Students are placed in ESL classes according to their level of achievement and comprehension. This level of achievement is determined by an analysis of standardized test results, standing in previous ESL courses, and grades in “regular” courses. A student whose skill in English is that of a primary student (Grades 1 - 3) is placed in ESL1; one whose comprehension is that of a lower intermediate student (Grades 4 - 5) is placed in ESL2; one whose level is upper intermediate (Grade 6 - 7) is placed in Transitional.

The goal of all placements is to maximize the students’ exposure to academic English in order to ensure that they are adequately prepared for senior English courses, for those courses that require a high level of English ability and for the examinations that they must sit for admission to postsecondary schools.

Beginner Level Courses

ESL1 Reading, ESL1 Writing, ESL1 Social Studies, ESL1 Science

Intermediate Level Courses

ESL2 Reading, ESL2 Writing, ESL2 Social Studies

Transitional Courses

These courses use texts from the regular English and Social Studies programs; however, the pace is usually slower, and there is more emphasis on vocabulary and basic English skills than there would be in a regular class.

Grade 8 & 9: 

Transitional Social Studies Junior

Grade 8 & 9:

Transitional English Junior

Grade 10, 11, & 12:

Transitional Social Studies Senior

Grade 10, 11, & 12:

Transitional English Senior

Success in these courses leads directly to placement in regular courses. A mark in the “C” range will result in placement in a lower grade than a mark in the “A” or “B” range. For example, a student receiving a “A” in Transitional English Senior would most likely be placed in English 11 the following year; while one receiving a “C” would most likely be placed in English 10.

Support Courses

ELC1(for Transitional English students) ELC2 (for students in a regular English class) Composition 11 (ELC3): this is the only “credit course”