ENGLISH GRADE 12, UNIVERSITY PREPARATION (ENG4U)

ENGLISH GRADE 12, UNIVERSITY PREPARATION (ENG4U)

Course Title: English, Grade 12 (ENG4U)

Course Name: English

Course Code: ENG4U

Grade: 12

CourseType: University Preparation

CreditValue: 1.0

Prerequisite: ENG3U, English Grade 11, UniversityPreparation

CurriculumPolicy Document: English, The OntarioCurriculum,

Grades 11 and 12, 2007 (Revised)

Course Developer: USCA Academy

Department: English Development

Date: June 2019

Most Recent Revision Date: August 2021

Course Description

This course emphasizes the consolidation of the literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will analyse a range of challenging literary texts from various periods, countries, and cultures; interpret and evaluate informational and graphic texts; and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on using academic language coherently and confidently, selecting the reading strategies best suited to particular texts and particular purposes for reading, and developing greater control in writing. The course is intended to prepare students for university, college, or the workplace.

Overall Curriculum Expectations

A1 Listening to Understand:

Listen in order to understand and respond appropriately in a variety of situations for a variety of purposes;

A2 Speaking to Communicate:

Use speaking skills and strategies appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes;

A3 Reflecting on Skills and Strategies:

Reflect on and identify their strengths as listeners and speakers, areas for improvement, and the strategies they found most helpful in oral communication situations.

B1 Reading for Meaning:

Read and demonstrate an understanding of a variety of literary, informational, and graphic texts, using a range of strategies to construct meaning;

B2 Understanding Form and Style:

Recognize a variety of text forms, text features, and stylistic elements and demonstrate understanding of how they help communicate meaning;

B3 Reading with Fluency:

Use knowledge of words and cueing systems to read fluently;

B4 Reflecting on Skills and Strategies:

Reflect on and identify their strengths as readers, areas for improvement, and the strategies they found most helpful before, during, and after reading.

C1 Developing and Organizing Content:

Generate, gather, and organize ideas and information to write for an intended purpose and audience;

C2 Using Knowledge of Form and Style:

Draft and revise their writing, using a variety of literary, informational, and graphic forms and stylistic elements appropriate for the purpose and audience;

C3 Applying Knowledge of Conventions:

Use editing, proofreading, and publishing skills and strategies, and knowledge of language conventions, to correct errors, refine expression, and present their work effectively;

C4 Reflecting on Skills and Strategies:

Reflect on and identify their strengths as writers, areas for improvement, and the strategies they found most helpful at different stages in the writing process.

D1 Understanding Media Texts:

Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of media texts;

D2 Understanding Media Forms, Conventions, and Techniques:

Identify some media forms and explain how the conventions and techniques associated with them are used to create meaning;

D3 Creating Media Texts:

Create a variety of media texts for different purposes and audiences, using appropriate forms, conventions, and techniques;

D4 Reflecting on Skills and Strategies:

Reflect on and identify their strengths as media interpreters and creators, areas for improvement, and the strategies they found most helpful in understanding and creating media texts.

Outline of Course Content

Unit

Titles and Descriptions

Time and Sequence

Unit 1

William Shakespeare — Hamlet

Students will read the play by acts. At the end of each act students are expected to complete written journal assignments from a choice of topics. Some of the topics will focus specifically on the play itself, (characters, setting, tone, mood etc.), while others will require the students to make connections to other works of art (other genres such as film, poetry, visual art), or history and selected social issues.

30 hours

Unit 2

Poetry

Students will study literary and poetic devices, and analyse modern poetry utilizing these tools. Moreover, a creative writing assignment on poetry will be part of this unit.

30 hours

Unit 3

Short Stories

Students will be presented with a number of short stories by a variety of authors from different time periods, and cultural backgrounds. In this unit, students will also be introduced various approaches to literary criticism, and asked to apply some of these studied approaches to analyze literary texts.

24 hours 

Unit 4

Novel Study and Media

Students will read a novel of their own choice (selected from a list of available titles), and work in “literature circles” with other students who also have chosen the same novel. Formal study guides will be provided, students will engage in mini- conferences, oral presentations, and team analysis of their chosen texts. A final essay on the novel will be a part of formal evaluation and assessment of this unit.

23 hours

 

Final Evaluation

The final assessment task is a three hour final exam worth 30% of the student’s final mark in the course.

3 hours

 

Total

110 hours

Assessment Plan ENG4U

POCO/F/A
P = ProductO = Assessment OF Learning
O = ObservationF = Assessment FOR Learning
C = ConversationA = Assessment AS Learning
Unit NumberAssessmentO/F/AExpectationsPOCK 25%T 25%C 25%C 25%
Term Work 70%
1.Hamlet Visual Essay

Thematic Discussions
O

F/A
B1.5, 1.6, C1.2, 1.4

P

25

25

25

25

 Unit 1 TestOB1.1, B1.2, B1.3, B1.4P25252525
 Total   505050150
         
2.Poetry Analysis

Poetic Devices Discussions
O

F/A
B1.1, B1.2, B2.3 C2.1, C2.4

P

25

25

25

25

 Unit 2 TestOB2.1, B3.1, B4.2P25252525
 Total   50505050
         
3.Short Story Comparison

Thematic Discussions
O

F/A
B1.1, B2.3, C1.4, C1.5

P

25

25

25

25

 Unit 3 TestOB1.1, B1.2, B1.4, C1.1, C2.1P25252525
 Total   50505050
         
4.Gatsby Essay

Symbolism Discussions



Observation/Conversation
O

F/A



O/F/A
B 1.1, B1.4 C 1.1, C1.4






P





P/O/C
25





5
25





5
25





5
25





5
 Unit 4 TestOB1.1, B1.2, B1.4,
B1.6, B2.1, B2,2,
B3.1, B3.2, D1.1, D1.3.
P25252525
 Total   55555555
Unit 5Final Exam (30%)OAll strandsP25252525
         
Total Marks (Assessment of Learning only)230230230230
Category Weighting25%25%25%25%

Since the over-riding aim of this course is to help students use language skillfully, confidently and flexibly, a wide variety of instructional strategies are used to provide learning opportunities to accommodate a variety of learning styles, interests and ability levels. These include:

Think/pair/shareWord wallPanel discussions
Directed QuestioningGroup learningRole playing
Reading response journalExtensive use of visual cluesInterviews
Guided writingScaffoldingSimplified texts
Story telling/story boarding/media productionOral presentationsPre-teaching of key vocabulary

A variety of strategies are used to allow students opportunities to attain the necessary skills for success in this course and at the post-secondary level of study. To facilitate learning, the teacher uses a variety of activities engaging the whole class, small groups, and individual students.

The assessment will be based on the following processes that take place in the classroom:

Assessment FOR LearningAssessment AS LearningAssessment OF Learning

During this process the teacher seeks information from the students in order to decide where the learners are and where they need to go.

During this process the teacher fosters the capacity of the students and establishes individual goals for success with each one of them.

During this process the teacher reports student’s results in accordance to established criteria to inform how well students are learning.

ConversationConversationConversation
Classroom discussion Self-evaluation Peer assessmentClassroom discussion Small group discussionPresentations of research Debates
ObservationObservationObservation
Drama workshops (taking direction) Steps in problem solvingGroup discussionsPresentations Group Presentations
Student ProductsStudent ProductsStudent Products
Reflection journals (to be kept throughout the duration of the course)
Check Lists
Success Criteria
Practice sheets
Socrative quizzes
Projects
Poster presentations Tests
In Class Presentations

Some of the approaches to teaching/learning include

StrategyWhoAssessment Tool
Class discussionTeacherObservation Checklist
Response JournalTeacherAnecdotal Comments
Student Chosen SongTeacherObservation Checklist
Narrative Poem/SongTeacherRubric and Anecdotal Comments
Character SketchSelfChecklist
Journal ResponsesSelf/teacherAnecdotal comments
Short Story AnalysisTeacherRating scale
Short Story OutlineTeacherRating scale
AnecdoteTeacherDirect Observation
Found poemTeacherDirect Observation
Journal EntriesTeacherAnecdotal
Research NotesSelf/TeacherChecklist
Non-fiction Report/PresentationTeacherRubric
Presentation to groupSelf/PeerSelf-and peer assessment rubric
Sight passageTeacherMarking scheme
Narrative pieceTeacherRubric

Assessment is embedded within the instructional process throughout each unit rather than being an isolated event at the end. Often, the learning and assessment tasks are the same, with formative assessment provided throughout the unit. In every case, the desired demonstration of learning is articulated clearly and the learning activity is planned to make that demonstration possible. This process of beginning with the end in mind helps to keep focus on the expectations of the course as stated in the course guideline. The evaluations are expressed as a percentage based upon the levels of achievement.

The evaluation of this course is based on the four Ministry of Education achievement categories of knowledge and understanding (25%), thinking (25%), communication (25%), and application (25%). The evaluation for this course is based on the student’s achievement of curriculum expectations and the demonstrated skills required for effective learning.

The percentage grade represents the quality of the student’s overall achievement of the expectations for the course and reflects the corresponding level of achievement as described in the achievement chart for the discipline.

A credit is granted and recorded for this course if the student’s grade is 50% or higher. The final grade for this course will be determined as follows:

  • 80% of the grade will be based upon evaluations conducted throughout the course. This portion of the grade will reflect the student’s most consistent level of achievement throughout the course, although special consideration will be given to more recent evidence of achievement.
  • 20% of the grade will be based on a final exam administered at the end of the course. The exam will contain a summary of information from the course and will consist of well−formulated multiple-choice questions. These will be evaluated using a checklist.
Unit NumberDescriptionEvaluation WeightKICA
Unit 1Strand 1: Scientific investigation skills and career exploration

Strand 2: Forces, Work and Energy
Quiz 3%
Assignment 5%
Test 6%

Total 14%
25ƒ25ƒ25ƒ25
Unit 2Strand 1: Scientific investigation skills and career exploration

Strand 3: Energy and Momentum
Quiz 3%
Assignment 5%
Test 6%

Total 14%
25ƒ25ƒ25ƒ25
Unit 3Strand 1: Scientific investigation skills and career exploration

Strand 4: Electric, Gravitational and Magnetic Fields
Quiz 3%
Assignment 5%
Test 6%

Total 14%
25ƒ25ƒ25ƒ25
Unit 4Strand 1: Scientific investigation skills and career exploration

Strand 5: The Wave Nature of Light
Quiz 3%
Assignment 5%
Test 6%

Total 14%
25ƒ25ƒ25ƒ25
Unit 5Strand 1: Scientific investigation skills and career exploration

Strand 6: Revolutions in Modern Physics: Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity
Quiz 3%
Assignment 5%
Test 6%

Total 14%
25ƒ25ƒ25ƒ25
 Culminating activity10%25ƒ25ƒ25ƒ25
 Final Exam20%25ƒ25ƒ25ƒ25
 Total100% 
The percentage grade represents the quality of the students’ overall achievement of the expectations for the course and reflects the corresponding achievement as described in the achievement charts and will be 70% of the overall grade for the course; the Final evaluations will be 30% of the overall grade, incorporating a student/teacher conference and final exam.
Percentage of the MarkCategories of Mark Breakdown
70%Assignments (25%)
Tests (30%)
Labs and Quiz (15%)
30%Culminating Activity (5%) and In Class discussion and presentations (Observations and Conversation (5%)
Final Exam (20%)

Main Resources: Textbook

Nelson Physics 12 University Preparation © 2012

Lab simulation software

Various internet websites

For the teachers who are planning a program in Science Education take into account several important areas. The areas of concern to all teachers that are outlined in the policy document of Ontario Ministry of Education, include the following:

  • teaching approaches
  • types of secondary school courses education for exceptional students
  • the role of technology in the curriculum
  • English as a second language (ESL) and English literacy development (ELD) career education
  • cooperative education and other workplace experiences health and safety in mathematics

It is important to ensure that all students, especially those with special education needs, are provided with the learning opportunities and supports they require to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly changing society. The context of special education and the provision of special education programs and services for exceptional students in Ontario are constantly evolving. Provisions included in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code have driven some of these changes. Others have resulted from the evolution and sharing of best practices related to the teaching and assessment of students with special educational needs. Accommodations (instructional, environmental or assessment) allow the student with special education needs access to the curriculum without changes to the course curriculum expectations.

Environmental education teaches students about how the planet’s physical and biological systems work, and how we can create a more sustainable future. Good curriculum design following the resource document. This ensures that the student will have opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills, perspectives and practices needed to become an environmentally literate citizen. The online course should provide opportunities for each student to address environmental issues in their home, in their local community, or even at the global level.

USCA helps students to become environmentally responsible. The first goal is to promote learning about environmental issues and solutions. The second goal is to engage students in practicing and promoting environmental stewardship in their community. The third goal stresses the importance of the education system providing leadership by implementing and promoting responsible environmental practices so that all stakeholders become dedicated to living more sustainably. Environmental education teaches students about how the planet’s physical and biological systems work, and how we can create a more sustainable future.

USCA provides a number of strategies to address the needs of ESL/ELD students to accommodate the needs of students who require instruction in English as a second language or English literacy development. Our teacher considers it to be his or her responsibility to help students develop their ability to use the English language properly. Appropriate accommodations affecting the teaching, learning, and evaluation strategies in this course may be made in order to help students gain proficiency in English, since students taking English as a second language at the secondary level have limited time in which to develop this proficiency. School determines the student’s level of proficiency in the English Language upon registration. This information is communicated to the teacher of the course following the registration and the teacher then invokes a number of strategies and resources to support the student in the course.

Throughout their secondary school education, students will learn about the educational and career opportunities that are available to them; explore and evaluate a variety of those opportunities; relate what they learn in their courses to potential careers in a variety of fields; and learn to make appropriate educational and career choices. The skills, knowledge and creativity that students acquire through this course are essential for a wide range of careers. Being able to express oneself in a clear concise manner without ambiguity in a second language, would be an overall intention of this course, as it helps students prepare for success in their working lives.

By applying the skills they have developed, students will readily connect their classroom learning to real−life activities in the world in which they live. Cooperative education and other workplace experiences will broaden their knowledge of employment opportunities in a wide range of fields. In addition, students will increase their understanding of workplace practices and the nature of the employer−employee relationship. Teachers should maintain links with community−based businesses to ensure that students have access to hands−on experiences that will reinforce the knowledge they have gained in school.

Every student is entitled to learn in a safe, caring environment, free from violence and harassment. Students learn and achieve better in such environments. The safe and supportive social environment at UCSA is founded on healthy relationships between all people. Healthy relationships are based on respect, caring, empathy, trust, and dignity, and thrive in an environment in which diversity is honoured and accepted. Healthy relationships do not tolerate abusive, controlling, violent, bullyingƒharassing, or other inappropriate behaviours. To experience themselves as valued and connected members of an inclusive social environment, students need to be involved in healthy relationships with their peers, teachers, and other members.

Critical thinking is the process of thinking about ideas or situations in order to understand them fully, identify their implications, make a judgement, and/or guide decision making. Critical thinking includes skills such as questioning, predicting, analysing, synthesizing, examining opinions, identifying values and issues, detecting bias, and distinguishing between alternatives. Students who are taught these skills become critical thinkers who can move beyond superficial conclusions to a deeper understanding of the issues they are examining. They are able to engage in an inquiry process in which they explore complex and multifaceted issues, and questions for which there may be no clear−cut answers.

The school library program in USCA can help build and transform  students’ knowledge in order to support lifelong learning in our information− and knowledge−based  society. The school library program of these schools supports student success across the curriculum by  encouraging students to read widely, teaching them to examine and read many forms of text for  understanding and enjoyment, and helping them improve their research skills and effectively use  information gathered through research. USCA teachers assist students in accessing a variety of online  resources and collections (e.g., professional articles, image galleries, videos, databases). Teachers at USCA  will also guide students through the concept of ownership of work and the importance of copyright in all  forms of media.

 

Information literacy is the ability to access, select, gather, critically evaluate, and create information. Communication literacy refers to the ability to communicate information and to use the information obtained to solve problems and make decisions. Information and communications technologies are utilized by all Virtual High School students when the situation is appropriate within their online course. As a result, students will develop transferable skills through their experience with word processing, internet research, presentation software, and telecommunication tools, as would be expected in any other course or any business environment. Although the Internet is a powerful learning tool, there are potential risks attached to its use. All students must be made aware of issues related to Internet privacy, safety, and responsible use, as well as of the potential for abuse of this technology, particularly when it is used to promote hatred.

USCA provides varied opportunities for students to learn about ethical issues and to explore the role of ethics in both public and personal decision making. During the inquiry process, students may need to make ethical judgements when evaluating evidence and positions on various issues, and when drawing their own conclusions about issues, developments, and events. Teachers may need to help students in determining appropriate factors to consider when making such judgements. In addition, it is crucial that USCA teachers provide support and supervision to students throughout the inquiry process, ensuring that students engaged in an inquiry are aware of potential ethical concerns and address them in acceptable ways. Teachers will ensure that they thoroughly address the issue of plagiarism with students. In a digital world in which there is easy access to abundant information, it is very easy to copy the words of others and present them as one’s own. Students need to be reminded, even at the secondary level, of the ethical issues surrounding plagiarism, and the consequences of plagiarism should be clearly discussed before students engage in an inquiry. It is important to discuss not only dishonest plagiarism but also more negligent plagiarism instances.