In high school, you can choose from different courses in English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. It’s exciting to have choices; sometimes, making decisions may seem overwhelming. Remember: parents, counsellors, teachers, school administrators, and career practitioners will support you as you make decisions about high school. 

High school English Language Arts (ELA) is more than reading and writing. ELA involves:
- communicating effectively in various places for many different audiences and reasons
- selecting appropriate forms, structures, and technology for a variety of contexts
- understanding, appreciating, and creating a broad range of texts (including multi-media, visual, oral, and print)

Advanced Placement®

ELA 10-1 Pre-AP, 20-1 Pre-AP, ELA 30-1 AP

Starting with English 10-1 Pre-AP and 20-1 Pre-AP, students should appreciate literature not only for its meaning but also because it is personally gratifying. They should recognize and enjoy structure, style, archetypes and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, syntax, and tone. Students will experience, interpret and evaluate poetry, short fiction, novel, drama and non-fiction essays. This includes literature from British, Canadian, American, and international writers, as well as works written from the 16th century to contemporary times. By the time students complete ELA 30-1 AP (which includes both English 30-1 and English Literature and Composition 35), students will be prepared to write the AP exam in May that includes both multiple choice and three critical, analytical, written responses, and the Alberta Education Diploma Exam.

Diploma Path | -1 and -2 Course Sequences

ELA 10-1, 20-1, 30-1

This course sequence is for students who wish to pursue further academic studies at the university level, and the ability to read and write well, to think critically and analytically, and to reason abstractly, are definite assets for courses in this course sequence.courses.  Students of English 30-1 are required to write the 30-1 diploma examination. At a minimum students will:

- engage with Canadian and international print and multi-media texts

- emphasize literary analysis to develop critical thinking skills

- develop strong comprehensive and communication skills for university and many post-secondary programs*

ELA 10-2, 20-2, 30-2

This course sequence is for students who have been experiencing difficulty in English language arts.  It is not a lesser version of the –1 outcomes but a program in and of itself designed to offer many strategies to maximize opportunities for success in English Language Arts.  Students in English 30-2 course are required to write the 30-2 diploma examination.  This sequence is not designed to prepare students for entrance to university, but it can be used for entrance into most colleges and technical institutions. At a minimum students will:

- engage with a wide range of texts and some literary analysis

- develop your communication skills through practical, creative, and persuasive writing and representing

- prepare for some post-secondary education programs*

* entrance requirements for post-secondary institutions vary, so be sure to check

Certificate of High School Achievement Path | -4 Course Sequence

ELA 10-4, 20-4, 30-4

- build language skills and learn additional reading and writing strategies for success

- emphasize practical applications that support your understanding, communication, and other occupational skills

- prepare for the world of work or further training that may not involve post-secondary education

Changing Course Sequence

At Dr. E.P. Scarlett we support students in selecting courses that match their goals and learning style. In CBE high schools, meeting with your subject teacher to review your work and the outcomes of a course is the first step in a course sequence transfer process. You may initiate this process, or your teacher may also invite you to do this with them. Before any course sequence transfer is finalized, however, your principal or assistant principal and the Learning Leader of the subject will be brought into the conversation. If you are under eighteen, your parent or guardian will also be part of the discussion. In high school, a 50% minimum is required to progress to the next level course within in a course sequence. Nonetheless, it is strongly recommended that students achieve 65% in the previous requisite course prior to moving to the next course in the course sequence.

Changing Course Sequences: Teacher recommendations are made with great care and attention. They are based upon ensuring students have the necessary foundation in place to achieve success in their registered course. Changes to this process can only be achieved through the following steps:

• Consultation with the subject teacher and/or Student Services.
• Teacher or Learning Leader calls the parent.
• Change Form signed if the parent is in agreement.
• Team Learning Leader approval & signature, prior to any made changes. 

Other Course Offerings within English team

• English Language Learning Program (ELL) 
• Journalism