English
Our English program is rich in content and integrated into all other areas of our curriculum. Students learn that language is a holistic process that requires developing knowledge, practice, effort, perseverance and confidence. As such, the language program fosters a balance of basic skills in areas of writing, reading and speaking, and encourages learners to express their uniqueness, values and creativity through language tasks that blend into a challenging, relevant and engaging curriculum model. Teachers plan together to ensure consistency from Grades 4 through to Grade 8, so that students gain close familiarity with terminology and processes by the time they reach high school. While we emphasize literacy and reading and writing for the love of it, we also take an issues-based approach to learning, infusing our program with references to current political, social, and economic events around the world.
Writing
Throughout the year, students will be asked to write for the following purposes:
To narrate: short stories, scripts (theatre and presentations), poetry and other forms
To respond: reading reflections, responding to literature, art, articles, advertising, etc.
To persuade: writing to express an opinion, responding to issues
To learning mechanics: focusing on writing skills, spelling and grammar practice
Reading
Students will be expected to read for the following purposes:
For appreciation: novels, poetry, newspaper and magazine articles
For information: research texts, Internet, literature, instructional materials, mathematical problems, articles
For enrichment: expanding literacy skills through comprehension and interpretation of challenging texts
Speaking
Oral participation is a vital part of our language program. Students will be encouraged to speak in the following situations:
To present information in front of a class audience
To express their opinion in class debates and discussions
To speak publicly in forums involving a variety of audiences
