English as a Second Language (5 levels)

Course description

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ESL courses are usually taken as a prerequisite as part of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma or University Preparation course. If you are interested in taking the ESL course solely, please contact us at [email protected] to inquire about tuition costs.
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COURSE DESCRIPTION

English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are offered at varying degrees of difficulty – ESLAO, BO, CO, DO and EO – in preparation for ENG4U, English, Grade 12, which is required for college and university entrance. ESL courses are either 3 or 4 weeks in duration.

English as a Second Language, ESL Level 1 (ESLAO)
No Prerequisites
This is an elementary course that provides basic English skills that are needed in an academic environment. Students get familiar with the use of everyday vocabulary and focus on gaining basic speaking, basic grammar, listening & reading skills necessary for success in further ESL courses.

English as a Second Language, ESL Level 2 (ESLBO)
Prerequisite: ESL Level 1 or equivalent*
Credit Value: 1
This course extends students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English
for everyday and academic purposes. Students will participate in conversations in
structured situations on a variety of familiar and new topics; read a variety of texts
designed or adapted for English language learners; expand their knowledge of
English grammatical structures and sentence patterns; and link English sentences to
compose paragraphs. The course also supports students’ continuing adaptation
to the Ontario school system by expanding their knowledge of diversity in their new
province and country.

English as a Second Language, ESL Level 3 (ESLCO)
Prerequisite: ESL Level 2 or equivalent*
Credit Value: 1
This course further extends students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading, and
writing in English for a variety of everyday and academic purposes. Students will
make short classroom oral presentations; read a variety of adapted and original texts
in English; and write using a variety of text forms. As well, students will expand
their academic vocabulary and their study skills to facilitate their transition to the
mainstream school program. This course also introduces students to the rights and
responsibilities inherent in Canadian citizenship, and to a variety of current
Canadian issues.

English as a Second Language, ESL Level 4 (ESLDO)
Prerequisite: ESL Level 3 or equivalent*
Credit Value: 1
This course prepares students to use English with increasing fluency and accuracy in
classroom and social situations and to participate in Canadian society as informed
citizens. Students will develop the oral-presentation, reading, and writing skills
required for success in all school subjects. They will extend listening and speaking
skills through participation in discussions and seminars; study and interpret a variety
of grade-level texts; write narratives, articles, and summaries in English; and respond
critically to a variety of print and media texts.

English as a Second Language, ESL Level 5 (ESLEO)
Prerequisite: ESL Level 4 or equivalent*
Credit Value: 1
This course provides students with the skills and strategies they need to make the
transition to college and university preparation courses in English and other secondary
school disciplines. Students will be encouraged to develop independence in a range of
academic tasks. They will participate in debates and lead classroom workshops; read
and interpret literary works and academic texts; write essays, narratives, and reports;
and apply a range of learning strategies and research skills effectively. Students will
further, develop their ability to respond critically to print and media texts.

* ‘Equivalent’ may be an equivalent course of study in other provinces in Canada or in other countries or a proficiency level determined through initial assessment.