English
Introduction
This is because communication is the basis of what it means to be human. The English department at St. John’s College strives to create students who are excellent communicators with strong literacy skills while providing entertaining study of world and Canadian literature. Studies in fiction include classical, famous and modern authors of poetry, fiction, non-fiction and graphical texts. Students enjoy literature in a way that enhances their literacy skills by providing challenging assignments that will prepare them for the future as well a broadening their reading list.
Shakespeare is a prominent figure in most of the English courses: Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth and Hamlet. Other novels include: The Pigman, To Kill A Mockingbird, Lord of the Flies, Heart of Darkness, Frankenstein, Flowers for Algernon, Catcher in the Rye, and many more. Authors range from Joseph Conrad to Stephen King including many modern authors that appeal to teenagers yet provide valuable messages. Biblical allegory is frequently addressed to ensure a a Catholic learning environment especially when dealing with controversial life issues.
Course Descriptions
English, Grade 9, De-streamed (ENG1D1)
This course is designed to develop the 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 informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on the use of strategies that contribute to effective communication. The course is intended to prepare students for the Grade 10 academic English course, which leads to university or college preparation courses in Grades 11 and 12.
In this course students will:
- Learn to read and annotate short fiction, poetry, novels, and Shakespearean drama
- Write a variety of pieces, including news reports, essays, personal reflections, and short fiction
- Make oral presentations and lead seminars to effectively communicate their ideas
- Actively listen to participate in discussions and others’ ideas
English, Grade 9, Locally Developed (ENG1L1)
This course is designed to develop the key oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy skills students need for success in secondary school and daily life. Students will read, interpret, and create a variety of informational, literary, and graphic texts. An important focus will be on identifying and using appropriate strategies and processes to improve students’ comprehension of texts and to help them communicate clearly and effectively. The course is intended to prepare students for the Grade 9 applied English course or the Grade 10 locally developed course, which leads to college or workplace preparation courses in Grades 11 and 12.
In this course students will:
- Read a variety of texts.
- Write a variety pieces, both informational and narrative
- Make oral presentations to effectively communicate their ideas
- Actively listen to respond to others’ ideas
