English Courses & Pathways
English, Grade 9 De-streamed (ENG1D)
Prerequisite: None
This course enables students to continue to develop and consolidate the foundational knowledge and skills that they need for reading, writing, and oral and visual communication. Throughout the course, students will continue to enhance their media literacy and critical literacy skills, and to develop and apply transferable skills, including digital literacy. Students will also make connections to their lived experiences and to society and increase their understanding of the importance of language and literacy across the curriculum.
The complete curriculum document is available from: https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/secondary-english/courses/enl1w
English, Grade 10 Academic (ENG2D)
Prerequisite: English, Grade 9, De-streamed
This course is designed to extend the range of oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy skills that students need for success in their secondary school academic programs and in their daily lives. Students will analyse literary texts from contemporary and historical periods, interpret and evaluate informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on the selective use of strategies that contribute to effective communication. The course is intended to prepare students for the Grade 11 university or college preparation course.
The complete curriculum document is available from: English 9/10 Currciulum
English: Contemporary Aboriginal Voices, (NBE3C) Grade 11, College Preparation
Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
This course emphasizes the development of literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills through the study of works in English by Aboriginal writers. Students will study the content, form, and style of informational texts and literary and media works, and will develop an appreciation of the wealth and complexity of Aboriginal writing. Students will also write reports, correspondence, and persuasive essays, and analyse the relationship between media forms and audiences. An important focus will be on establishing appropriate voice and using business and technical language with precision and clarity.
The complete curriculum document is available from: Aboriginal Studies 11/12 Curriculum
English: Contemporary Aboriginal Voices, (NBE3U) Grade 11, University Preparation
Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic
This course emphasizes the development of literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills through the study of works in English by Aboriginal writers. Through the analysis of literary texts and media works, students will develop an appreciation of the wealth and complexity of Aboriginal writing. Students will also conduct research and analyse the information gathered; write persuasive and literary essays; and analyse the relationship between media forms and audiences. An important focus will be the further development of students’ understanding of English-language usage and conventions.
The complete curriculum document is available from: Aboriginal Studies 11/12 Curriculum
English, Grade 12 College Preparation (ENG4C)
Prerequisite: English: Contemporary Aboriginal Voices, (NBE3C) Grade 11, College Preparation OR English, Grade 11, College Preparation
This course emphasizes the consolidation of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will analyse a variety of informational and graphic texts, as well as literary texts from various countries and cultures, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for practical and academic purposes. An important focus will be on using language with precision and clarity and developing greater control in writing. The course is intended to prepare students for college or the workplace.
The complete curriculum document is available from: English 11/12 Curriculum
English, Grade 12 University Preparation (ENG4U)
Prerequisite: English: Contemporary Aboriginal Voices, (NBE3U) Grade 11, University Preparation OR English, Grade 11, University Preparation
This course emphasizes the consolidation of the literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will analyse a range of challenging literary texts from various periods, countries, and cultures; interpret and evaluate informational and graphic texts; and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on using academic language coherently and confidently, selecting the reading strategies best suited to particular texts and particular purposes for reading, and developing greater control in writing. The course is intended to prepare students for university, college, or the workplace.
The complete curriculum document is available from: English 11/12 Curriculum
ESL Courses & Pathways
Course Pathways Presentation
English as a Second Language ESL Level 1 Open ESLAO
Prerequisite: None
This course builds on students’ previous education and language knowledge to introduce them to the English language and help them adjust to the diversity in their new environment. Students will use beginning English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing for everyday and essential academic purposes. They will engage in short conversations using basic English language structures and simple sentence patterns; read short adapted texts; and write phrases and short sentences. The course also provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to begin to adapt to their new lives in Canada.
English as a Second Language ESL Level 2 Open ESLBO
Prerequisite: ESL Level 1 or equivalent
This course extends students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English for everyday and academic purposes. Students will participate in conversations in structured situations on a variety of familiar and new topics; read a variety of texts designed or adapted for English language learners; expand their knowledge of English grammatical structures and sentence patterns; and link English sentences to compose paragraphs. The course also supports students’ continuing adaptation to the Ontario school system by expanding their knowledge of diversity in their new province and country.
English as a Second Language ESL Level 3 Open ESLCO
Prerequisite: ESL Level 2 or equivalent
This course further extends students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English for a variety of everyday and academic purposes. Students will make short classroom oral presentations; read a variety of adapted and original texts in English; and write using a variety of text forms. As well, students will expand their academic vocabulary and their study skills to facilitate their transition to the mainstream school program. This course also introduces students to the rights and responsibilities inherent in Canadian citizenship, and to a variety of current Canadian issues.
English as a Second Language ESL Level 4 Open ESLDO
Prerequisite: ESL Level 3 or equivalent
This course prepares students to use English with increasing fluency and accuracy in classroom and social situations and to participate in Canadian society as informed citizens. Students will develop the oral-presentation, reading, and writing skills required for success in all school subjects. They will extend listening and speaking skills through participation in discussions and seminars; study and interpret a variety of grade-level texts; write narratives, articles, and summaries in English; and respond critically to a variety of print and media texts.
English as a Second Language ESL Level 5 Open ESLEO
Prerequisite: ESL Level 4 or equivalent
This course provides students with the skills and strategies they need to make the transition to college and university preparation courses in English and other secondary school disciplines. Students will be encouraged to develop independence in a range of academic tasks. They will participate in debates and lead classroom workshops; read and interpret literary works and academic texts; write essays, narratives, and reports; and apply a range of learning strategies and research skills effectively. Students will further develop their ability to respond critically to print and media texts.
*“Equivalent” may be an equivalent course of study in other provinces in Canada or in other countries, or a proficiency level determined through initial assessment.
The complete curriculum document is available from: ESL 9-12 Curriculum
Department Head:
Nickola Konecny
nickola.konecny@ocdsb.ca