English and Modern Languages
The English program in Grades 9 to 12 includes compulsory courses and optional courses. The compulsory courses emphasize strong core competencies in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representing. Students choose between course types on the basis of their interests, achievement, and post-secondary goals.
Please visit English as a Second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FSL/Core French) for more information on these programs.
Accelerated Reader program
An accelerated reader program is provided and administered by the Learning Commons or Library. An additional orientation session is provided to Grade 9 students, outlining how the Accelerated Reader program works and offers strategies for making wise book choices.
A STAR reading assessment is done with every accelerated reader student in order to determine their reading level as they must read books that fall within this level for the Accelerated Reader program.
For a list of available novels and their quizzes, please go online to www.arbookfind.com
As part of the course work in all English classes (except 12U), students can participate in the Accelerated Reader (AR) program. In order to earn the 5% allotted to AR, students must pass a minimum of three quizzes based on books they have read. In addition, students must accumulate a minimum number of points as outlined below:
|
Grade Level |
Course Level |
Points |
|---|---|---|
|
Grade 9 and 10 |
Academic |
25 points |
|
Grade 9 and 10 |
Applied |
10 points |
|
Grade 11 |
University |
30 points |
|
Grade 11 and 12 |
College |
15 points |
All quizzes are completed in the Learning Commons (Library) Centre and signed by the teacher-librarian (or designate). Taking quizzes is an individual activity, not for pairs or groups.
All protocols for computer use in the library are as follows:
- Students must sign up for a computer at the circulation desk by displaying their student ID card.
- Students may only take quizzes with the teacher-librarian's knowledge and permission.
- Students may not have books, pens, pencils, paper, cell phones, etc. at the computers during an AR quiz.
- Students may not take an AR quiz until the STAR reading assessment has been completed.
Advanced Placement Program
- St Mary AP Program (powerpoint)
- English Literature and Composition: Course Description
- Grade 8 night (flyer)
- AP (poster)
- Grade 9 AP (ENG1DA): Summer package, Novel (The Hunger Games) Novel Study and Rubric
- Grade 10 AP (ENG2DA): Summer package, Novel (To Kill A Mockingbird) Novel Study and Rubric
- Grade 11 AP (ENG3UA): Summer package, Novel (Lord of the Flies) Novel Study and Rubric
Courses
- Course Offerings: English, ESL and ELD
- Course Offerings: French as Second Language
- Course Offerings: International Languages
Curriculum Documents
The English program focuses on four strands: Oral Communication, Reading and Literature Studies, Writing and Media Studies.
- English Curriculum - Grade 9 & 10
- English Curriculum - Grade 11 & 12
- French as a Second Language (FSL): Revised Curriculum (2014)
Department Policies and Procedures
- Department Summary: Overview and Assessment & Evaluation
- Department Policies
- Accelerated Reader Protocol
- Modern Language Association (MLA) Style Guidelines Overview (poster)
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
All students must meet a literacy requirement in order to graduate high school. In Grade 10, students will write the Ontario Secondary School Literary Test. Students who do not pass the OSSLT on the first attempt can meet the literacy requirement either by rewriting and passing the test, or by successfully completing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC). The credit earned for this course may be used to meet the Grade 11 or Grade 12 compulsory credit requirement in English.
Academic Supports
Contact us
For more information, contact Mr. Joseph Longo, Curriculum Chair, at 905-420-7166 (ext. 56019).
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