The English Language Learning Department has jurisdiction over enrolling and non-enrolling classes with the objective to provide support to students who are English language learners. At Gladstone we offer three levels of reception for new language speakers and ELC for mainstream students in need of extra language support. Students are placed in an appropriate level based on assessment and/or teacher recommendation. While all ELL courses are content based, they are non-credit; therefore, assessment for placement is via a committee consisting of ELL teachers, the counsellor and the administration.
Reception
Level 1
Level 1 students, regardless of age, are beginning to learn English. Typically, these students are new to Canada, and have either been processed at the District Reception and Placement Centre, or have spent very little time in elementary school. The level 1 program involves students taking five core ELL courses. These courses may include ELL Reading, Writing, Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Fine Arts. Students in level 1 take a regular PE at their grade level, where appropriate.
Level 2
Level 2 students are those who typically take four ELL courses. The remaining two or three courses are electives chosen from the regular program, depending upon the student’s age, ability and interest. Students in level 2 take regular Math and /or Science and PE where appropriate.
Level 3/Transitional
Level 3 students are those who typically have been learning English successfully for two or more years.
The level 3 program involves students taking two level 3 ELL courses. The remaining five or six courses are courses chosen from the regular program, depending upon the student’s age, ability, and interest.
English Learning Centre
The English Learning Centre offers enrolling support. Students in ELC classes have been recommended by their elementary school, or the Gladstone ELL and English departments. These year-long classes are intended to provide extra support in English and Social Studies, as well as other English-based aspects of all courses.