English Language Arts

"is he blind"
that's how others see me
moon viewing
—Basho

The English Department is a place of joyful experimentation and deep learning. Grade 8s take Humanities 8, which is a combination of English and Social Studies. Grade 9s take English 9, either by itself or in the Arts Integrated Module. After that, there are many interesting choices.

Grade 10s take Composition (2 credits), along with one of these 2-credit options: Creative Writing 10, Literary Studies 10, New Media 10, and Spoken Language 10. These courses all cover the same skills and in fact have similar curriculum, but each looks at language with a different lens. Students should consider their own interests when choosing their courses: which focus do you have a passion for?

Grade 11s choose from Composition 11, Creative Writing 11, Literary Studies 11, New Media 11, and Spoken Language 11, each worth 4 credits. These courses are equal and cover the same skills, but each looks at English with a different lens. Consider your passions when choosing your course: what are you really interested in? Grade 11s can take more than one English course if they want!

All grade 12s at Matheson take English First Peoples 12, an exciting look at Indigenous literature and worldviews. Grade 12s can also choose elective courses in Composition, Creative Writing, Literary Studies, New Media, and Spoken Language, which all cover the same skills but approach English in different ways. Consider your passions when making your choice. And grade 12s can take more than one senior English course if they want!

For more information regarding any of these courses, please refer to the school's course handbook. You can also talk to a trusted English teacher or counsellor. And if you're not sure who to contact, reach out to Mr. McKillop (see address below) for help.

Contacts   

Quick Links

MLA Style Guide
The Sun Will Rise & So Will I
Walls Sturdier Than Love
Literacy Assessment info