English Language Arts

English 10

Listening, speaking, reading, analyzing and writing skills are important to prepare you for life! English 10 provides students with opportunities to develop all of these effective communication skills and more! Students develop an appreciation of language and literature, old and new, and they extend their creative and critical thinking skills through expository, persuasive and narrative writing forms.

Creative & Scientific Literacy 10

Have you ever wondered about the chemistry behind the sleeping potion that Juliet took to fake her own death or how the deathly poison that Romeo drank affected his body's biology?  Have you ever been reading your favourite Zombie apocalypse novel and wondered if a deadly gene mutation could actually spark a global epidemic?  This course will offer students the opportunity to find answers to questions like these as it illuminates the connections between scientific knowledge and character's emotional and psychological responses to lived experience shared through stories.  All of the literature students interact with will be tied to the themes and units of Science 10, including: astronomy and space, DNA and genetic engineering, chemistry, and energy conservation.  This course will have few formal tests and will focus on project-based and experiential learning, with opportunities to visit the Planetarium and Science World in Vancouver, watch a professional live theatre production, and interact with guest speakers.  This course will cover the grade 10 Science, English Literacy Studies and Creative Writing curriculum while offering students the opportunity to delve deeper into a topic of their choice in an ongoing Independent Study. This course offers 12 credits towards graduation while satisfying the Science and English requirements for Grade 10.     

Communications 11

Looking to build your language skills and prepare for entry-level employment? Communications 11 is a non-academic course designed for students who have difficulty with the regular English program. Language and basic writing skills are emphasized. Reading comprehension is taught in conjunction with modified assignments that stress ideas and reaction rather than analysis. This course will allow students to take Communications 12.

Communications 12

Communications 12 is a course designed for students experiencing difficulties with regular English. Language and basic writing skills are emphasized. Reading comprehension is taught in conjunction with modified assignments that stress ideas and reactions rather than analysis. This course does not satisfy the English admission requirement for university.

At Issue 12:
English 12/
History 12/ Independent Directed Studies 12 (2 blocks,12 credits)

"We are not makers of history. We are made by history." With its focus on historical and contemporary social, cultural, political, legal, economic, and environmental issues, this literary study will prepare students for their future lives as Global citizens and members of the International community. This course will combine History 12 and English 12, along with the opportunity to engage in an independent directed study based on the course curriculum. The History 12 portion of the course will cover a vast amount of information, and the skills students will learn through English 12 will not only prepare them for the Provincial Assessment, but also how to analyze information, concisely convey ideas, and communicate effectively.

First Peoples English 11

First Peoples English 11 is the academic equivalent of English Language Arts 11 and is open to all students who have passed English 10. This course will enable students to develop the English language and literacy skills and capacities to meet graduation requirements, while focusing on First Nations perspectives, authors and principles of learning. In this course, students will study texts that present authentic First Peoples voices and important themes such as, connection with the land and environment, the nature and place of spirituality, the nature of knowledge — who holds it, what knowledge is valued, the role of Elders, the importance of a living oral language tradition, the experience of colonization and decolonization, loss and grieving, freedom and hope, and humour and its role in First Peoples cultures.  While the focus of this course is primarily on First Peoples voices from British Columbia, it will also offer students an opportunity to study texts that reflect First Peoples perspectives from elsewhere in Canada and throughout the world. 

Writing 10/11/12

Writing 10-12 will be the best and the worst course you will ever take!  It’s the best course because you do not have to study or write tests or exams.  You do not have to memorize muscles, bones, formulas, or dates. It will be the most difficult course you will ever take because – guess what? – you write it.  This course does not exist without you!  You are doing what few dare to do and that is to say what you feel. Writing 10-12 is simple. Use the best words in the best order to say what you mean. In this course we will be practicing different types of writing including exposition, persuasion, description, dialogue and narration. You will be producing poems, stories, memoirs, blogs, and more!

English 11

“Writing is exploration…I’m surprised where the journey takes me.” English 11 is an academic course in which students will be expected to develop their oral, written and critical thinking skills. On the journey, students will explore a variety of reading and media material, develop their appreciation of literature and express their understanding of ongoing issues. A cross-grade Timberline exam accounts for 20% of a student’s final evaluation.

English 12

“Have something to say, and say it as clearly as you can.” English 12 is the culmination of the regular English  program. Students are expected to develop knowledge and skills based on three curricular strands: oral; reading and viewing; writing and representing. Students can expect to participate in literature circles and improve their language proficiency as they develop their skills through a variety of written and visual responses. The use of technology is an important component of our practice. Students will receive a school grade accounting for 60% of their final grade; students will write a compulsory government exam worth 40% of their final grade. Students planning on attending post-secondary institutions are advised to enroll in English 12.

At Issue 10:
English  10/
SS 10 - Independent Directed Studies 10 (2 blocks,12 credits)

"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it." With its focus on historical and contemporary social, cultural, political, legal, economic, and environmental issues, this literary study will prepare students for their future lives as Global citizens and members of the International community. This course will combine Social Studies 10 and English 10, along with the opportunity to engage in an independent directed study based on the course curriculum. The Social Studies 10 portion of the course will cover a vast amount of information, and the skills students will learn through English 10 will not only prepare them for the Provincial Assessment, but also how to analyze information, concisely convey ideas, and communicate effectively.  

Literature 12

Lit 12 is a historic review of English Literature designed for students interested in pursuing further studies of the English language.  It will interest those who enjoy reading for pleasure, analysis and intent.

First Peoples English 12

First Peoples English 12 is the academic equivalent of English Language Arts 12 and is open to all students who have passed English 11. This course will enable students to develop the English language and literacy skills and capacities to meet graduation requirements while focusing on First Nations perspectives, authors and principles of learning. In this course, students will study texts that present authentic First Peoples voices and important themes such as, connection with the land and environment, the nature and place of spirituality, the nature of knowledge — who holds it, what knowledge is valued, the role of Elders, the importance of a living oral language tradition, the experience of colonization and decolonization, loss and grieving, freedom and hope, and humour and its role in First Peoples cultures.  While the focus of this course is primarily on First Peoples voices from British Columbia, it will also offer students an opportunity to study texts that reflect First Peoples perspectives from elsewhere in Canada and throughout the world.  

English 116--Essay Writing and Indigenous Perspective

(through NIC offered as an Independent Directed Study)

English 116 introduces university-level research and writing in the humanities and social sciences and/or natural sciences with specific focus on contemporary Indigenous issues in Canada.  Students will critically analyze and study the writing, oral and aural practices of Indigenous scholars and teachers in a variety of disciplines and settings. Emphasis is placed on respecting and interweaving non-Indigenous and Indigenous ways of knowing and research methodologies in writing in a post-secondary research paper.  Pre-requisite a "C" standing in English 12 or First Peoples English 12.  See Ms. Camerin to apply.  Applications are due no later than May 31, 2018.  Students will be required to purchase their books and pay NISU fees and Learner Resource Fees.  SD72 may assist with the cost of tuition.