English

PREREQUISITE GRADES & OVERVIEW

The English department strongly recommends that students entering a10-1 English class have achieved a minimum 60% average in Grade 9 Language Arts. Teachers in the English Department have observed that a grade lower than 60% at the beginning of the semester indicates that a student is not fully prepared to cope with the increased level of complexity and sophistication of either the literature to be studied or the required critical analysis reading or writing skills to successfully fulfill course requirements and expectations. English 10-1 will challenge students to use language clearly, correctly, and efficiently in analytical, creative, and personal responses, and to read at a grade level on an ongoing basis.

READING REQUIREMENTS

• Novel
• Shakesperean Play
• Modern play/film
• Variety of Poetry
• Variety of Short Stories
• Visuals/multimedia
• Variety of Non-Fiction

WRITING REQUIREMENTS

• Creative Responses
• Personal Responses
• Critical Analytical Responses
• Critical Analytical Essays

PREREQUISUTES GRADES & OVERVIEW

The focus of English 10-2 is to help prepare students in the practical applications of English. Through thematic and literary genres, students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for literature, to become confident in various forms of written expression and to listen and speak with understanding and confidence. Through exposure to various forms of literature, students are encouraged to improve their ability to think clearly, both orally and in non-written written form, and to listen, view and read with attention to important details. Students entering Grade 10 who have achieved below a 60% average in Grade 9 Language Arts should enroll in English 10-2 to ensure success.

READING REQUIREMENTS

• Novel
• Film/ Book length Non-Fiction
• Modern Play
• Variety of Poetry
• Variety of Short Stories
• Visuals/multimedia
• Variety of Non-Fiction

WRITING REQUIREMENTS

• Visual Response
• Persuasive Responses
• Personal Responses
• Literary Explorations

AP English is an advanced program offered in conjunction with the regular English 10-1 program. Students registered in AP English will experience increased confidence and skill level due to an intensive reading and writing program.

What are the entrance requirements to take English AP?

Successful applicants should have a strong interest in learning more about a particular discipline. Archbishop O’Leary’s English Department strongly recommends a grade of 80% to enroll in 10 AP English.

How is AP different from the regular 10-1program?

• Students will typically study more works than the regular program, which will provide the student with a greater understanding of literary genres in historical perspective, and literary purpose and technique.
• The AP program provides students with a challenging variety of forms and genres in literature. Students will undertake more traditional literary analysis and continue to study sophisticated and complex works.
• Students who take AP are given the same core exams as those of the regular program such as unit exams, reading comprehension tests and the final exam.

What should a student expect in AP English?

• Faster pace
• Homework on a daily basis: primarily independent reading, vocabulary and annotations
• Heightened level of critical thinking and writing
• Regular attendance in AP English PDT sessions

Adjustment to the rigor of academic high school English can be very challenging. Some students exceed expectations and their goals. Some struggle to maintain and achieve an honor’s standing. The key to success is not just a student’s ability, but their willingness to work hard and see the value in that hard work. Successful AP students are students who understand they are at the beginning of a new learning phase in their life and are able to work through challenging material without being discouraged. Some students may not be able to achieve the marks they earned in Junior High, so it is imperative that realistic and achievable goals are set. Please remember - “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

Who should take AP English?

• Students who have a strong disciplined work ethic
• Strong motivation to succeed
• Positive attitude
• Willingness to learn and challenge themselves
• Enjoy collaboration and participating in class discussions
• Respect and appreciate learning
• Truly love to read and write
• Students who were successful in their previous grade 9 class who consistently scored 75% or higher, including their PAT Exam.