ESL

Our ESL program builds upon and strengthens students’ understanding of English. Using Western teaching strategies, the program reinforces academic English and everyday functional English for success in both school and life outside of school. Furthermore, students are introduced to Canadian culture through the ESL program to help them integrate into the community.

ESL vs ENG

All new arrivals to Columbia International College whose EDT result is ENG1D / ESLDO or ENG2D /ESLEO will be placed  into the English / ESL course best suited to their specific needs as suggested by the chart:

CONSIDERATIONS

DETERMINING ESL VS ENG PLACEMENT
ESL DO
ENG 1D
ESL EO
ENG 2D
Age
17(+)
16(-)
17(+)
16(-)
Grade
Gr. 11/12
Gr. 9/10
Gr. 11/12
Gr. 9/10/11

 

ESL Courses

 

  • English
    ESLAO ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE LEVEL 1

    This course builds on students’ previous education and language knowledge to introduce them to the English language and help them adjust to the diversity in their new environment. Students will use beginning English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing for everyday and essential academic purposes. They will engage in short conversations using basic English language structures and simple sentence patterns; read short adapted texts; and write phrases and short sentences. The course also provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to begin to adapt to their new lives in Canada.

    • 110 hours
    • 4 Credits
  • ESLBO ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE LEVEL 2

    This course expands students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English for everyday and academic purposes. Students will participate in conversations in structured situations on a variety of familiar and new topics; read a variety of texts designed or adapted for English language learners; expand their knowledge of English grammatical structures and sentence patterns; and link English sentences to compose paragraphs. The course also supports students’ continuing adaptation to the Ontario school system by expanding their knowledge of diversity in their new province and country.

    • 110 hours
    • 1 Credit
    Prerequisites
    English as a Second Language, Level 1, or equivalent*
  • ESLCO English as a Second Language, Level 3

    This course further extends students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English for a variety of everyday and academic purposes. Students will make short classroom oral presentations; read a variety of adapted and original texts in English; and write using a variety of text forms. As well, students will expand their academic vocabulary and their study skills to facilitate their transition to the mainstream school program. This course also introduces students to the rights and responsibilities inherent in Canadian citizenship, and to a variety of current Canadian issues.

    • 110 hours
    • 1 Credit
    Prerequisites
    English as a Second Language, Level 2, or equivalent
  • ESLDO ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE LEVEL 4

    This course prepares students to use English with increasing fluency and accuracy in classroom and social situations and to participate in Canadian society as informed citizens. Students will develop reading, writing and oral presentation skills required for success in all school subjects. They will extend listening and speaking skills through participation in discussions and seminars; study and interpret a variety of grade-level tests; write narratives, articles, and summaries in English; and respond critically to a variety of print and media texts.

    • 110 hours
    • 1 Credit
    Prerequisites
    English as a Second Language, Level 3, or equivalent*
  • ESLEO ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE LEVEL 5

    This course provides students with skills and strategies they need to make the transition to college and university preparation courses in English and other secondary school disciplines. Students will be encouraged to develop independence in a range of academic tasks, they will participate in debates and lead classroom workshops; read and interpret literary works and academic texts; write essays, narratives, and reports; and apply a range of learning strategies and research skills effectively. Students will further develop their ability to respond critically to print and media texts.

    • 110 hours
    • 1 Credit
    Prerequisites
    English as a Second Language, Level 4, or equivalent*