ESL

ESL - English As a Second Language Department

ESL logo

 

Knowledge of languages is the doorway to wisdom.

 ‒ Roger Bacon 


 

 

Assistant curriculum Leader: Ms. Simona, Gerstnerova

Introduction:

The ESL curriculum is based on the belief that broad proficiency in English is essential to students’ success in both their social and academic lives, and to their ability to take their place in society as responsible and productive citizens. The curriculum is designed to provide English language learners with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve these goals. Its aim is to help students become successful English language learners who can: 

  • use English to communicate effectively in a variety of social settings
  • use English to achieve academically in all subject areas
  • take charge of their own learning, independently and in groups
  • select and use effective learning strategies
  • integrate confidently into mainstream courses
  • use English effectively to advocate for themselves in all areas of their lives
  • make a successful transition to their chosen postsecondary destination
  • function effectively in a society increasingly committed to the use of information technology
  • use critical-literacy and critical-thinking skills to interpret the world around them
  • participate fully in the social, economic, political, and cultural life of their communities and of Canada


Prerequisite Chart:
ESL Chart
 

List of Courses Offering:

English As a Second Language - ESL Level 1 ESLAO8

English As a Second Language - ESL Level 2 ESLBO8

English As a Second Language - ESL Level 3 ESLCO8

English As a Second Language - ESL Level 4 ESLDO8

English As a Second Language - ESL Level 5 ESLEO8

English Literacy Development - ELD (LEAP)

Course Description:

All courses are divided into four distinct but related strands: Listening and Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Socio-Cultural Competence & Media Literacy.
 

Course Code

Course Name

What you learn? What you do?

ESLAO8

ESL- Level 1

Develop your ability to use oral and written English for daily needs

Acquire basic conversation skills and vocabulary and use simple sentence patterns 

Gain basic orientation information related to your needs as newcomers to Canada

ESLBO8

ESL- Level 2

Participate in structured conversations on a variety of topics; read a variety of texts designed or adapted for English language learners

Expand your knowledge of English grammatical structures and sentence patterns and link English sentences to write short paragraphs

Continue to adapt to the Ontario school system by expanding your knowledge of diversity in your new country

ESLCO8

ESL- Level 3

Make short classroom oral presentations; read a variety of adapted and original texts in English; and write using a variety of text forms

Expand your academic vocabulary and your study skills

Learn about your rights and responsibilities inherent in Canadian citizenship, and to a variety of current issues.

ESLDO8

ESL- Level 4

Develop oral presentations, reading and writing skills required for success in all school subjects

Extend your listening and speaking skills through participation in discussions and seminars

Study and interpret a variety of grade-level texts; write narratives, articles, and summaries in English; and respond critically to a variety of print and media texts

ESLEO8

ESL- Level 5

Refine the skills and strategies needed to make the transition to college and university preparation courses in English

Participate in debates and lead classroom workshops and interpret literary works and academic texts; write essays, narratives and reports and apply a range of learning strategies and research skills effectively

Develop your ability to respond critically to print and media texts.
ELD (LEAP)  
 These courses are designed for students in the LEAP program. The goal of the LEAP program is to transition into the ESL stream once students have acclimatized to school in Canada and acquired some basic English/Numeracy skills.