English (Grade 9)

This course enables students to continue to develop and consolidate the foundational knowledge and skills that they need for reading, writing, and oral and visual communication. Throughout the course, students will continue to enhance their media literacy and critical literacy skills, and to develop and apply transferable skills, including digital literacy. Students will also make connections to their lived experiences and to society and increase their understanding of the importance of language and literacy across the curriculum.

Unit 1: Foundations of Literacy and Identity

Students explore the fundamentals of reading, writing, speaking, and listening while examining themes of personal identity and lived experiences. The unit focuses on building foundational literacy skills and developing strategies for understanding a variety of texts.

Unit 2: Short Stories and Narrative Writing

Students read and analyze short stories from diverse authors and cultures. They examine literary elements such as plot, character, theme, and point of view, and apply these concepts in their own narrative writing.

Unit 3: Poetry and Literary Analysis

Students explore poetic forms and techniques while developing their ability to interpret and analyze poetry. They examine figurative language, imagery, and tone, and respond through analytical and creative writing.

Unit 4: Media Literacy and Critical Thinking

Students investigate how media messages influence audiences. They analyze various media forms, evaluate credibility and bias, and develop critical thinking skills related to digital and traditional media.

Unit 5: Writing for Purpose and Audience

Students develop structured writing skills by producing persuasive, informational, and reflective texts. Emphasis is placed on organization, clarity, audience awareness, and effective communication.

Unit 6: Culminating Literary Study

Students complete a final study of a longer literary work such as a novel or play. They apply their reading, writing, oral communication, and media literacy skills through discussions, presentations, and a culminating project demonstrating their learning across the course.