Prerequisite chart
This chart maps out all the courses in the discipline and shows the link between courses and the possible prerequisites for them. It does not attempt to depict all possible movements from course to course.
| Code | Course Name | Grade | Type | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENL1W | English | 9 | Locally Developed | None |
| ENG2L | English | 10 | Locally Developed | Grade 9 English |
| ENG2P | English | 10 | Applied | Grade 9 English |
| ENG2D | English | 10 | Academic | Grade 9 English, Applied or Academic |
| ENG3E | English | 11 | Workplace | Grade 10 English |
| NBE3E | Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices | 11 | Workplace | Grade 10 English |
| NBE3C | Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices | 11 | College | Grade 10 English, Applied or Academic |
| NBE3U | Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices | 11 | University | Grade 10 English, Academic |
| ENG4E | English | 12 | Workplace | Grade 11 English, Workplace |
| ENG4C | English | 12 | College | Grade 11 English, College |
| ENG4U | English | 12 | University | Grade 11 English, University or Contemporary Aboriginal Voices (University - NBE3U) |
| ELS2O | Literacy Skills | 10 | Open | Grade 9 English |
| EMS3O | Media Studies | 11 | Open | Grade 10 English, Applied or Academic |
| EPS3O | Presentation and Speaking Skills | 11 | Open | Grade 10 English, Applied or Academic |
| ETC3M | Canadian Literature | 11 | University/ College | Grade 10 English, Applied or Academic |
| EBT4O | Business and Technological Communications | 12 | Open | Grade 11 English, Workplace, College or University |
| ETS4C | Studies in Literature | 12 | College | Grade 11 English, College |
| ALC1O | Studies in Literature | 12 | University | Grade 11 English, University |
| EWC4C | The Writer’s Craft | 12 | College | Grade 11 English, College |
| EWC4U | The Writer’s Craft | 12 | University | Grade 11 English, University |
Please remember that not all courses are offered at every OCSB high school. Consult your myBlueprint account for the courses offerings at your school.
Course descriptions
English, Grade 9, De-streamed (ENL1W)
1 credit, Prerequisite: None
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.
ENG2L – English
1 credit, Locally developed, Prerequisite: English, Grade 9 credit
In this course, 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 11 Workplace Preparation course. The course is organized into strands that extend listening and speaking skills, reading and viewing skills and writing skills. In all strands, the focus is on refining foundational literacy skills and on using language clearly and accurately in a variety of authentic contexts. Students build on their strategies and engage in the processes involved in speaking, listening, reading, viewing, writing, and thinking and reflect regularly upon their growth in these areas.
ENG2P – English
1 credit, Applied, Prerequisite: English, Grade 9, Academic or Applied
This course is designed to extend the range of oral communication, reading, writing and media literacy skills that students need for success 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.
ENG2D – English
1 credit, Academic, Prerequisite: English, Grade 9, Academic or Applied
This course 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 analyze 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.
ENG3E – English
1 credit, Workplace, Prerequisite: English, Grade 10 Credit
This course emphasizes 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.
NBE3E – Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices
1 credit, Workplace, Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
This course emphasizes the development of literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills through the study of works in English by Indigenous writers. Students will study the content, form, and style of informational texts and literary and media works, and will develop an appreciation of the wealth and complexity of Indigenous writing. Students will also write explanations, letters, and reports, and will investigate the connections between media forms and audiences. An important focus will be on using language clearly, accurately, and effectively in a variety of contexts.
NBE3C – Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices
1 credit, College, Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
This course emphasizes the development of literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills through the study of works in English by Indigenous writers. Students will study the content, form, and style of informational texts and literary and media works, and will develop an appreciation of the wealth and complexity of Indigenous writing. Students will also write reports, correspondence, and persuasive essays, and analyze the relationship between media forms and audiences. An important focus will be on establishing appropriate voice and using business and technical language with precision and clarity.
NBE3U – Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices
1 credit, University, Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic
This course emphasizes the development of literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills through the study of works in English by Indigenous writers. Through the analysis of literary texts and media works, students will develop an appreciation of the wealth and complexity of Indigenous writing. Students will also conduct research and analyze the information gathered; write persuasive and literary essays; and analyze the relationship between media forms and audiences. An important focus will be the further development of students’ understanding of English-language usage and conventions.
ENG4E – English
1 credit, Workplace, Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, Workplace, or Contemporary Aboriginal Voices, Grade 11, Workplace
This course emphasizes the consolidation of literacy, communication and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in the workplace and in daily life. Students will analyze 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.
ENG4C – English
1 credit, College, Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, College, or Contemporary Aboriginal Voices, Grade 11, College
This course emphasizes the consolidation of literacy, communication and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will analyze 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.
ENG4U – English
1 credit, University, Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, University, or Contemporary Aboriginal Voices, Grade 11, University
This course emphasizes the consolidation of the literacy, communication and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will analyze 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.
Optional Courses
ELS2O – Literacy Skills
1 credit, Open, Prerequisite: English, Grade 9 credit
This course is designed to help students strengthen essential reading and writing skills, providing them with the extra literacy support they need in order to graduate. Students will read informational, graphic and literary texts, with a focus on locating information, identifying main ideas and supporting details, building vocabulary and consolidating skills in the application of key comprehension strategies. The course will also help students develop core learning strategies.
EMS3O – Media Studies
1 credit, Open, Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
This course emphasizes knowledge and skills that will enable students to understand media communication in the twenty-first century and to use media effectively and responsibly. Through analyzing the forms and messages of a variety of media works and audience responses to them and through creating their own media works, students will develop critical thinking skills, aesthetic and ethical judgement and skills in viewing, representing, listening, speaking, reading and writing.
EPS3O – Presentation and Speaking Skills
1 credit, Open, Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
This course emphasizes the knowledge and skills required to plan and make effective presentations and to speak effectively in both formal and informal contexts, using such forms as reports, speeches, debates, panel discussions, storytelling, recitations, interviews and multimedia presentations. Students will research and analyze the content and characteristics of convincing speeches and the techniques of effective speakers; design and rehearse presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences; select and use visual and technological aids to enhance their message; and assess the effectiveness of their own and others’ presentations.
ETC3M – Canadian Literature
1 credit, University/College, Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
This course emphasizes the study and analysis of literary texts by Canadian authors for students with a special interest in Canadian literature. Students will study the themes, forms and stylistic elements of a variety of literary texts representative of various time periods and of the diverse cultures and regions of Canada, and will respond personally, critically and creatively to them.
EBT4O – Business and Technological Communications
1 credit, Open, Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, University Preparation, College Preparation, or Workplace Preparation
This course emphasizes practical writing and communication skills that are needed in the world of business and technology. Students will analyze the characteristics of effective models of business and technical communications; gather information to write reports, business letters, memos, manuals, instructions and brochures; and integrate graphics and text, using technology appropriately for formatting and special effects. They will also make a number of oral and visual presentations.
ETS4C – Studies in Literature
1 credit, College, Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, College Preparation
This course is for students with a special interest in literature. The course may focus on themes, genres, time periods, or countries. Students will study a variety of forms and stylistic elements of literary texts and respond personally, critically and creatively to them. They will also investigate critical interpretations and complete an independent study project.
ETS4U – Studies in Literature
1 credit, University, Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, University Preparation
This course is for students with a special interest in literature and literary criticism. The course may focus on themes, genres, time periods, or countries. Students will analyze a range of forms and stylistic elements of literary texts and respond personally, critically and creatively to them. They will also assess critical interpretations, write analytical essays and complete an independent study project.
EWC4C – The Writer’s Craft
1 credit, College, Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, College Preparation
This course emphasizes knowledge and skills related to the craft of writing. Students will investigate models of effective writing; use a workshop approach to write a variety of works; and make considered decisions for improving the quality of their writing. They will also complete a creative or analytical independent study project and investigate opportunities for publication and for writing careers.
EWC4U – The Writer’s Craft
1 credit, University, Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, University Preparation
This course emphasizes knowledge and skills related to the craft of writing. Students will analyze models of effective writing; use a workshop approach to produce a range of works; identify and use techniques required for specialized forms of writing; and identify effective ways to improve the quality of their writing. They will also complete a major paper as part of a creative or analytical independent study project and investigate opportunities for publication and for writing careers.
OLC4O – Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course
1 credit, Open, Eligibility: Students who have been eligible to write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) at least twice and have been unsuccessful at least once, are eligible to take this course to achieve both a Grade 12 credit and their literacy credential for graduation.
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. 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 literacy portfolio containing a record of their reading experiences and samples of their writing.