English Language Arts (ELA)

The English Language Arts (ELA) program is designed to cultivate literacy and communication skills essential for academic success, the workplace, and active, thoughtful citizenship. The program's overarching purpose is to develop students' ability to understand, interpret, and create meaning in a complex, text-rich world.

English Language Arts (ELA) Course Sequencing Chart

Note: Students must successfully complete English 30-1 or English 30-2 to meet graduation requirements for a High School Diploma.

English 10-1 (5 credits)

Recommended Prerequisite: 60% in Language Arts 9

English 10-1 focuses on developing strong academic literacy and critical thinking skills for success in senior high school and post-secondary education. Students learn to analyze, interpret, and create a wide range of texts while developing sophisticated reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing skills.

English 10-1 emphasizes academic and analytical literacy for post-secondary preparation.

English 10-2 (5 credits)

Recommended Prerequisite: 40% - 60% in Language Arts 9 or 65% in KAE Language Arts 9

English 10-2 focuses on developing practical literacy and communication skills for everyday, workplace, and community contexts. Students learn to understand and create a variety of texts while building confidence in expressing ideas clearly and effectively.

English 10-2 emphasizes functional literacy and practical communication for everyday life and work.

English 20-1 (5 credits)

Recommended Prerequisite:  60% in English 10-1

English 20-1 builds o the academic literacy skills developed in 10-1, focusing on advanced critical thinking, analysis, and communication to prepare students for senior high academic courses and post-secondary studies. Students interpret and create complex texts, develop persuasive and analytical writing skills, and refine their oral communication and media literacy.

English 20-1 emphasizes academic and analytical literacy for post-secondary readiness.

English 20-2 (5 credits)

Prerequisite: 50% in English 10-2 or 40% in English 10-1

English 20-2 builds on the functional literacy skills from 10-2, focusing on practical reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills for everyday, workplace, and community contexts. The course emphasizes clear communication, comprehension of varied texts, and critical thinking for real-world applications.

English 20-2 emphasizes practical literacy and real-world communication skills.

English 30-1 (5 credits)

Recommended Prerequisite: 60% in English 20-1 or 75% in English 30-2

English 30-1 builds on the academic literacy skills developed in 20-1, emphasizing advanced critical thinking, literary analysis, and persuasive communication to prepare students for post-secondary education. Students study complex texts, refine analytical and argumentative writing, and enhance oral communication and media literacy skills.

English 30-1 emphasizes academic literacy, analysis, and post-secondary preparation.

As this is a diploma course, students will write a diploma exam worth 30% of their final grade.

English 30-2 (5 credits)

Prerequisite: 50% in English 20-2 or 40% (or greater) in English 20-1

English 30-2 builds on the practical literacy skills from 20-2, focusing on functional reading, writing, speaking, and listening for everyday, workplace, and community contexts. The course emphasizes clear communication, comprehension, and critical thinking for real-life applications. English 30-2 emphasizes practical literacy, clear communication, and real-world application.  Not all post-secondary programs will accept English 30-2 for admission. 

As this is a diploma course, students will write a diploma exam worth 30% of their final grade.