Humanities 9 is a double block to allow for interdisciplinary learning between Social Studies 9 and English 9.  The curriculum is integrated to better allow students to make connections between the world they are in and themselves.  They will be challenged to think critically, as they engage with a variety of texts and stories to experience collaborative learning and how to exchange ideas in meaningful ways. Students will work towards increasingly sophisticated methods of communication in order to effectively articulate ideas to achieve our purpose as writers.  Students learn how historical forces – have had an impact on the world. In particular, they will study the Industrial Revolution, the French Revolution, and modern-day revolutionary movements.  In addition, we will study the formation of Canada as a nation, the development of democracy, and persisting societal inequalities. Students will explore themes of immigration, First Nations history and culture, geography, and politics.

Prerequisite:  English 9 (Part of Humanities 9)

Graduation Requirement: English Language Arts 10 and Indigenous-Focused Course Work

The English First Peoples Literary Studies 10 course component aims to open students’ eyes to the richness of First Peoples literature with its cultural and historical roots. Students will be expected to make connections between stories and their own lives, expressing their ideas and supporting them with evidence from the appropriate texts. As this course forms the foundation of the senior level English program, students will be expected to read and engage with a variety of texts in both non-fiction and fiction, participating in rich discussions, working on writing argumentative/persuasive essays and completing an inquiry project to demonstrate their understanding. The deep hope for this course is to inspire students of the importance of multiple perspectives in history and literature and to use their understanding to treat others with Christlike compassion.

The English First Peoples Writing 10 course component is designed to develop students’ ability to appreciate the written form of language as well as the art of public expression through a First Peoples’ lens. Students will be trained to apply standard conventions of the English language in their writing through analyzing, writing, and presenting poetry and oral stories. As this course forms the foundation of the senior level English program, students will be expected to express and articulate their opinions and experiences in an increasingly sophisticated manner, customized to their audience. The hope for this course is for students to use their God-given talents, experiences, and voices to effectively communicate and listen with grace, curiosity, and deeper empathy.

Additional Information: EFP Literary Studies and Writing 10 fulfills the 4 credits to fulfill the Indigenous-Focused Graduation Requirement.

Prerequisite: English 9 (Extending), Endorsement from Humanities 9 teacher

Graduation Requirement: English Language Arts 10 and English Language Arts 11

Description: English 10/11 Accelerated is intended for students who are gifted in communication, critical and divergent thinking, and literary analysis and explication, providing a greater depth and breadth of exposure to literature, philosophy, and rhetoric.  It combines texts from both the Literary Studies 10, Composition 10 and Literary Study 11 curricula, demanding more in terms of quality and quantity in both reading and writing, but preparing students well for more advanced coursework in language arts.

Recommendations:

• Students should be highly proficient in formal essay writing and writing conventions.
• Students should be extending in their critical and divergent thinking skills.
• Students should be extending in their reading comprehension skills.

Additional Information: Accelerated does not fulfill the 4 credits of the Indigenous-Focused Graduation Requirement.  Students will be required to take Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12 in Grade 11 or 12.

Prerequisites: English 11 and Grade 11 standing

Description: English Studies 12 explores the breadth and depth of how the English language is used to communicate ideas.  Students will engage with a variety of texts representative of the development of the Canadian literary perspective, including First Peoples texts and the Bible.  Emphasis will be placed on cultivating the skills essential for university studies and professional success, such as reading comprehension, literary analysis and interpretation, as well as expository and creative expression. The overarching aim of this course is to inspire students to continuously strive to be the light of this world as they grapple with the challenging issues of our shared existence.