Academic and Elective Course Selection: English

1. Academic and Elective Course Selection: English Choosing courses does not just involve the type of course you take; it also involves where you take your courses. English is the only compulsory course students are required to take from grade nine to twelve.

2. Every Year students who have graduated from EHSS return to thank us for preparing them for university: • They often note that their peers who took their core courses in Private School/ Night School or EDU Travel are struggling with POST-SECONDARY work.

3. U of T and Waterloo now offer a 5% adjustment downward on any prerequisite course not taken at a student’s home school. • It will be interesting to see which other schools follow suit. • American Ivy League Schools will not accept English credits, unless they are taken at your home school. They want authentic students who have been challenged.

4. Think Twice • Before you sign up for summer-school English, Math, or Science credits, be sure you will never need them again. If you will be studying in English at University, you will need to read and write at a heightened level. Edu travel and credit-mill private schools weaken students ability to succeed.

5. Through hard work, trial-and-error, and good coaching we can give your child the skills to succeed. We can help. Other programs will require much less work, the students will be unprepared.

6. Literacy (ELS 2O1—Open course in Grade 10 or 11) • This course aims at strengthening essential reading and writing skills. Students will read a variety of written texts with particular attention to locating information, identifying main ideas and supporting details, and using specific strategies to expand vocabulary. An important focus will be on writing clearly, accurately, and coherently using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

7. Studies in Media (EMS 3O1—Open course for Grade 11 or 12) Students will study various mass media forms from magazines through film and television to edgy documentaries and music videos. Students will actively view, talk about and write critiques of what they view. They will also create some media works of their own all the time searching for a wider and deeper understanding of media’s structures, aesthetics, messages, values and effects. Prerequisite: English 10, Academic or Applied

8. Writers Craft (EWC 4U1—Grade 12) • This course is a very popular elective. It explores: short fiction, poetry, descriptive and essay writing. Close attention is paid to the construction of a personal statement for university applications. In addition, there is a focus on Slam Poetry. Writer’s Craft is a guaranteed treat for the imagination during the busy Grade 12 year. • Prerequisite: English 11, University Preparation

9. Studies in Literature (ETS 4U1—Grade 12) This course is for students with a strong interest in literary criticism. Students will read and analyse a range of thought-provoking and challenging texts. These works explore the complexities of modern western culture. Analytical and argumentative essays will be reinforced. Prerequisites: Students need to like literature, be strong readers, and have English 11, University Preparation

10. Enriched Criteria • high degree of motivation • evidence of taking initiative • strong work habits • inquisitiveness and openness to new ideas • genuine interest in the subject area.

11. More on Enriched Students • The student should be self-disciplined and responsible about his or her learning, aware of what he or she can bring to the class and be willing to contribute positively to a productive, enriched classroom environment. Enriched classes will compete in Poetry-in-Voice, and the Pierre Berton Writing Contest.