Mr. Companion's English 10 Classes

        http://schools.sd68.bc.ca/dove/teachers/dcompanion/index.htm


English 10 is designed to prepare students for the rigors of senior English studies as well as further developing their literacy skills at the appropriate level. To facilitate effective student organization of assignments, deadlines etc... Assistance and  information is provided for parents and students at the teacher's web site noted above.The Homepage includes a link for viewing interim reports once per term, that is accessible through student numbers. Please use the web site as frequently as needed to assist in your successful completion of English 10. The following units of study are typical to the course:
 
 
Study of Literary Genres:

Typical to any secondary English course is focus on various literary types including short story, novel, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and others...emphasis will be on critical analysis and personal response to the works studied. Mechanics of language such as vocabulary and grammar may also be studied in context with the respective works. It is critical that students complete all reading assignments by the allotted time if a passing grade is expected in this course!!! 
 

Introduction to the Thesis Essay:

Before entering senior English studies it is imperative that students become proficient at composing a five paragraph, thesis-driven formal essay. This composition will be short but rigid in structure; the criteria will be discussed fully in class, and thus attendance is crucial to success!!! The essay project is in connection with our major literary theme, Man's Inhumanity to Man, reflected thematically in the three novels we will study: To Kill a Mockingbird, Hiroshima, and The Cyrysalids. Examples of student essays are available on the web site.
 


 
Foundations of English Grammar and Usage

Again, typical to any high school English course.....a full study of the parts of speech and proper English usage....ie. sentence structure, punctuation, spelling etc....will form part of each student's grade. This will not necessarily constitute a separate unit in itself but may become a regular topic of study in the form of "micro-lessons". Students can expect regular quizzes to monitor learning in this regard. 
 


 
Literacy and Modern Mass Media: This unit is designed to help prepare students for a world dominated by mass communication and to foster critical thinking to promote awareness of the far-reaching effects of this modern phenomena. Students will be expected to participate in a number of activities during this course of study. 
Communication and the Individual:

Students in English 10 will be asked to explore various avenues or genres of communication including the formal essay, public speaking, group presentation, personal letter...etc. All assignments must be completed within the designated time or students will receive an incomplete grade on all reports...formal or otherwise!!!
 



Typical Grading Profile: (Approx.)
 
Homework:  20% 
Major Tests and Exams  30% 
Major Assignments  40% 
Minor Quizzes etc....  10% 

Final Marks Profile:
 
   Term One  35% 
Term Two  35% 
Final Composition  15% 
Final MC Exam  15% 

Classroom Expectations:

Please observe the following standards when in Mr. Companion's classroom:
 


And that, in a nutshell, is what Mr. Companion's English 10 course looks like at a glance! Of course there will be much more detail involved than appears here! Hopefully this semester will be a positive one for you....If you need any assistance I will be glad to help at an appropriate time! Good Luck!!!

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