​​Exploring text, story and language helps us to understand ourselves and others, make connections to the larger world, and communicate more effectively and purposefully. The study of English at Argyle follows a progression from the introduction of basic language and literary skills to more critical analysis of and response to a variety of texts. At each grade level, students will be encouraged to find enjoyment in literature and to explore their own interests as they may connect to the learning outcomes for each grade.

• Literature study: This will involve the introduction to and use of literary terminology in relation to specific literary works in various genres, including short stories, poetry, plays, novels, and non-fiction. Canadian and First Peoples' selections will be included.
• Exploring the concept of writing as a reflective and a collaborative process.
• Explicit instruction in the conventions of English grammar, mechanics, and usage to communicate with others and respond to texts.
• Participation in oral activities, both formal and informal, will be encouraged and assessed. (This may include small-group activities, literary discussion, language exercises, and preparation for debates and speeches.)
• Development of media literacy-visual, audio, and print
• Development of digital literacy, the ethical and practical application of Information Technology
• Independent reading to produce life-long readers.
• Personal writing to develop confidence and competence in their ability to produce and substantiate informed positions.
  

ENGLISH 8

In English 8 students will be expected to do the following:

• Apply appropriate strategies to comprehend written, oral and visual texts; guide inquiry; and extend thinking.
• Think critically, creatively and reflectively to explore ideas within, between, and beyond texts.
• Recognize how literary elements, techniques and devices enhance and shape meaning.
• Use an increasing repertoire of conventions of English grammar, spelling and punctuation to communicate with others and to respond to texts.
• Respectfully exchange ideas and viewpoints, both orally and in writing.
• Recognize the role of story and oral tradition in expressing First Peoples' perspectives and values.

ENGLISH 9

In English 9 students will be expected to do the following:

• Apply appropriate strategies to comprehend written, oral and visual texts; guide inquiry; and extend thinking.
• Think critically, creatively and reflectively to explore ideas within, between, and beyond texts.
• Recognize how literary elements, techniques and devices enhance and shape meaning.
• Use an increasing repertoire of conventions of English grammar, spelling and punctuation to communicate with others and to respond to texts.
• Respectfully exchange ideas and viewpoints, both orally and in writing.
• Recognize the role of story and oral tradition in expressing First Peoples' perspectives and values.

ENGLISH 10 OPTIONS

These courses will build upon the core competencies and content of English 8 and 9, as well as incorporate focused literary studies, new media and spoken language content. Each English 10 combination will include Composition 10 and a choice of one of the following Focused Literary Studies 10 OR Spoken Language 10 OR New Media 10. Please refer to the descriptions for each course below:

COMPOSITION 10 (2 credits) Composition 10 is designed for students to develop their skills in written communication in a variety of contexts. Within a supportive community of writers, students will work individually and collaboratively to

• explore and create coherent, purposeful compositions. They will develop their craft through processes of drafting, reflecting, and revising to communicate their ideas for a variety of purposes and audiences.
• use an increasing repertoire of conventions of English to communicate with others and respond to texts.
   
  

OPTION 1: LITERARY STUDIES 10 (2 credits)

Literary Students is designed for students who want to study and explore literature through specific themes, genres, periods, authors, or areas of the world. This course would appeal to the student who loves to read and will provide students with the opportunity to discuss and critically analyze both modern and classic stories.

OPTION 2: NEW MEDIA 10 (2 credits)

English 10 New Media investigates the complexities of digital citizenship through different aspects and forms of media. Students will develop their skills in research, note-taking, and citations, learn to identify rhetoric and bias, and create original texts. This course is paired with Composition 10 and includes a focus on literary analysis and persuasive writing.

OPTION 3: SPOKEN LANGUAGE 10 (2 credits)

The course will provide students with opportunities for both performance and/or public speaking.  Spoken Language 10 is designed for students to individually and collaboratively study, create, and use language for a variety of purposes. 

The following are possible areas of focus in Spoken Language 10:

• Performance (may include: spoken word/slam poetry, reading poetry, readers' theatre, debate.)
• Oral tradition (may include: storytelling, oral history, First People's literature.)
• Professional applications (may include: speech writing/presenting, business proposals, interviewing.)
  
  

ENGLISH 11 OPTIONS:

Students will choose one or more of the following 4-credit options: Literary Studies 11 and/or Creative Writing 11 and/or EFP Literature Studies + New Media and/or EFP Literature Studies + Writing

Students in these courses will further refine their literary, critical thinking and communication skills, while exploring literature as a source of joy, creativity, and meaning.  These courses offer a variety of opportunities for students to consider universal themes as they apply not only to literature, but also to themselves and their world. Students will employ a variety of written, spoken and digital forms to explore topics of interest.

ENGLISH FIRST PEOPLES LITERATURE STUDIES + NEW MEDIA 11

EFP Literature Studies + New Media 11  (4 credits) is designed for students who are interested in studying First Peoples' literature and examining the evolving role of technology in today's society, especially the increasing importance of digital media in communicating and exchanging ideas and engaging in social advocacy. Students delve deeply into First Peoples' oral and written literature in a range of media to explore various themes, authors, and topics. This provides a foundation for students to think critically and creatively as they continue to explore, extend, and strengthen their own writing and communication. Students examine the increasingly complex digital world and have opportunities to demonstrate understanding and communicate sophisticated ideas through a wide variety of digital and print media. 

ENGLISH FIRST PEOPLES LITERATURE STUDIES + WRITING 11

“All that we are is story. From the moment we are born to the time we continue on our spirit journey, we are involved in the creation of the story of our time here. It is what we arrive with. It is all we leave behind. We are not the things we accumulate" –Richard Wagamese

EFP Literature Studies + Writing 11  (4 credits) ) is designed for students who are interested in studying First Peoples' literature and ways of being and learning, and using writing for self-expression and communication. Students will explore First Peoples' oral and written literature in a range of media. They will think critically and creatively as they continue to explore, extend, and strengthen their own writing. Within a supportive community, students will work individually and collaboratively with both oral and written literature to create powerful, purposeful compositions. Students will continue to develop strategies and processes around text, and will be expected to master oral and written language features, structures, and conventions appropriate to grade level.  As we work to collectively honour Indigenous principles of learning, this class may feel different than other classes. Students will be asked to engage meaningfully with their identity, communities, and connection to place; therefore, the literature and content can potentially be triggering, as they deal with the full range of human experience. Students are encouraged to practice curiosity, humility, and reciprocal respect for all members of our learning community, the course material, and most importantly, for themselves.   

LITERARY STUDIES & COMPOSITION 11

This course is suitable for all students who have an interest in developing their English literacy skills, with a special emphasis on the areas of reading and writing. This is an academically rigorous course that emphasizes a deeper analysis and nuanced inquiry of texts. Within a supportive community, this course will not only help improve reading strategies for comprehensive understanding of a variety of texts, but more importantly, will promote reading for interest and enjoyment. Texts studied may include World Literature, Feminist Literature, Canadian Literature, First Peoples' texts, specific topic, theme, or inquiry, fiction and non-fiction, and literature by era.

CREATIVE WRITING 11

Do you love to write? Are you interested in improving your ability to tell stories, engage an audience, and write with a strong voice and purpose? This course will explore a variety of writing forms (including film and theatre) and will nurture your expanding abilities of self-expression. It is designed for students who are self-motivated and able to do projects. Students will be expected to think critically about their own writing practices, and those of their peers.

"Read, read, read. Read everything -- trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it. Then write. If it's good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out of the window."  --William Faulkner​

ENGLISH STUDIES 12

English Studies is a required course for graduation, building upon and extending the students' previous learning in Grades 10 and 11. This course is meant to refine their ability to communicate in a variety of contexts, to think critically and creatively about the use of language, and to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world. Students continue to explore a variety of texts and sources and will connect their learning to their personal and future goals.

ENGLISH STUDIES 12A (Adapted)

This course will be assessed using performance standards consistent with Literary Studies 12; however, the delivery, pace and resources used in this course version are adapted to suit students who are developing foundational skills in this subject area, and who need significant support.   Participation in this course is by teacher referral.​

CREATIVE WRITING 12

“Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass."― Anton Chekhov

Do you love to write? Are you interested in improving your ability to tell stories, engage an audience, and write with a strong voice and purpose? This course will explore a variety of writing forms (including film and theatre) and will nurture your expanding abilities of self-expression. It is designed for students who are self-motivated and able to do projects. Students will be expected to think critically about their own writing practices, and those of their peers.

"Read, read, read. Read everything -- trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it. Then write. If it's good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out of the window." --William Faulkner  *Please note, this course does not satisfy the English 12 Graduation requirement*