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)

The English Language Arts (ELA) department is a close community of committed, passionate, and sometimes (often) quirky teachers.  Our goal is, not only your child’s education, also your child’s development as a life long learner.  We nurture and build relationships to last a lifetime.

All students are required to successfully complete three courses in English Language Arts: 10-1/20-1/30-1 or 10- 2/20-2/30-2 to obtain a high school diploma.

English 10-1/20-1/30-1

These courses are designed for students who are very likely to proceed to post-secondary educational institutions, which require an academic command of language, literature and composition.

English 10-2/20-2/30-2

These courses are designed for students who are planning to attend college, trade or technical studies, where more practical, functional language skills are required.

Knowledge and Employability English Language Arts (10-4/20-4/30-4)

These courses focus on developing the basic competencies needed for everyday living at home, in the community and in the workplace.

Creative Writing and Publishing 15/25/35

In this course, students develop their writing interests, passions and skills. Students experiment in a variety of specific creative writing genres (such as, but not limited to short story, poetry, script). Although each level focuses on different genres, emphasis does not mean other genres are excluded.

Journalism

Journalism provides students the opportunity to develop skills which are specific to the media and communications industry. Students will engage in real life experiences around the development of the James Fowler Newspaper, “The Falcon Flyer,” as well as video development.

ELA Creative Writing Matrix

ELA-2 Matrix

ELA Student Project Matrix

Language Learning and English Language Arts

While students learn about language in all subject areas and in contexts outside of school, English language arts teachers have a central role in language learning because of their focus on language, its forms and its functions. It is the English language arts teacher who helps students develop and apply strategies for comprehending, responding to and creating a variety of texts in a variety of situations.  (Alberta Education Program of Studies)