The first goal of English Language Arts is to encourage an understanding and appreciation of the significance and artistry of literature. A second aim is to enable each student to understand and appreciate language and to use it confidently and competently for a variety of purposes. Our ultimate goal is to prepare students, as strong language users, for post-secondary education or the workplace.

English Language Arts at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute includes four strands groupings:

ELA 10-1, ELA 20-1, ELA 30-1 grouping. This is the sequence which deals with abstract interpretation of literature, both modern and classic, and focuses on diverse writing tasks, including the literary and personal essay.

ELA 10-2, ELA 20-2, ELA 30-2 grouping. This sequence deals with the study of literature as well. However, this study is one which uses literature to parallel life experiences and to encourage the study of more pragmatic forms of writing.

Advanced Placement classes – ELA 10-1 AP, ELA 20-1 AP and ELA 30-1 AP ( World Literature). This sequence delivers the Alberta Curriculum to students of English but allows for extension and further depth and breadth of English study, as well as meeting the College Board AP requirements for AP Literature and Composition and AP Language and Composition.

Over the course of the three years, students not only study more literature, classic and contemporary, but they also experience a depth of personal discovery through literature, other “texts” and self-expression in a creative sense. They also gain a more detailed understanding of the rhetoric and process, analysis and style of the way language works. Students may opt to write the international AP English final exams at the end of grade 12.

Knowledge and Employability (10-4): The core responsibility of Knowledge and Employability English language arts courses is to foster and strengthen the development of language. Learning the foundational skills of communication enhances confidence, builds personal identity and enables individuals to create and sustain meaningful relationships. Becoming successful communicators at home, at school, at work and in the communityenables students to experience personal satisfaction and become responsible, contributing citizens and lifelong learners.