(English as a Second Language)
After assessment by the CBE Welcome Center, students are directed to Western Canada High School to be placed at the appropriate English Language Learner (ELL) level.
Selection of classes and options depends upon individual interest, suitability, and class availability. Promotion to the next level depends primarily on student achievement in reading and writing.
Some students may be placed in regular classes that include English language support, such as supported English classes at the 10, 20, and 30 levels, Social Studies 10 Sheltered and Science 10 Sheltered.
ELL Level 2 - 20 Credits
This course is designed for the English language learner who has little or no knowledge of English. It introduces the student to school and Canadian culture, with an emphasis on the language necessary to navigate one’s way through everyday situations and requirements for life in Canada. The course includes ELL Introduction to Science and ELL Introduction to Canadian Studies. All forms of media and interactions are used to help the student develop English
language proficiency.
ELL Level 3A - 5 Credits
(English as a Second Language 10 - Level 3)
This course is for intermediate level English language learners to improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The course includes study of a variety of expository and literary texts to develop vocabulary and familiarity with the language. Verbal and written expression of personal and critical response to text is taught. The student will have a grade-equivalency reading score of 3 to 4 for this course.
ELL Level 3B - 5 Credits
(Canadian Studies 25)
This course will help intermediate level English learners improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The course includes study of literary texts, response to literature, vocabulary development, and various types of writing. It will prepare the learner for ELL Level 4. The student will have a grade-equivalency reading score of at least 4 to 5 for this course.
ELL Level 4A - 5 Credits
(English as a Second Language 10 - Level 4)
This course is designed for the high-intermediate English language learner to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students study a variety of expository and literary texts to develop analytical skills though oral and written response. There is an emphasis on vocabulary development and practice writing various forms of text. The student will have a grade-equivalency reading score of at least 5 to 6 for this course.
ELL Level 4B 5 Credits
(Reading 25)
This course will help high-intermediate level English learners improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The course includes the study of literary texts, response to literature, vocabulary development, as well as the understanding and use of figurative language. The course is designed to prepare the learner for an ELA 10 course. The student will have a grade equivalency reading score of at least 6 to 7 for this course.
Sheltered ELL Courses
Social Studies 10-1 Cohort ELL - 5 Credits
Prerequisite: Grade-equivalency reading level of 5+/enrollment in or completion of ELL Level 4
Students will complete the Social Studies 10 program. Credits may be awarded for either Social Studies 10-1 or 10-2.
Science 10 Cohort ELL - 5 Credits
Prerequisite: Grade-equivalency reading level of 5+/ELL 4A or ELL 3B and teacher recommendation
Course content and expectations are the same as the regular Science 10 course with added support for the English language learner. (Credits are given for Science 10.)
ELA 10-1 Cohort ELL - 5 Credits
Prerequisite: Grade-equivalency reading level of 7+/enrollment in or completion of ELL Level 4B
Course content and expectations are the same as the regular ELA 10-1 course with added support for the English language learner. Upon successful completion, credits for ELA are given for ELA 10-2 or ELA 10-1.