English Language Learning students (ELL) are those whose primary language of the home is other than English and who may require additional services in order to succeed within British Columbia’s school system.

There are three primary goals in an English Language Learning program:

• Acquisition of English
• Maintenance and development of academic and cognitive growth
• Integration into and contribution of the Canadian culture

Our ELL services reflect current knowledge with regard to effective practices.

The program of courses is designed to help students acquire language skills that will enable them to be integrated successfully into regular, age-appropriate classes.  Each English Language Learning student will be assessed and appropriate classes selected to meet that student’s individual needs.

Students may be referred to ELL support courses by counselors, teachers or parents. On-going assessment of acquired English fluency will determine exit from these courses and entry into regular mainstream academic courses.  Additional summer school courses are strongly recommended for students to increase competencies in English.

ORGANIZATION FOR TEACHING

Student’s assessment will indicate the level of competency.  This competency will designate the type of instruction the student receives.  Classes will be organized to accommodate junior and senior students.

Descriptors of Competency

Beginning Student is a true beginner with little English Language proficiency. Direct ELL support is needed in scheduled language support blocks.

Developing Student is able to understand and use basic English words and phrases. Direct ELL support is needed in scheduled language support blocks.

Expanding Student is able to understand and use an expanding amount of conversational English. Direct ELL support is needed in scheduled language support blocks.

Consolidating Student is able to understand and use varying amounts of conversational English, and some academic language. Students receive instruction in Language Adapted classes.

Bridging Student is approaching grade-level proficiency. They may need support with nuances of language. Students may enroll in regular-stream classes. ELL support may be needed.

TRANSITIONAL ENGLISH 8/ 9 (ELL Levels: Beginning, Developing & Expanding)

These courses are designed to cover the two areas of the English Language Arts program: Comprehend and Connect (reading, listening, viewing), and Create and Communicate (writing, speaking, representing).Materials and coursework are adapted for ELL students to enable them to work towards meeting the learning outcomes of the regular English Language Arts program. Literature includes adapted short stories, novels, poetry, plays, and non-fiction, as well as adapted course work. Enrollment in transitional classes follows the assessment of the student’s abilities in English. Students will be placed in an appropriate section for their language skills.

LANGUAGE ADAPTED (LA) ENGLISH 8/9 (ELL LEVELS: Consolidating and Bridging)

These courses are adapted from the English 8 and English 9 curriculum to support English language learners. They are designed to cover the two areas of the English Language Arts program: Comprehend and Connect (reading, listening, viewing), and Create and Communicate (writing, speaking, representing). Areas of study will include short stories, poetry, novels, non-fiction, drama, media, and writing. Students will continue to develop and work towards levels of greater sophistication in their language usage and their appreciation of literature, as well as an understanding of both paragraph and essay conventions.

Materials and coursework are adapted for ELL students to enable them to work toward meeting the curricular competencies of the English Language Arts program. Enrollment in ELL classes follows the assessment of the student’s abilities in English. Students will be placed in an appropriate section for their language skills.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT 8/ 9 (ELL Levels: Beginning to Bridging)

These courses are designed for ELL support in the acquisition of language. Students will concentrate on learning strategies and skills to further develop cognitive and academic literacy. The focus of these courses is on building working vocabulary, improving grammar, developing paragraph structure, and improving speaking and listening skills in order to collaborate with others. Students will be placed in an appropriate section for their language skills.

TRANSITIONAL ENGLISH 10 (ELL Levels: Beginning, Developing & Expanding)

Enrollment in this class follows the assessment of the student’s abilities in English. This course is designed for ELL students who are beginning and starting to acquire language and who are not yet ready to meet the learning outcomes of regular English 10. The program of studies will parallel the six areas of language arts: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, Viewing and Representing. Materials and coursework are adapted to meet the needs of the ELL student. Literature will include short stories, novels, poetry, plays, and non-fiction.

EFP LITERARY STUDIES 10 and EFP SPOKEN LANGUAGE 10 (ELL Levels: Consolidating & Expanding)

EFP Literary Studies 10 is designed for students who are interested in exploring First Peoples literature in a variety of contexts, genres, and media. This area of choice provides students with opportunities to explore personal and cultural identities, histories, stories, and connections to land/place. This course is grounded in the understanding of how texts are historically and culturally constructed. Students will work individually and collaboratively to broaden their understanding of themselves and the world.

Spoken Language 10 is designed for students who are interested in studying First Peoples oral traditions and in developing their oral self-expression and communication in a variety of contexts. Within a supportive community, students will work individually and collaboratively to develop their writing skills and create coherent, purposeful, and engaging oral texts for a variety of purposes. This area of choice will provide students with opportunities for performance and public speaking. 

Materials and coursework are adapted for ELL students to enable them to work towards meeting the learning outcomes of the regular English Language Arts program. Enrollment in ELL classes, follows the assessment of the student’s abilities in English. Students will be placed in an appropriate section for their language skills.

EFP LITERARY STUDIES and SPOKEN LANGUAGE 11 (ELL Levels: Beginning, Developing & Expanding)

EFP Literary Studies and Spoken Language 11 is designed for students who are interested in studying First Peoples literature and oral tradition and in strengthening their oral language proficiencies. The course emphasizes oral self-expression and communication in a variety of contexts. Students delve deeply into First Peoples oral and written literature in a range of media to explore various themes, authors, and topics. This provides a foundation for them to think critically and creatively as they continue to explore, extend, and strengthen their own repertoire of oral language expressions. Within a supportive community, students work individually and collaboratively to explore oral and written literature and create powerful, purposeful oral and written compositions. 

Through the study of literature and the processes of experimenting with, reflecting on, extending, and refining their oral language, students: • extend their capacity to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts • deepen their understanding of themselves and the world • expand their understanding of what it means to be educated Canadian and global citizens 

Materials and coursework are adapted for ELL students to enable them to work towards meeting the learning outcomes of the regular English Language Arts program. Enrollment in ELL classes, follows the assessment of the student’s abilities in English. Students will be placed in an appropriate section for their language skills.

EFP LITERARY STUDIES and WRITING 11 (ELL Levels: Consolidating & Bridging)

EFP Literary Studies and Writing 11 is designed for students who are interested in studying First Peoples literature and using writing for self-expression and communication in a variety of contexts. Students delve deeply into First Peoples oral and written literature in a range of media to explore various themes, authors, and topics. This provides a foundation for them to think critically and creatively as they continue to explore, extend, and strengthen their own writing. Within a supportive community, students work individually and collaboratively to explore oral and written literature and create powerful, purposeful compositions. 

Through the study of literature and the processes of experimenting with, reflecting on, extending, and refining their writing, students: • extend their capacity to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts • deepen their understanding of themselves and the world • expand their understanding of what it means to be educated Canadian and global citizens

Materials and coursework are adapted for ELL students to enable them to work towards meeting the learning outcomes of the regular English Language Arts program. Enrollment in ELL classes follows the assessment of the student’s abilities in English. Students will be placed in an appropriate section for their language skills.

LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL LITERACY 10

(ELL Levels: Beginning, Developing & Expanding)

This course is designed to help students improve their communication skills in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking in order to succeed across the curriculum. Students will gain cultural knowledge, linguistic competence, and a critical awareness of academic conventions as they explore a variety of genres and develop research skills. Students will be placed in appropriate section for their language skills.

LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL LITERACY 11

(ELL Levels: Beginning, Developing & Expanding)

This course is a continuation of LCL 10 and is designed to facilitate the development of skills needed for cultural and academic literacy. Emphasis is placed on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for success in a Canadian academic environment. Students will gain cultural knowledge and academic reading and writing skills. Students will be placed in appropriate section for their language skills.

LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL LITERACY 12 (ELL Levels: Beginning to Expanding)

This course is a continuation of LCL 11 and designed to develop cognitive and academic literacy while focusing on Canadian culture. The course is intended to facilitate the development of skills needed for cultural and academic literacy. Emphasis is placed on developing a greater understanding of significant people, sports, and institutions that impact the Canadian culture. Students will explore specific genres and acquire academic research and writing skills necessary for success in a Canadian senior academic environment. Students will be placed in appropriate section for their language skills.

ACADEMIC WRITING 11 (ELL Levels: Consolidating to Bridging) (Grade 10,11 &12)

The course is intended for students who wish to develop, strengthen and enhance their writing skills in order to write effectively at the level expected of them in Grades 11 and 12. Students will be introduced to the major components of essay writing, various essay types, and the writing process itself. It is expected that, through this course, students will gain an awareness of their abilities and potential as writers and, by using the tools learned, will develop confidence in their ability to handle any writing tasks presented to them in high school and post-secondary life.