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. As part of their program in Grades 9 and 10, students must take one compulsory course in English in each grade. These courses are offered in two types, academic and applied. Students choose between course types on the basis of their interests, achievement, and postsecondary goals. The course types offered in Grades 9 and 10 are defined as follows:
Academic courses develop students' knowledge and skills through the study of theory and abstract problems. These courses focus on the essential concepts of a subject and explore related concepts as well. They incorporate practical applications as appropriate.
Applied courses focus on the essential concepts of a subject, and develop students' knowledge and skills through practical applications and concrete examples. Familiar situations are used to illustrate ideas, and students are given more opportunities to experience hands-on applications of the concepts and theories they study.
Open courses are designed to prepare students for further study in the subject, and to enrich their education generally. These courses comprise a set of expectations that are appropriate for all students.
Principles Underlying the English Curriculum
The English curriculum is based on the belief that language learning is critical to responsible and productive citizenship, and that all students can become successful language learners. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills that they need to achieve this goal. It aims to help students become successful language learners.
Successful language learners:
understand that language learning is a necessary, life-enhancing, reflective process;
communicate - that is, read, listen, view, speak, write, and represent - effectively and with confidence;
make meaningful connections between themselves, what they encounter in texts, and the world around them;
understand that all texts advance a particular point of view that must be recognized, questioned, assessed, and evaluated;
appreciate the cultural impact and aesthetic power of texts;
use language to interact and connect with individuals and communities, for personal growth, and for active participation as world citizens.