GRADE 11 ENGLISH: UNDERSTANDING CONTEMPORARY FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS AND INUIT VOICES (COLLEGE PREPARATION - NBE3C1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG2D1 OR ENG2P1
This course explores the themes, forms, and stylistic elements of literary, informational, graphic, oral, cultural, and media text forms emerging from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures in Canada, and also looks at the perspectives and influences of texts that relate to
those cultures. In order to understand contemporary text forms and their themes of identity, relationship, and self-determination, sovereignty, or self-governance, students will study the use of text forms by Indigenous authors/creators from other periods in expressing ideas related to these themes. Students will also create oral, written, and media texts to explore their own ideas and understanding, focusing on the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 English college preparation course.
GRADE 11 ENGLISH: UNDERSTANDING CONTEMPORARY FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS AND INUIT VOICES
(WORKPLACE PREPARATION - NBE3E1)
PREREQUISITE: ENG2D1 OR ENG2P1 OR ENG2L1
This course explores themes, forms, and stylistic elements of literary, informational, graphic, oral, cultural, and media texts emerging from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures in Canada, as well as some texts that relate to those cultures. In order to better understand contemporary texts, students will explore connections between traditional and contemporary text forms and cultural and community aspects of identity, relationships, and self-determination, sovereignty, or self-governance. Students will also create oral, written, and media texts focusing on the development of literacy, communication, and critical thinking skills necessary for success in the workplace and daily life. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 English workplace preparation course
FRENCH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
GRADE 9 CORE FRENCH (DESTREAMED– FSF1D1)
This course provides opportunities for students to communicate and interact in French with increasing independence, with a focus on familiar topics related to their daily lives. Students will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing by using language learning strategies introduced in the elementary Core French program, and will apply creative and critical thinking skills in various ways. They will also enhance their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities, and will develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning.
This course provides opportunities for students to communicate and interact in French with increasing independence, with a focus on familiar topics related to their daily lives. Students will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing by using language learning strategies introduced in the elementary Core French program, and will apply creative and critical thinking skills in various ways. They will also enhance their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities, and will develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning.
GRADE 9 CORE FRENCH (OPEN - FSF1O1)
This is an introductory course for students who have little or no knowledge of French or who have not accumulated the minimum of 600 hours of elementary Core French instruction. Students will begin to understand and speak French in guided and structured interactive settings, and will develop fundamental skills in listening, speaking,
reading, and writing through discussing issues and situations that are relevant to their daily lives. Throughout the course, students will develop their awareness of diverse French-speaking communities in Canada and acquire an
understanding and appreciation of these communities. They will also develop a variety of skills necessary for lifelong language learning.
GRADE 10 CORE FRENCH (ACADEMIC – FSF2D1)
PREREQUISITE: FSF1D1 OR FSF1P1
This course provides opportunities for students to communicate in French about personally relevant, familiar, and academic topics in real-life situations with increasing independence. Students will exchange information, ideas, and opinions with others in guided and increasingly spontaneous spoken interactions. Students will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through the selective use of strategies that contribute to effective communication. They will also increase their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking
communities, and will develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning.
GRADE 11 CORE FRENCH (UNIVERSITY PREPARATION – FSF3U1)
PREREQUISITE: FSF2D1
This course offers students extended opportunities to speak and interact in real-life situations in French with greater independence. Students will develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, as well as their creative
and critical thinking skills, through responding to and exploring a variety of oral and written texts. They will also broaden their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities, and will develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning.
GRADE 12 CORE FRENCH (UNIVERSITY PREPARATION – FSF4U1)
PREREQUISITE: FSF3U1
This course provides extensive opportunities for students to speak and interact in French independently. Students will develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, apply language learning strategies in a wide variety of real-life situations, and develop their creative and critical thinking skills through responding to and interacting with a variety of oral and written texts. They will also enrich their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities, and will develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning.
SPANISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
GRADE 10 LEVEL 1 SPANISH (ACADEMIC – LWSBD1)
This introductory course is designed to enable students to develop competence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Students will participate in interactive activities in which they can apply and develop their language skills to communicate with native speakers of Spanish. They will explore aspects of culture in regions of the world where Spanish is spoken, including social customs, naming practices, family life and relationships, food, sports, music, popular festivals and celebrations.
This introductory course is designed to enable students to develop competence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Students will participate in interactive activities in which they can apply and develop their language skills to communicate with native speakers of Spanish. They will explore aspects of culture in regions of the world where Spanish is spoken, including social customs, naming practices, family life and relationships, food, sports, music, popular festivals and celebrations.
GRADE 11 LEVEL 2 SPANISH (UNIVERSITY PREPARATION – LWSCU1)
PREREQUISITE: LWSBD1
This course offers students opportunities to further develop competence and confidence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Students will participate in interactive activities (e.g., discussions about daily lives of youth, travel, shopping) in which they will further develop their knowledge of linguistic elements. They will continue to explore aspects of culture in regions of the world where Spanish is spoken, including fashion, historical figures, music and dance. Students will enhance their critical and creative thinking skills through reading diverse materials, including original literature, and will explore a variety of personal and professional contexts in which knowledge of Spanish is required.
GRADE 12 LEVEL 3 SPANISH (UNIVERSITY PREPARATION–LWSDU1)
PREREQUISITE: LWSCU1
This course prepares students for postsecondary studies in Spanish. Students will continue to refine and enhance their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish, with the goal of using these communication skills in a variety of personal, academic, and professional ontexts. Using a wide variety of sources, including original texts in Spanish, students will consolidate their language skills as they use increasingly complex linguistic elements and language conventions. Students will also have opportunities to enrich their knowledge of aspects of culture in regions where Spanish is spoken, including issues related to popular culture, linguistic communities in Canada, literature, history, geography, and the arts.
Questions?
For all inquiries about our Languages Dept., please contact Bishop Macdonell's Languages Dept. Head, Heather Perigo, [email protected]
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