Literacy is about more than reading or writing – it is about how we communicate in society. It is about social practices and relationships, about knowledge, language and culture. Those who use literacy take it for granted – but those who cannot use it are excluded from much communication in today’s world. Indeed, it is the excluded who can best appreciate the notion of “literacy as freedom”. UNESCO, Statement for the United Nations Literacy Decade, 2003–2012

     Literacy development is a communal project, and the teaching of literacy skills is embedded across the Ontario curriculum. However, it is the English curriculum that is dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills on which literacy is based – that is, knowledge and skills in the areas of listening and speaking, reading, writing, and viewing and representing.

ENG1D English, Grade 9, Academic

This course is designed to develop the oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy skills that students need for success in their secondary school academic programs and in their daily lives. Students will analyse literary texts from contemporary and historical periods, interpret informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on the use of strategies that contribute to effective communication. The course is intended to prepare students for the Grade 10 academic English course, which leads to university or college preparation courses in Grades 11 and 12. Prerequisite: None

ENG1P English, Grade 9, Applied

This course is designed to develop the key oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy skills students need for success in secondary school and daily life. Students will read, interpret, and create a variety of informational, literary, and graphic texts. An important focus will be on identifying and using appropriate strategies and processes to improve students’ comprehension of texts and to help them communicate clearly and effectively. The course is intended to prepare students for the Grade 10 applied English course, which leads to college or workplace preparation courses in Grades 11 and 12. Prerequisite: None

ENG1L English, Grade 9, Locally Developed Compulsory Credit Course

This course provides foundational literacy and communication skills to prepare students for success in their daily lives, in the workplace, and in the English Grade 10 LDCC course. The course is organized by strands that develop listening and talking skills, reading and viewing skills, and writing skills. In all strands, the focus is on developing foundational literacy skills and in using language clearly and accurately in a variety of authentic contexts. Students develop strategies and put into practice the processes involved in talking, listening, reading, viewing, writing, and thinking, and refl ect regularly upon their growth in these areas. Prerequisite: None

ENG2D English, Grade 10, Academic

This course is designed to extend the range of oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy skills that students need for success in their secondary school academic programs and in their daily lives. Students will analyse literary texts from contemporary and historical periods, interpret and evaluate informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on the selective use of strategies that contribute to effective communication. This course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 1l university or college preparation course. Prerequisite: English, Grade 9, Academic or Applied

ENG2P English, Grade 10, Applied

This course is designed to extend the range of oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy skills that students need for success in secondary school and daily life. Students will study and create a variety of informational, literary, and graphic texts. An important focus will be on the consolidation of strategies and processes that help students interpret texts and communicate clearly and effectively. This course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 11 college or workplace preparation course. Prerequisite: English, Grade 9, Academic or Applied

ENG2L English, Grade 10, Locally Developed Compulsory Credit Course

In this course, students focus on extending their literacy and communication skills to prepare for success in their daily lives, in the workplace, in the English Grade 11 Workplace Preparation course, or in the English: Contemporary Aboriginal Voices, Grade 11 Workplace Preparation course. The course is organized by strands that extend listening and talking skills, reading and viewing skills, and writing skills. In all strands, the focus is on refi ning foundational literacy skills and on using language clearly and accurately in a variety of authentic contexts. Students build on their strategies and engage in the processes involved in talking, listening, reading, viewing, writing, and thinking and refl ect regularly upon their growth in these areas. Prerequisite: Grade 9 English credit

ENG3U English, Grade 11, University Preparation

This course emphasizes the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will analyse challenging literary texts from various periods, countries, and cultures, as well as a range of informational and graphic texts and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on using language with precision and clarity and incorporating stylistic devices appropriately and effectively. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 university or college preparation course. Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic

NBE3U English: Contemporary Aboriginal Voices, Grade 11, Universiy Preparation

This course emphasizes the development of literacy, critical thinking , and communication skills through the study of works in English by Aboriginal writers. Through the analysis of literary texts and media works, students will develop an appreciation of the wealth and complexity of Aboriginal writing. Students will conduct research and analyze the information gathered; write persuasive and literary essays; and analyze the relationship between media forms and audiences. An important focus will be the further development of students' understanding of English language usage and conventions. Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic

ENG3C English, Grade 11, College Preparation

This course emphasizes the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will study the content, form, and style of a variety of informational and graphic texts, as well as literary texts from Canada and other countries and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for practical and academic purposes. An important focus will be on using language with precision and clarity. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 college preparation course. Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Applied

NBE3C English: Contemporary Aboriginal Voices, Grade 11, College Preparation

This course emphasizes the development of literacy, critical thinking , and communication skills through the study of works in English by Aboriginal writers. Students will study the content, form, and style of informational texts and literary and media works, and will develop an appreciation of the wealth and complexity of Aboriginal writing. Students will also write reports, correspondence, and persuasive essays and analyze the relationship between media forms and audiences. An important forcus will be on establishing appropriate voice and using business and technical language with precision and clarity. Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic or Applied

ENG3E English, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation

This course emphasizes the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in the workplace and in daily life. Students will study the content, form, and style of a variety of contemporary informational, graphic, and literary texts; and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for practical purposes. An important focus will be on using language clearly and accurately in a variety of formal and informal contexts. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 workplace preparation course. Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Applied

ENG4U English, Grade 12, University Preparation

This course emphasizes the consolidation of the literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will analyse a range of challenging literary texts from various periods, countries, and cultures; interpret and evaluate informational and graphic texts; and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on using academic language coherently and confidently, selecting the reading strategies best suited to particular texts and particular purposes for reading, and developing greater control in writing. The course is intended to prepare students for university, college, or the workplace. Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, University Preparation

ENG4C English, Grade 12, College Preparation

This course emphasizes the consolidation of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life Students will analyse a variety of informational and graphic texts, as well as literary texts from various countries and cultures, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for practical and academic purposes. An important focus will be on using language with precision and clarity and developing greater control in writing. The course is intended to prepare students for college or the workplace. Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, College Preparation

ENG4E English, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation

This course emphasizes the consolidation of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in the workplace and in daily life. Students will analyse informational, graphic, and literary texts and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for workplace-related and practical purposes. An important focus will be on using language accurately and organizing ideas and information coherently. The course is intended to prepare students for the workplace and active citizenship. Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation

OPTIONAL COURSES

ELS2O Literacy Skills: Reading and Writing, Grade 10, Open

This course is designed to help students strengthen essential reading and writing skills, providing them with the extra literacy support they need in order to graduate. Students will read informational, graphic, and literary texts, with a focus on locating information, identifying main ideas and supporting details, building vocabulary, and consolidating skills in the application of key comprehension strategies. The course will also help students develop core learning strategies. Prerequisite: English, Grade 9, Academic or Applied, or a Grade 9 English LDCC course

EMS3O Media Studies, Grade 11, Open

This course emphasizes knowledge and skills that will enable students to understand media communication in the twenty-fi rst century and to use media effectively and responsibly. Through analysing the forms and messages of a variety of media works and audience responses to them, and through creating their own media works, students will develop critical thinking skills, aesthetic and ethical judgement, and skills in viewing, representing, listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic or Applied

ETS4U Studies in Literature, Grade 12, University Preparation

This course is for students with a special interest in literature and literary criticism. This course may fucus on themes, genres, time periods, or countries. Students will analyze a range of forms and stylistic elements of leterary texts and respond personally , critically, and creatively to the. they will also assess critical interpretations, write analytical essays and complete an independent study project. Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, University Preparation

EWC4U The Writer's Craft, Grade 12, University Preparation

This course emphasizes knowledge and skills related to the craft of writing. Students will analyse models of effective writing; use a workshop approach to produce a range of works; identify and use techniques required for specialized forms of writing; and identify effective ways to improve the quality of their writing. They will also complete a major paper as part of a creative or analytical independent study project and investigate opportunities for publication and for writing careers. Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, University Preparation

EWC4C The Writer's Craft, Grade 12, College Preparation

This course emphasizes knowledge and skills related to the craft of writing. Students will investigate models of effective writing; use a workshop approach to write a variety of works; and make considered decisions for improving the quality of their writing. They will also complete a creative or analytical independent study project and investigate opportunities for publication and for writing careers. Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, College Preparation

EBT4O Business and Technological Communication, Grade 12, Open

This course emphasizes practical writing and communication skills that are needed in the world of business and technology. Students will analyse the characteristics of effective models of business and technical communications; gather information to write reports, business letters, memos, manuals, instructions, and brochures; and integrate graphics and text, using technology appropriately for formatting and special effects. They will also make a number of oral and visual presentations. Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, University Preparation, College Preparation, or Workplace Preparation

OLC4O1 Grade 12, Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course

This course is designed to help students acquire and demonstrate the crosscurricular literacy skills that are evaluated by the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). Students who complete the course successfully will meet the provincial literacy requirement for graduation. Students will read a variety of informational, narrative, and graphic texts and will produce a variety of forms of writing, including summaries, informational, narrative, and graphic texts and will produce a variety of forms of writing, including summaries, information paragraphs, opinion pieces, and news reports. Students will also maintain and manage a portfolio containing a record of their reading experiences and samples of their writing. Eligibility Requirement: The O.S.S.L.C. is a grade 12 credit and can be used to meet the literacy test requirements, the Grade 11 or 12 compulsory English credit, or the Group 1 additional compulsory requirement. In order to be eligible for the early admission to the literacy course:

• The principal must approve the decision.

• The student must be in Grade 11; or

• The parent(s)/guardian(s) or adult student must have provided written agreement