English 8

Students in English 8 will explore a variety of texts (e.g. books, poems, films) while building their skills with reading, writing, and speaking. Activities in this course are designed to help students develop their understanding of the following Big Ideas:
  • BIG IDEA 1: Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy.
  • BIG IDEA 2: Stories and texts help us learn about ourselves, others, and the world.
  • BIG IDEA 3: People understand texts in different ways based on their own views and experiences.
  • BIG IDEA 4: Texts are shaped by society, culture, and history.
  • BIG IDEA 5: Asking questions about what we hear, read, and watch helps us become more informed and engaged.

​Throughout the year students will also continue to develop their abilities within the English Curricular Competencies.

Marks

Course marks in EN8 are growth-oriented and holistic. Your final mark will be based on the best evidence of your understanding rather than an average of all your marks from the whole course. 

To help us focus on learning and self-improvement in this course, I will not be using traditional percentages or letter grades. Instead, I will use standards-based assessment to provide clear feedback to you on what you do well and where you can improve. SBA allows us to properly engage in the learning process because it encourages a growth mindset, early struggles aren't punished and improvement is rewarded. 

Required Materials

  • Counterpoints textbook and other assigned readings (hard copies are provided in class and electronic copies are provided for at-home use)
  • Organized binder
  • Agenda or other system for keeping track of assignments
  • Lined paper
  • Blue or black pen for written assignments
  • Pencil & eraser for rough work, mapping, etc.
  • Earbuds or headphones (if available)
  • Teams, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive and Office Lens downloaded onto any devices you use for your school work.
  • Laptop or cell phone (if available to bring to school)