Welcome to Lord Byng's English Department
Each English course consists of six sub-skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing design in a critical thinking framework. By completion of high school, students should have acquired the skills required for post-secondary options. Each English course requires habitual reading outside of class, the patience for revision and accuracy, open-mindedness and willingness to participate.
The goals of English are to develop a lifetime appreciation for language and proficiency in communication. This development may be expressed in a lifetime love of reading, the facility to communicate through a variety of spoken and written forms and the enjoyment of cultural events such as live theatre, quality film and literary events.
All grades write a mid-year exam that is a component of the Term 2 assessment. These exams are set by the English Department and marked by a committee of teachers in each grade level using the Provincial Holistic Scoring Guide.
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Each English
course consists of six sub-skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening,
viewing, and representing design in a critical thinking framework. By
completion of high school, students should have acquired the skills required
for post-secondary options. Each English course requires habitual reading
outside of class, the patience for revision and accuracy, open-mindedness, and
willingness to participate. The goals of English are to develop a proficiency
in communication and a lifetime appreciation for language and texts in multiple
modes and media.
English Language
Arts courses in BC are undergoing transition into the New Curriculum.
Underpinning every course are the “Big Ideas” that text and story deepen our
understanding of complex ideas, our identity, and our world; that people
understand text differently depending on their worldviews and perspectives;
that texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically
constructed; and that language shapes ideas and influences us. While literary
studies and written composition* will still form the foundation of English
courses at Lord Byng, key changes compared to the previous Curriculum may
include a greater emphasis on oral language, Indigenous ways of knowing and
learning, varieties of media, and expanded definitions of “text.”
* Note: English
First Peoples courses will focus not on literary studies and written composition
but rather on new media and spoken language. This new focus reflects the
modules offered by the New Curriculum. English
First Peoples may be taken instead of OR
in conjunction with the regular English course in Grade 10, 11, or 12. (Exception: For Byng Arts students, in order
to maintain the cohort model, English First Peoples is available only as an
additional elective rather than as a replacement for English Byng Arts or
Enriched.)
Grades: 8
Prerequisite: Grade 7
Students study fiction, poetry, mythology, and drama, the objective
being an introduction to literary and oral storytelling genres. Writing
activities in this course focus on the paragraph but also branch into
multi-paragraph writing. Language editing, grammar, and vocabulary activities
are taught using a variety of methods. Students complete projects that develop
group work and oral presentation skills.
English 8: Byng Arts (MEN—08DC1)
Grades: 8
Prerequisite: Successful audition for Byng Arts and above average academic
standing
Corequisite:
Byng Arts complement of courses
Byng Arts English follows the regular English core curriculum (see
English 8 for details); however, we strive to provide enrichment by integrating
the visual and performing arts into the curriculum at each grade level and
offering opportunities for field trips and/or visiting speakers. The Byng Arts program
offers some acceleration; students begin in-depth literary analysis at an
earlier stage than those in the regular program.
Grades: 9
Prerequisite: English 8
Students study a variety of literary and oral storytelling genres, including
fiction, poetry, and drama. Literary analysis becomes more formalized than in
English 8, and analytical terminology is used more frequently to discuss
reading selections. Students continue developing multi-paragraph writing, with
an emphasis on the formal expository essay for literary analysis. Language
development includes grammar, vocabulary, and editing activities. Formal and
informal presentations are assigned to provide students with an opportunity to
develop oral expression and group work skills.
English 9: Byng Arts (MEN—09DC1)
Grades: 9
Prerequisite: Byng Arts English 8, or successful audition and above average
academic standing
Corequisite:
Byng Arts complement of courses
Byng Arts English follows the regular English core curriculum (see
English 9 for details); however, we strive to provide enrichment by integrating
the visual and performing arts into the curriculum at each grade level and
offering opportunities for field trips and/or visiting speakers. The Byng Arts program
offers some acceleration; students begin in-depth literary analysis at an
earlier stage than those in the regular program.
English 9: Enriched (MEN—9ENR)
Grades: 9. This course is
open to qualifying students in both the main school and the Byng Arts program.
Prerequisite: English 8 and teacher recommendation
Portfolio: Whether intending to be in Byng Arts or not, all students applying
to this course from outside Lord Byng must submit a portfolio of English 8
writing that includes 2 marked pieces of creative writing and 2 marked pieces
of analytical writing (at least 1 of which must be an in-class composition).
The writing pieces must be signed and verified by the English 8 teacher.
Portfolios are due to the English Department Head by March 15th of
the applicant’s Grade 8 year. Failure to submit portfolios by this date may
prevent entry into the course.
Audition: If students are applying to Byng Arts and plan to do a Literary Arts
focus, they must also do the writing audition as part of the Byng Arts
admission process.
Corequisite:
Byng Arts students must also take the Byng Arts
complement of courses.
Students must have prior approval to sign up for this course. English 9 Enriched has the same core
curriculum as the regular English 9 course (see English 9 for details);
however, we provide enrichment and some acceleration for a more rigorous and
challenging experience. Enrichment may include reading some higher-level texts,
inquiring more deeply in literary analysis, and producing more complex projects
and presentations. There will also be plenty of opportunities for creative
writing and spoken word, and students are encouraged to explore the connections
between literary arts and other creative forms of expression. Admission to
English 9 Enriched does not guarantee placement into English 10 Enriched.
English 10: Composition and Literary
Studies (Choose both: MCMPS—10 and
MLTST—10)
Grades: 10
Prerequisite: English 9
This course offers two of the modules in the New English Curriculum
at the Grade 10 level: “Composition” and “Focused Literary Studies.” Students
study a variety of literary genres, including fiction, poetry, and drama.
Literary analysis techniques and stylistic terminology provide students with
the tools for a more systematic study of literature than in English 9. Students
continue to explore a variety of writing styles, with an emphasis on
strengthening their argumentation skills and expository essay structure.
Language activities continue to help students develop stronger control of
grammar, vocabulary, and editing skills. Students also have opportunities to
engage in discussion, group activities, and formal class presentations in order
to develop their speaking and listening skills.
English 10: Byng Arts: Composition and
Literary Studies (Choose
both: MCMPS—10DC1 and MLTST—10DC1)
Grades: 10
Prerequisite: Byng Arts English 9, or successful audition and above average
academic standing
Corequisite:
Byng Arts complement of courses
Byng Arts English follows the regular English core curriculum (see
English 10 for details); however, we strive to provide enrichment by
integrating the visual and performing arts into the curriculum at each grade
level and offering opportunities for field trips and/or visiting speakers. The Byng
Arts program offers some acceleration; students begin in-depth literary
analysis at an earlier stage than those in the regular program.
English 10: Enriched: Composition and
Literary Studies (Choose
both: MCMPS—10ENR and MLTST—10ENR)
Grades: 10. This course is
open to qualifying students in both the main school and the Byng Arts program.
Prerequisite: English 9 and teacher recommendation
Portfolio: Whether intending to be in Byng Arts or not, all students applying to
this course from outside Lord Byng must submit a portfolio of English 9 writing
that includes 2 marked pieces of creative writing and 2 marked pieces of
in-class analytical writing. The writing pieces must be signed and verified by
the English 9 teacher. Portfolios are due to the English Department Head by March
15th of the applicant’s Grade 9 year. Failure to submit portfolios
by this date may prevent entry into the course.
Audition: If students are applying to Byng Arts and plan to do a Literary Arts
focus, they must also do the writing audition as part of the Byng Arts
admission process.
Corequisite:
Byng Arts students must also take the Byng Arts
complement of courses.
Students must have prior approval to sign up for this course. English 10 Enriched has the same core
curriculum as the regular English 10 course (see English 10 for details);
however, we provide enrichment and some acceleration for a more rigorous and
challenging experience. Enrichment may include reading some higher-level texts,
inquiring more deeply in literary analysis, and producing more complex projects
and presentations. There will also be
opportunities for creative writing, and students are encouraged to explore the
connections between literary arts and other creative forms of expression.
Admission to English 10 Enriched does not guarantee placement into English 11
Enriched.
English
First Peoples 10: Spoken Language and New Media (Choose
both: MEFSL—10 and MEFNM—10)
Grades: 10
Prerequisite: English 9
First Peoples English 10 offers students an
opportunity to explore the New Media and Spoken Word streams of the English
Language Arts program through the work of Indigenous writers, directors,
producers, bloggers, and storytellers. The New Media component of the course
focuses on media and film studies, journalism and publishing, and digital
communication related to First Peoples’ themes. The Spoken Word stream also
uses First Peoples’ materials to examine oral tradition, storytelling, and
speaking as performance. Throughout the First Peoples English course, students
will examine the role that oral texts and authentic Indigenous voices play
within the process of Reconciliation.
English 11 (MEN—11)
Grades: 11
Prerequisite: English 10
The literary essay and other analytical writing will be a major
focus of the course. As well, students will be given tools to strengthen their
reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills in order to
consolidate them for English 12. Students are also offered many opportunities
to promote creativity, explore procedures for analysis and argumentation, and
improve language skills. Activities may include formal presentations to further
develop group work and public speaking skills.
English 11: Byng Arts (MEN—11DC1)
Grades: 11
Prerequisite: Byng Arts English 10, or successful audition and above average
academic standing
Corequisite:
Byng Arts complement of courses
Byng Arts English follows the regular English core curriculum (see
English 11 for details); however, we strive to provide enrichment by
integrating the visual and performing arts into the curriculum at each grade
level and offering opportunities for field trips and/or visiting speakers. The Byng
Arts program offers some acceleration; students begin in-depth literary
analysis at an earlier stage than those in the regular program.
English 11: Enriched (MEN—11ENR)
Grades: 11. This course is
open to qualifying students in both the main school and the Byng Arts program.
Prerequisite: English 10 and teacher recommendation.
Portfolio: Whether intending to be in Byng Arts or not, all students applying
to this course from outside Lord Byng must submit a portfolio of English 10
academic writing that includes 2 marked in-class essays of literary analysis, 2
other pieces of writing, and a letter of reference from the English 10 teacher.
The writing pieces must be signed and verified by the English 10 teacher. The portfolio
is due to the English Department Head by March 15th of the
applicant’s Grade 10 year. Failure to submit portfolios by this date may
prevent entry into the course.
Audition: If students are applying to Byng Arts and plan to do a Literary Arts
focus, they must also do the writing audition as part of the Byng Arts
admission process.
Summer Assignment: Oedipus Rex. Students are
responsible for their own copy of the text; library editions are fine. Sophocles:
The Theban Plays from Penguin Classics is preferred.
English 11 Enriched provides talented and highly motivated Grade 11
students with a more advanced English course alternative that maintains the
English 11 curriculum at its core. Some areas of focus include the literary
essay, critical and comparative literary analysis, and seminar style
discussion. English 11 Enriched is designed to ease the transition into
rigorous academic courses such as English 12 AP and Literature 12; many of the
works studied cover background specific to these courses. Admission to English
11 Enriched does not guarantee placement into English 12 Enriched (AP).
English
First Peoples 11 (MEFP—11)
Grades: 11
Prerequisite: English 10 or English First Peoples 10
First Peoples English provides opportunities for
all students to engage with Indigenous creative expression and to explore the
worlds of First Peoples provincially, nationally, and internationally. The
course focuses on the experiences, values, beliefs, and lived realities of
First Peoples as evidenced in various forms of text – including oral story,
speech, poetry, dramatic work, dance, song, film, and prose (fiction and
non-fiction). Throughout the First Peoples English course, students will
examine the role that oral texts and authentic Indigenous voices play within
the process of Reconciliation.
English 12 (MEN—12)
Grades: 12
Prerequisite: English 11
Provincial Exam (Required): 40% of Final Course Mark
English 12 is required for entrance to most universities. English 12
consolidates and reinforces the skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening,
and critical thinking as learned in English 8 to 11. Students review a range of
writing styles and structures, with a heavy emphasis on critical literary
analysis essays for a variety of genres; the synthesis essay in particular is
an opportunity to further develop organization and argumentation of complex
ideas. Oral presentations and/or other projects are included to help strengthen
group work and public speaking skills. Students also review literary
terminology and language editing skills. All English 12 students must write the
Provincial Exam, worth 40% of the Final Course Mark.
English 12: Byng Arts (MEN—12DC1)
Grades: 12
Prerequisite: Byng Arts English 11, or successful audition and above average
academic standing
Provincial Exam (Required): 40% of Final Course Mark
Byng Arts English follows the regular English core curriculum (see
English 12 for details); however, we strive to provide enrichment by
integrating the visual and performing arts into the curriculum at each grade
level and offering opportunities for field trips and/or visiting speakers. The Byng
Arts program offers some acceleration; students begin in-depth literary
analysis at an earlier stage than those in the regular program.
English 12: Enriched (AP Preparation) (MEN—12ENR)
Grades: 12. This course is
open to qualifying students in both the main school and the Byng Arts program.
Prerequisite: English 11 and teacher recommendation; summer assignment
completion.
Portfolio: Whether intending to be in Byng Arts or not, all students applying
to this course from outside Lord Byng must submit a portfolio of English 11
academic writing that includes 2 marked in-class essays of literary analysis, 2
other pieces of analytical writing, and a letter of reference from the English
11 teacher. The writing pieces must be signed and verified by the English 11
teacher. The portfolio is due to the English Department Head by March 15th
of the applicant’s Grade 11 year. Failure to submit portfolios by this date may
prevent entry into the course.
Audition: If students are applying to Byng Arts and plan to do a Literary Arts
focus, they must also do the writing audition as part of the Byng Arts
admission process. It is rare but still possible to enter Byng Arts in one’s
Grade 12 year.
Provincial Exam (Required): 40% of Final Course Mark
AP Exam (Optional – students may choose to write the AP
exam in May for additional credit)
This course is taught by an AP certified
teacher and is the culminating course in the Literary Arts / Enriched English
stream. Students enrolled in English 12 Enriched receive credit for the
regular English 12 course. If students receive a score of 3 or higher on
the AP English exam (literature), they will be given 4 credits of “External
Credit.” This course offers
students curriculum that is more enriched and challenging than the regular
English 12 course, with specific emphasis placed on post-secondary level analytical
reading and writing. Students who
achieve a high standard on the Advanced Placement exam as set by the College
Testing Board may be granted advanced credit at a North American college or
university. Students will be introduced to a wide range of world literature,
contemporary works, as well as mainstays of the Western canon.
English
First Peoples 12 (MEFP—12)
Grades: 12
Prerequisite: English 11 or English First Peoples 11
Provincial Exam (Required): 40% of Final Course Mark
First Peoples English provides opportunities for
all students to engage with Indigenous creative expression and to explore the
worlds of First Peoples provincially, nationally, and internationally. The
course focuses on the experiences, values, beliefs, and lived realities of
First Peoples as evidenced in various forms of text – including oral story,
speech, poetry, dramatic work, dance, song, film, and prose (fiction and
non-fiction). Throughout the First Peoples English course, students will
examine the role that oral texts and authentic Indigenous voices play within
the process of Reconciliation.
English 12 First Peoples is the academic
equivalent of English 12. The course is designed to enable students to develop
the English language and literacy skills and competencies they must have in
order to meet British Columbia’s graduation requirements.
Creative Writing 12 (MWR—12)
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: English 10 or
11. Creative Writing 12 is an elective open to ALL students in Grade 11 or 12.
Registration
note: If course subscription exceeds space available, priority will be
given to students in Grade 12 and to Grade 11 students who are fulfilling
requirements for the Literary Arts stream of Byng Arts.
Creative Writing 12 is designed for students who have an interest
and a flair for writing. The course fosters written expression in a range of genres
such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. The course is primarily
intended to encourage students to experiment with language and create original
work, although some analysis of literature is required.
Because a workshop model is employed, students
must be independent, self-motivated, and serious about their writing.
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: English 10 or
11. Literature 12 is an elective open to ALL students in Grade 11 & 12.
Registration
note: If course subscription exceeds space available, priority will
then be given to students in Grade 12 and to Grade 11 students who are
fulfilling requirements for the Literary Arts stream of Byng Arts.
Assessment: Class
discussion, presentations, essays, creative projects, and short tests. No major exams.
Note: Literature 12 is strongly recommended for students who
intend to write the English Advanced Placement exam; the skills and content covered
in Literature 12 complement English 12 Enriched and will be very helpful as
preparation for the AP exam. However,
students do not need to be at the AP-level in order to be successful in this
course. Literature 12 provides opportunities for all students to do well.
Literature 12
surveys some of the great classics in English (primarily British) literature.
We will proceed chronologically through literary periods: Anglo-Saxon,
Medieval, Renaissance, 17th & 18th Centuries, Romantic, Victorian, and 20th
Century. We will study works in their historical and cultural contexts. Through
style analysis and close reading, we'll also explore the artistry and rhetoric
of the language in each text. This course will be valuable for students who
wish to proceed to higher-level literary studies, but it’s also a course for
those who just love to read and discuss poetry and other literary forms.