All students need to take ELA in Grades 10, 11 and 12 to meet high school diploma requirements. We have two diploma streams -1 and -2 English.  

 If you are planning to attend university after Grade 12, ELA 30-1 is required. If university is not in your post-secondary plans ELA 30-2 will meet graduation requirements.  

There are two main purposes of ELA

  1. To improve reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing and representing skills, and 
  2. To increase enjoyment and appreciation of literature 

What is the focus of ELA? 

With a focus on the general outcomes of the English Language Arts Program students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to: 

  • explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences 
  • comprehend literature and other texts in oral, print, visual and multimedia forms, and respond personally, critically and creatively 
  • manage ideas and information 
  • create oral, print, visual and multimedia texts, and enhance the clarity and style of communication 
  • respect, support and collaborate with others. 

What types of texts are studied? 

Students will study a variety of texts including, but not limited to: Short Stories, Poetry, Novels, Modern and Shakespearean Drama, Film, and Non-fiction.  

English AP

Starting with English 10 - 1 AP Cohort and 20 ‐ 1 AP Cohort, students can appreciate the literature  not only for its meaning but also for their own personal gratification. They should be able to recognize structure, style, archetypes and themes, as well as such smaller‐scale elements like the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, syntax, and tone. Students experience, interpret and evaluate poetry, short fiction, novel, drama and non‐fiction essays. This includes literature from British, Canadian, American, and international writers, as well as works written from the 16th century up to contemporary times. By the time students complete both English 30‐1 and English Literature and Composition 35, they will be prepared to write the AP exam in May that includes both multiple choice and three critical, analytical written responses.

"English comes alive in AP and I love the fact that I am in a class with people who adore the subject as much as me." - Allison C.