Overview of the Program:
The English program in grades 9-12 includes preparatory courses and compulsory courses at the locally developed/workplace and applied/college levels. The EMPOWER Reading program is also offered to to help some of our struggling readers. There is also one optional course (OLC4O) for students who need to fulfill their literacy requirements for graduation and have been unsuccessful in passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).
The compulsory courses emphasize strong core competencies in oral communication, reading and literature studies, writing, and media studies.
Locally Developed courses are intended for students who require a measure of flexibility and support in order to meet the compulsory credit requirements in English. They are dedicated to developing knowledge and skills in the areas of listening, reading, writing, oral communication, and viewing and representing (media).
Workplace preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to meet expectations of employers, if they plan to enter the workplace directly after graduation, or the requirements of admission to many apprenticeship or other training programs.
College preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the requirements for entrance to most college programs or for admission to specific apprenticeship or other training programs.
The Literacy Requirement for the OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma):
*Please note, the literacy requrement has been waived for students graduating in the 2020-2021 school year.
All students must meet the literacy requirement in order to graduate. The standard way of meeting the requirement is to write and pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), normally in Grade 10. Students who do not pass the OSSLT on the first attempt may meet the literacy requirement either by rewriting and passing the test or by successfully completing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC) normally in Grade 12. The credit earned for this course may be used to meet the grade 11 or grade 12 compulsory credit requirement in English.
Department Members:
Joanna Bruggink Teacher
Tracey Green Teacher
Miriam Michielin Teacher
Melanie Wallace Teacher
Derek Heffernan Department Head