Grade 10 Syllabus

English Grade 10 Syllabus 2009-2010

The Grade 10 English program is based upon outcomes within the provincial curriculum.

The outcomes are divided into three strands:

1. Speaking and Listening

2. Reading and Viewing

3. Writing and Representing

Various materials and methods are used to help students develop within each of these strands. Assessments may include test, quizzes, essays, book reports, student-led seminars, projects, speeches and other oral presentations. The level of material presented and the evaluation methods used will vary according to class level – intensive, comprehensive or selective. This full year course is divided into six units, each designed to contain elements of the three major strands. Some units will be weighted more towards one strand than the others.

Following is an outline of the primary units covered in Grade 10 English:

1. Writing and Grammar – Through out the year, there will be a concentration on clear and concise writing. Students will learn to develop an argument based on supporting evidence. Types of writing explored will include: demand, research, and analytical. The proper use of an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion will be emphasized. Your assignments (depending on level) will include: paragraph writing; a number of 250 word essays; and two formal research papers one 300-500 words in length and the other 800-1,000 words.

2. Short fiction and non-fiction – Selections from the Crossroads 10 reading anthology and other media are used to improve comprehension, explore the relationship between elements and purpose, and study theme, irony, critical expression, and literary terms.

3. Novel Units – These units will look at the elements of a novel. Two novels will be studied throughout the course of the year. The first novel will be To Kill a Mockingbird. The second novel will be Of Mice and Men, Fahrenheit 451, or Journey Home, depending on class level. The second novel unit will be used to re-emphasize elements that have already been introduced or study ones that have not yet been examined.

Drama – This unit will be an introduction to Shakespeare. A selected play will be read and discussed; some scenes may be acted in class. An effort will be made to encourage students to develop an interest and understanding of Shakespeare’s writing. Plays studied at the Grade 10 level include Romeo and Juliet or Julius Caesar or The Miracle Worker.

4. Poetry Unit – This unit will introduce terminology and forms of poetry. Students will also write poetry during this unit.

Ongoing units:

1. Sustained Silent Reading – Students will select novels from various genres, such as mystery, classics, Canadian, science fiction, biography, non-fiction, fantasy, war and adventure. They will be given some class time to read silently. A book review, assignment or presentation will be completed at the end of the time allotted for finishing the book. Students will be expected to start a new novel whenever they’ve completed reading. We have many novels in class to borrow as does the BMHS library.

2. Spelling/Vocabulary – Students will be broadening their vocabulary with each new story, novel or play. They will be tested on spelling and vocabulary.

3. Formal oral presentations – This unit begins with short oral presentations used as assessments within other units and culminates with a 5-6 minute speech in the second semester.

Evaluation:

Class Mark/Homework 10 %

Tests 35 %

Projects/Assignments 35 %

January Midterm Exam 20 %

Class mark/Homework

As stated above, homework is worth 10 per cent of your final mark. Everyone has an opportunity to collect class/homework marks by completing daily assignments. It is in your best interest to spend 15 to 20 minutes nightly on your English homework. Homework will be checked sporadically throughout the year. If an assignment is incomplete at the moment it is checked, you will receive a zero on your homework mark for that day. Classmarks may also be assigned for your effort and participation in group work during class time.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend class every day and provide notes, excusing any absences the next day. Unexcused absences will be dealt with according to the school’s attendance policy.

Course Requirements

You will need a binder with dividers for each unit, pens or pencils, and a sustained silent reading novel that you should bring to each class every day. Please bring your positive attitude as well!

Expectations

Be sure to come to class prepared each day. Remember that you are also expected to follow all other school rules within the confines of this class.

I look forward to a successful year with you!

N.LeBlanc

http://mrsleblanc.blogspot.com