The Lethbridge Collegiate Institute English Department embraces a multi-disciplinary approach to the criticism and understanding of literature.
With each instructor, students can expect to gain new and unique conceptual approaches that they may use as a platform to build upon as they enter higher-level classes with different instructors. Each instructor is encouraged to bring their own unique background into the classroom and has autonomy over the texts and theory presented to aid in student growth. As a department, we believe in using story to lay a strong foundational framework to construct meaning using the six strands of language arts: reading, writing, viewing, listening, speaking, representing. These skills are paramount to student success in class, on exams, and as they transition to post-secondary education and the workforce.
English at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute includes four streams:
English Language Arts 9 (non-credit course)
ELA 9 is a general ELA course designed for the vast majority of Grade 9 students. The course takes an integrated approach to the development of reading, writing, speaking, listening, representing and viewing. Much time and effort is spent on fundamental reading and writing skills. A student’s success at the English Language Arts 9 level will have a significant impact on whether a student is eligible to enter ELA 10-1 or ELA 10-2.
English 10-1, 20-1, 30-1 Stream (5 credits each)
This sequence deals with abstract interpretation of literature, both modern and classic, and focuses on diverse writing tasks, including the literary and personal essay. Students in this sequence are building skills to enter a university level post-secondary education. As such, the expectations and rigor for these courses is reflective of that end goal.
English 10-2, 20-2, 30-2 Stream (5 credits each)
This sequence deals with the study of literature to parallel life experiences and to encourage the study of practical and personal forms of writing. These courses focus on constructing meaning through personal connections to real-world situations. Students in this sequence are building skills to enter college, trade school or the workforce.
English 30-1 / Psychology (5 + 3 credits)
The English - Psychology strand extends the study of narrative by focusing on the nature and complexity of heroism from a psychological perspective. It examines how through our everyday lives we organize our consciousness by continually building and editing our own personal narratives, constructing and deconstructing our own villains through projection, building illusory perceptions of ourselves, and embedding symbolic and thematic underpinnings beneath these people and events to give meaning to our lives.
English 10-4, 20-4, 30-4 Stream
(Knowledge and Employability)
The Knowledge and Employability English Language Arts program fosters and strengthens 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 community enables students to experience personal satisfaction and become responsible, contributing citizens and lifelong learners. After the completion of this sequence, students are eligible to attain a K&E Certificate.