English
The focus of English is to develop the writing and analytical skills of students. Through thematic and literary genre studies, students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for literature, to become confident and competent in various forms of written expression, and to listen and speak with understanding. Through exposure to various forms of literature and other texts in the various genres and media, students are encouraged to improve their ability to think clearly, both orally and in non-written form, and to listen, view and read with discrimination.
What is English?
There are two basic aims of senior high school English language arts. One aim is to encourage, in students, an understanding and appreciation of the significance and artistry of literature. A second aim is to enable each student to understand and appreciate language and to use it confidently and competently for a variety of purposes, with a variety of audiences and in a variety of situations for communication, personal satisfaction and learning.
An appreciation of literature and an ability to use language effectively enhance students’ opportunities to become responsible, contributing citizens and lifelong learners while experiencing success and fulfillment in life. As strong language users, students will be able to meet Alberta’s graduation requirements and will be prepared for entry into post-secondary studies or the workplace. Students will also acquire employability skills: the fundamental, personal management and teamwork skills they need to enter, stay in and progress in the world of work. Senior high school students must be prepared to meet evolving literacy demands in Canada and the international community.
Strands to be covered
Listening and Speaking
Reading and Writing
Viewing and Representing
This program of studies defines the word “text” broadly. The texts that senior high school students study in their English language arts courses include works of literature and other texts in oral, print, visual and multimedia forms. Students also create texts in a variety of forms and media.
English Streams
Students will only be offered one class at the 30 level (students wishing to upgrade can do so through PASS). Minimum of 60% suggested to advance to next -1 level, otherwise it is recommended students move to -2. To move from -2 to -1 stream students must have a grade of 80% or more.
English -2
Students with diverse abilities and goals study different types of texts, written at various levels, that explore issues in Canadian and global contexts. Students are also encouraged to create their own texts; e.g., fiction, nonfiction and reports, poetry, and presentations/media. Material will often have daily life or practical applications for students. This course is designed for students considering careers that require basic reading and communication skills and for those interested in a range of post-secondary education or other opportunities.
Reading Requirements
- Novel
- Feature Film OR Book Length Nonfiction
- Modern Play OR Shakespearean Play
- Variety of Poetry
- Variety of Short Stories
- Visual and Multimedia
- Variety of Essays
- Popular Nonfiction
English -1
Holy Trinity’s English -1 courses are designed to strengthen literary analytical skills and writing excellence through a variety of readings, writings, and class discussions. Respectively, all English -1 courses involve independent home study of readings and homework assignments to be carefully completed. English -1 students are expected to devote time for independent study of literature on a regular basis and to be prepared for class discussion each day. Independent reading and studying allow for the success of the students’ attainment of skills and concepts built upon each day of this ‘process’ course. If reading or writing is a challenge for students, the English Department asks for students and parents to be aware of the course’s integrity and to carefully consider the expectations and structuring of the English -1 course.
Reading Requirements
- Novel
- Shakespearean Play
- Modern Play/Film
- Variety of Poetry
- Variety of Short Stories
- Visual and Multimedia
- Variety of Essays
- Popular Nonfiction
English -4
Through Knowledge and Employability courses, students become active and responsible citizens, achieve their educational and career goals, improve quality of life for themselves and their families and positively impact their communities.
Knowledge and Employability courses promote student skills, abilities and work ethics, including:
• academic and occupational skills of a standard determined by the workplace to be necessary for success
• practical applications through on- and off-campus experiences and/or community partnerships
• career development skills to explore careers, develop a career-focused portfolio and assess career skills
• interpersonal skills to ensure respect, support and cooperation with others.
“Employ your time in improving yourself by other men’s writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for.” – Socrates
Credits:
Created with images by Jonas Jacobsson - "www.jonasjacobsson.co" • Sincerely Media - "See" • Matt Riches - "Macbeth: First Folio" • bantersnaps - "untitled image" • Kyle Glenn - "Awesome stencil on a book cart outside of Green Apple Books in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district." • Kinga Cichewicz - "I just love the thought that great things are coming. No matter what you’re currently going through, there’s so much to look forward to." • Thought Catalog - "Woman reads a book on a wooden desk" • LubosHouska - "books bookstore book" • Aaron Burden - "untitled image"