English, in both written and spoken form, is necessary for each of us to succeed in our personal and public lives. Its importance cannot be over emphasized.
There are two sequences available in English:
- English 10-1, 20-1, 30-1
- English 10-2, 20-2, 30-2
All students must achieve a minimum of 15 credits in English to obtain a High School Diploma. The 10-1, 20-1, 30-1 program is designed for students who plan on going to university.
The English 10-1, 20-1, 30-1 academic route focuses on more student centred, out of schoolwork. That is, students are expected to be able to work independently. The literature studies deal with an interpretive, in-depth reading approach. The English 10-2, 20-2, 30-2 general route focuses on a more teacher directed, in–class work approach. Literature studied at this level deals more with "plot" rather than with in depth interpretive readings.
It is recommended that students with less than 70 per cent in Grade 9 Language Arts enter the General Route (English 10-2). In addition, a student completing English 10-1 or 20-1, with a grade of 70 per cent or better, is encouraged to continue the Academic route. However, should he/she have less than a 70 per cent standing, he/she will be advised to consider the English 30-2 route.
Note: Students may be eligible for retroactive credits in English.
English 10-1
5 credits
Recommended: 70 per cent in Language Arts 9, capable reading comprehension and writing skills
Students will study six or more short stories, poetry, one or more Shakespearean or modern plays and one or more novels. As well, students will be expected to complete a number of writing assignments, and essays.
English 10-2
5 credits
Recommended: 50 per cent in Language Arts 9
Students will study one or more of each of the following: novels, plays, and short story. In addition, students will complete written and oral assignments.
English 20-1
5 Credits
Recommended: 70 per cent in English 10-1, strong reading comprehension and writing skills
Students will study six or more short stories, a Shakespearean play, one or more novels and poetry. Students are also expected to complete five or more writing assignments. Emphasis will be placed on essay writing.
English 20-2
5 credits
Prerequisite: 50 per cent in English 10-2 or less than 70 per cent in English 10-01
Students will be required to study at least one modern play, one or more novels, short stories and poetry. Completion of written and oral assignments is a mandatory part of the course.
English 30-1
5 Credits
Recommended: Minimum of 70 per cent in English 20-1, well-developed reading comprehension and analytical writing skills
By taking English 30-1 students will cultivate an appreciation for a diversity of literary genres, texts and writers in the English language and in translation from other countries. An assortment of short stories, essays, poems, popular non-fiction, visual and multimedia texts, along with one major novel or non-fiction book, one or more feature film and modern drama, and one Shakespearean play are studied. Through reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and representing, critical/analytical responses to literary texts and personal responses to literary and other texts are emphasized.
Students are required to create narratives, informative and persuasive texts (essays, commentaries, articles, reviews), and oral/visual/multimedia presentations. At the completion of the course, students will write an Alberta Education Diploma Exam.
English 30-2
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 50 per cent in English 20-2 or less than 70 per cent in English 20-1
Students will study short stories, poetry, one or more novels as well as one Shakespearean or modern play. Emphasis is on oral and written skills. Students will write an Alberta Education Diploma Exam.