Contents
- 1Overview:
- 2Elective Courses:
- 2.1Media Arts Elective Courses:
- 2.2Dramatic Arts Elective Courses:
- 2.3Screen Education (Film) Elective Courses:
- 2.4Writer’s Craft Elective Course:
- 3English Department Course Descriptions:
- 4Grade 9
- 4.1Dramatic Arts – ADA 101
- 5Grade 10
- 5.1English – ENG 2DI / 2PI / 2LB
- 5.2Dramatic Arts – ADA 2OI / 2OB
- 6Grade 11
- 6.1English – ENG 3UI / 3CI / 3EI / 3EB
- 6.2Dramatic Arts – ADA 3MI / 3MF / 3OB
- 6.3Media Studies - ASM 3OI / EMS 3OF / EMS 3OB
- 6.4Screen Education (Film-Making) - EMS3OX / 3OY
- 7Grade 12
- 7.1English – ENG 4UI / 4CI / 4EI / 4EB
- 7.2Writer’s Craft – EWC 4UI
- 7.3Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course - OLC 4OI
- 7.4Dramatic Arts – ADA 4MI
- 7.5Screen Education (Film-Making) – ETS 4UX / 4CX
- 7.6Film Appreciation – ETS 4UY / 4CY
- 8Links for Writing and Citation Support:
Overview:
KCI’s English Department offers students a chance to explore their creative side through writing contests, drama productions and a student film festival. Students can enter the annual English Awards by writing short stories, plays and poetry. Each year, KCI also enters the Sears One-Act Play Festival in which students can participate as actors, directors or technicians. The annual student film festival, known as the Charlie Awards, often contains excellent productions by KCI students who create their films in our popular Screen Education courses.
Elective Courses:
Media Arts Elective Courses:
Media Arts is an English elective course that is offered in grade 11 to college and university bound students. Students study a variety of print and visual media. KCI also has a Grade 11 Media Arts course for students taking courses at the fast forward level. See more information under Media, Film, and Comm Tech Studies.
Dramatic Arts Elective Courses:
Dramatic Arts at KCI has a strong history with many winning entries at the Sears Drama Festival and a full size auditorium to stage plays. KCI offers a full range of Dramatic Arts courses in all grades for students enrolled in an applied or academic program. There are also fast forward Dramatic Arts courses offered in Grades 10 and 11. Many KCI graduates have gone on to study theatre at university and college. Several graduates have developed successful careers in theatre, film and television. See more information under Dramatic Arts.
Screen Education (Film) Elective Courses:
KCI is one of the few high schools in Waterloo Region to offer film study elective courses. Students in these courses study a variety of films, classic and modern, and get the chance to write scripts and make their own films. All of the equipment needed is supplied. These courses are offered to college and university bound students in both grades 11 and 12.
Students who would like to study films, but not create them, may take a grade 12 film studies course that is offered at both the college and university levels.
Many KCI graduates have gone on to study film at college and university. Several of these students are now working in the film industry. See more under Media, Film, and Comm Tech Studies.
Writer’s Craft Elective Course:
Do you love creative writing and wish you had the time and opportunity to do more of it? Are you interested in exploring your writing voice and seeing what you are capable of creating? If so, then Writer’s Craft is for you! Students in this course will get to develop their writing voice through exploring a variety of writing forms. We will work through writing children’s stories, short stories, poetry, scripts, memoirs, advertisements and online media.
English Department Course Descriptions:
Grade 9
English – ENG1DI
For the Grade 9 English course, students will focus on developing their reading, writing, speaking and media creation skills through the exploration of a variety of different texts and forms. Students will also focus on thinking critically about a variety of texts while also reflecting on their skill development.
ENG1LB
For the fast forward section (ILB), you will get an opportunity to read articles, stories, poems, and novels that will challenge you to summarize, question, discuss, react to, and connect with what you are reading. You will have the opportunity to practice how to share your ideas in writing and with others, so that you can be successful inside and outside of the classroom!
Dramatic Arts – ADA 101
Do you like to make a statement? Do you want your voice to be heard? No previous experience – no problem! This course allows you to explore dramatic techniques (tableau, creative movement, mime, improvisation), learn about the history of the stage, and gain competence with basic lighting and sound technology. You will develop the skills necessary for acting – trust, self-confidence, teamwork, creativity, expressiveness, self-reflection – through work on short scenes, development of a monologue, journal writing and a group performance exam.
Grade 10
English – ENG 2DI / 2PI / 2LB
This academic course (2DI) is designed to extend the range of oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy skills that students need for success in their secondary school academic programs and in their daily lives. Students will analyse literary texts from contemporary and historical periods, interpret and evaluate informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on the selective use of strategies that contribute to effective communication. This course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 11 university or college preparation course. Prerequisite: ENG 1PI or ENG 1DI.
The applied course (2PI) is designed to extend the range of oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy skills that students need forsuccess in secondary school and daily life. Students will study and create a variety of informational, literary, and graphic texts. An important focus will be on the consolidation of strategies and processes that help students interpret texts and communicate clearly and effectively. This course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 11 college or workplace preparation course. Prerequisite: ENG 1PI or ENG 1DI.
In this fast foward course (2LB), students focus on extending their literacy and communication skills to prepare for success in their daily lives, in the workplace, in the English Grade 11 Workplace Preparation course, or in the English: Contemporary Aboriginal Voices, Grade 11Workplace Preparation course. The course is organized by strands that extend listening and talking skills, reading and viewing skills, and writing skills. In all strands, the focus is on refining foundational literacy skills and in using language clearly and accurately in a variety of authentic contexts. Students build on their strategies and engage in the processes involved in talking, listening, reading, viewing, writing, and thinking, and reflect regularly upon their growth in these areas. Prerequisite: A Grade 9 English credit.
Dramatic Arts – ADA 2OI / 2OB
This course provides opportunities for students to explore dramatic forms, conventions, and techniques. Students will explore a variety of dramatic sources from various cultures and representing a range of genres. Students will use the elements of drama in creating and communicating through dramatic works. Students will assume responsibility for decisions made in the creative and collaborative processes and will reflect on their experiences.
Grade 11
English – ENG 3UI / 3CI / 3EI / 3EB
The university stream course (3UI) emphasizes the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will analyse challenging literary texts from various periods, countries, and cultures, as well as a range of informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on using language with precision and clarity and incorporating stylistic devices appropriately and effectively. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 university or college preparation course. Prerequisite: ENG 2DI.
The college stream course (3CI) emphasizes the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will study the content, form, and style of a variety of informational and graphic texts, as well as literary texts from Canada and other countries, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for practical and academic purposes. An important focus will be on using language with precision and clarity. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 college preparation course. Prerequisite: ENG 2PI.
The essential level courses(3EI/3EB) emphasize the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in the workplace and in daily life. Students will study the content, form, and style of a variety of contemporary informational, graphic, and literary texts; and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for practical purposes. An important focus will be on using language clearly and accurately in a variety of formal and informal contexts. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 workplace preparation course. Prerequisite: ENG 2PI or ENG 2EB or ENG 2EI.
Dramatic Arts – ADA 3MI / 3MF / 3OB
This course requires students to create and perform in dramatic presentations. Students will analyse, interpret, and perform dramatic works from various cultures and time periods. Students will research various acting styles and conventions that could be used in their presentations, and analyse the functions of playwrights, directors, actors, designers, technicians, and audiences. Prerequisite: ADA 1OI or ADA 2OI.
Media Studies – ASM 3OI / EMS 3OF / EMS 3OB
Interested in studying the media? Study film, television, print media, advertising and the internet.
Screen Education (Film-Making) – EMS3OX / 3OY
Make your own films. Find out how Hollywood films are created. University level English is recommended for the 3OX section, and college level English is recommended for the 3OY secton.
Grade 12
English – ENG 4UI / 4CI / 4EI / 4EB
The university level course (4UI) emphasizes the consolidation of the literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will analyse a range of challenging literary texts from various periods, countries, and cultures; interpret and evaluate informational and graphic texts; and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on using academic language coherently and confidently, selecting the reading strategies best suited to particular texts and particular purposes for reading, and developing greater control in writing. The course is intended to prepare students for university, college, or the workplace. Prerequisite: ENG 3UI.
The college level course (4CI) emphasizes the consolidation of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will analyse a variety of informational and graphic texts, as well as literary texts from various countries and cultures, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for practical and academic purposes. An important focus will be on using language with precision and clarity and developing greater control in writing. The course is intended to prepare students for college or the workplace. Prerequisite: ENG 3CI.
The essential level courses emphasize the consolidation of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in the workplace and in daily life. Students will analyse informational, graphic, and literary texts and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for workplace-related and practical purposes. An important focus will be on using language accurately and organizing ideas and information coherently. The course is intended to prepare students for the workplace and active citizenship. Prerequisite: ENG 3EB / ENG 4EI.
Writer’s Craft – EWC 4UI
Do you enjoy creative writing? Are you interested in becoming a better writer? Discover the power of the written word with this course as we move beyond structured essay writing into stories, slam poetry, plays, and articles. Prerequisite: ENG 3UI.
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course – OLC 4OI
This course is designed to help students acquire and demonstrate the cross-curricular literacy skills that are evaluated by the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). Students who complete the course successfully will meet the provincial literacy requirement for graduation. Students will read a variety of informational, narrative, and graphic texts and will produce a variety of forms of writing, including summaries, information paragraphs, opinion pieces, and news reports. Students will also maintain and manage a portfolio containing a record of their reading experiences and samples of their writing. Eligibility Requirement: Students who have been unsuccessful at least once on the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test.
Dramatic Arts – ADA 4MI
This course requires students to experiment individually and collaboratively with forms and conventions of both drama and theatre from various cultures and time periods. Students will interpret dramatic literature and other text and media sources while learning about various theories of directing and acting. Students will examine the significance of dramatic arts in various cultures, and will analyse how the knowledge and skills developed in drama are related to their personal skills, social awareness, and goals beyond secondary school. Prerequisite: ADA 4MI.
Screen Education (Film-Making) – ETS 4UX / 4CX
Experienced student filmmakers will study film as literature and make short films. It is highly recommended that students have taken EMS 3OX previously for the 4UX section, and the EMS 3OY previously for the 4CX section.
Film Appreciation – ETS 4UY / 4CY
How is a major motion picture made? Study film and find out. This course is designed for University bound students.