Start Your Journey: Grade 9 De-Streamed English

Recently, Ontario’s Ministry of Education has phased in a new series of de-streamed courses to ensure that all students have the opportunity to explore subjects in ways that promote student success in high school and beyond. In keeping with this de-streaming process for Grade 9 courses, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Grade 9 English course (ENL1W)! The new Grade 9 English curriculum builds on the learning of previous elementary grades and then proceeds to strengthen skills in reading, writing, and oral and visual communication. ENL1W also emphasizes transferrable skills and personal connections, which help develop the literacy and communication skills that are essential in all areas of modern life.

Virtual High School’s ENL1W course offers you opportunities to experience learning and language in the form of a journey. In unit 1, you will consider what it is like to begin a journey and you will build your confidence by developing oral communication skills that encourage risk-taking in thinking and personal expression. Unit 2 consists of an anthology of texts which includes appealing works in poetry, short stories, and non-fiction texts that all centre on the idea of the journey in its many forms, both real and imagined. Next, unit 3, takes you through the unique world of travel writing, as you not only read some great travel writing but also further your digital literacy and research skills. Finally, in unit 4, your reading of a work of speculative fiction allows you to see how the imagination allows for the greatest form of exploration. By relating the novel to your own life experiences, you will be able to connect with and respond to the novel’s characters and the characters’ journeys.

It has been said that every journey begins with a single step. Travellers add steps in the creation of their own life journeys, and your travel through ENL1W will be no different. The course presents content in a methodical way; the knowledge you gain in one unit continues into the next allowing you to build on your previous learning. You will start with sentence and paragraph writing and build your skill set in language to write a full academic essay with the guidance of a supportive teacher. Along the way, you will also learn how to conduct research, use supporting evidence, and cite your sources—essential information not only in ENL1W but also in your other courses..

But essay writing is not all you will do! Assessments in the course include a variety of tasks, including the following:

• Listen to instructions in order to build an origami boat.
• Conduct an interview and record a presentation.
• Select supporting evidence and respond to a character.
• Plan, research, and write a travel article.
• Record an oral reading.

And what would a journey be without souvenirs? To mark the voyage through ENL1W, you will collect travel-themed badges as you successfully complete sections of the journey or special challenges along the way. Not only are souvenirs a great way to recall experiences, but they also serve as mementos celebrating all your hard work and the perseverance required to complete an exciting journey.

So, pack your bags! Get ready to take the first step in your journey through Virtual High School’s de-streamed Grade 9 English course! It may just be your learning trip of a lifetime.