Our English program is rich in content and integrated into all other areas of our curriculum. Students learn that language is a holistic process that requires developing knowledge, practice, effort, perseverance and confidence. As such, the language program fosters a balance of basic skills in areas of writing, reading and speaking, and encourages learners to express their uniqueness, values and creativity through language tasks that blend into a challenging, relevant and engaging curriculum model.

Writing

Throughout the year, students will be asked to write for the following purposes:

• To report - newspaper articles - (school newspaper)
• To inform - essays, research projects and letters - (in science, technology and social studies)
• To narrate - short stories - ( scripts, poetry and short stories)
• To respond - reading reflections - ( responding to literature, art, articles, advertising, etc)
• To persuade - writing to express an opinion - ( responding to issues)
• To focus on skills - spelling and grammar practice

Reading

Students will be expected to read for the following purposes:

• Reading for appreciation (novels, poetry, newspaper and magazine articles)
• Reading for information (research texts, Internet, literature, instructional materials, mathematical problems, articles)

Speaking

Oral participation is a vital part of our language program. Students will be encouraged to speak in the following situations:

• To present information in front of a class audience
• To express an opinion (in class debates and discussions)
• To participate and volunteer answers to questions during lessons To express themselves in drama
• To speak publicly (such as in a public forum involving a large audience)

Required reading in Grade 8:

• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
• Twelfth Night or Romeo and Juliet - Shakespeare
• Self selected literature
• Newspapers, magazines
• Various research material

*Additional "required" readings to be decided during each academic year.