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)

Every student is expected to eventually complete a 30 level English course.

• ELA 10-1, 20-1 and 30-1 are academically rigorous courses designed for students who are interested in the study, creation, and analysis of literary texts. Students registering in these courses should have demonstrated strengths in both their reading comprehension and writing skills.
• ELA 10-2, 20-2 and 30-2 are courses for students who are interested in popular culture and real world contexts or students who have encountered difficulty with English and who could benefit from continuing support.  

It is recommended that students achieve 65% in grade 9 ELA or a minimum of 75% in ESL 4B to take 10-1. Otherwise, it is strongly recommended that students take English 10-2. Once in the academic stream, a mark of 65% is recommended to advance to the next course level.

There are various points where students can move to a different route. If a student in the academic route achieves a mark between 45 and 49%, they must either retake the course or, as another option, move into the next level in the non academic stream. For example, a student with 45% in English 10-1 can go into 20-2.

If a student in the non-academic stream wishes to enter the academic stream, a mark of 65% or greater is recommended. If this occurs, the student can choose to take the same grade's academic English. For example, an English 20-2 student with a 65% can take English 20-1.

Courses

ELA 10-1, 20-1 and 30-1 are academically rigorous courses designed for students who are interested in the study, creation, and analysis of literary texts. Students registering in these courses should have demonstrated strengths in both their reading comprehension and writing skills.

ELA 10-2, 20-2 and 30-2 are courses for students who are interested in popular culture and real world contexts or students who have encountered difficulty with English and who could benefit from continuing support. This program can lead to the -1 program. Students should check with a guidance counsellor for more specific information regarding post-secondary entrance requirements.

English Language Arts 10-1 - 5 credits

This is an academically demanding course designed to help students develop skills in reading, writing, listening, and oral communication. Assignments will encompass formal essays, critical analysis, personal responses, and creative writing for a variety of audiences and purposes. This course serves as a preparation for ELA 20-1 and ELA 20-1 IB. Course requirements include the study of short stories, novels, poetry, Shakespearean or modern drama, film, and non-fiction. Students who are best suited for this course are those who enjoy reading literature, writing critically about what they read.

English Language Arts 10-2 - 5 credits

This course is designed to help students develop fundamental skills in reading, writing, listening, viewing, and oral communication. Teachers will offer an integrated approach in the development of language arts skills by using short stories, novels, poetry, Shakespearean or modern drama, film, and non-fiction for discussion and writing. Assignments and activities stress personal, analytical and functional writing for a variety of audiences, contexts, and purposes.

English 10-2 Competencies – 5 credits

ELA 10-2 Competencies is a new course designed for students who are interested in the 10-1 course, but who are currently lacking the demonstrated strengths (particularly with regards to reading and writing) needed to be successful. English 10-2 Competencies will be offered for students hoping to transition from the English 10-2 program to the English 10-1 program. It serves as a bridge course for students who lack the language skills required for the more academic program, but who have the desire to improve their English competencies. The course aims to enhance student ability to think critically and analytically, with a focus on developing the reading and writing skills necessary for success with the literature covered in the 10-1 stream. Students registering in this course should have a sincere desire to improve their skills. Upon successful completion of English 10-2 Competencies, students will earn credits in English 10-2. Students will take English 10-2 Competencies in Semester 1 in place of one of their complementary courses, and upon successfully completing the course, will be registered for English 10-1 Semester 2.

Rationale: The ability to master a language is time consuming. Oftentimes, students have strong ideas, but unfortunately their writing ability does not enable them to communicate ideas clearly. At other times, students are hesitant readers who require additional strategies regarding the analysis of literature. This course aims to give students who have struggled with English Language Arts in the past, or who are English Language Learners, the opportunity to hone the skills necessary for best success in an English 10-1 program.

Note: English 10-2 Competencies is not the best placement for a student who would be more successful in an English 10-2 class. Please keep in mind that students passing English 10-2 Competencies in Semester 1, will then have English 10-1, along with 2 other academic core classes in Semester 2. Some students are best placed in English 10-2 for Grade 10, English 20-2 in Grade 11, and then English 30-2 in Grade 12.

English Language Arts 20-1 - 5 credits

Prerequisite: English Language Arts 10-1
Recommendation for Success – at least 65% in ELA 10-1
This is an academically demanding course designed to help students continue to develop more effective skills in reading, writing, listening and oral communication. Assignments encompass formal essays, both critical and analytical, personal responses, and creative writing for a variety of audiences and purposes. Course requirements include the study of short stories, novels, poetry, Shakespearean drama, film and non-fiction. Students who are best suited for this course are those who enjoy reading literature, writing critically about what they read.

English Language Arts 20-2 - 5 credits

Prerequisite: English Language Arts 10-2 OR 45% in ELA 10-1
This is a general course designed to help develop fundamental skills in reading, writing, listening, viewing and oral communication. Teachers will offer an integrated approach in the development of language arts skills by using short stories, novels, poetry, Shakespearean or modern drama, film and non-fiction for discussion and writing. Assignments and activities stress personal, analytical, and functional writing for a variety of audiences, contexts and purposes.

English Language Arts 30-1 - 5 credits

Prerequisite: English Language Arts 20-1 OR a Teacher Mark of 65% in ELA 30-2 and teacher recommendation
Recommendation for Success: 65% in English Language Arts 20-1
This is an academically demanding course that surveys a variety of literature and other texts, with emphasis on understanding themes and literary techniques. It is also designed to help students continue to develop more effective skills in reading, writing, representing, viewing, listening and speaking. Writing assignments encompass formal essays, both critical and personal, and creative writing for a variety of audiences and purposes. Course content includes the study of short stories, novels, poetry, Shakespeare play, modern drama or feature film, and non-fiction. Students who are best suited for this course are those who enjoy reading literature, writing critically about what they read. 

Students will be required to write the Alberta Diploma Exam which will count for 30% of their overall grade.

English Language Arts 30-2 - 5 credits

Prerequisite: English Language Arts 20-2 OR 45% in English Language Arts 20-1
This is a general course that emphasizes the integration of life skills with a study of language, media, and literature. It is designed to help students develop fundamental skills in reading, writing, representing, listening, viewing and speaking. Teachers will offer an integrated approach in the development of language arts skills by using short stories, novels, poetry, Shakespearean or modern drama, film and non-fiction for discussion and writing. Assignments and activities stress personal, analytical, and functional writing for a variety of audiences, contexts and purposes.

Students will be required to write the Alberta Diploma Exam which will count for 30% of their overall grade. Students wishing to graduate with ELA 30-1 credits need to register in 30-1 after successfully completing ELA 30-2. A minimum grade of 65% is recommended to do this.