CURRICULUM GUIDE 2014
ACADEMIC LANGUAGE SURVEY II (Grade 12)
(ALCS2)
The goal of ALCS2 is to provide graduating senior academic stream students with a sense of the courses available in
the humanities, both at Gavin Academy and on a post-secondary level going forward. Students will analyze a variety
of challenging literary and media texts from a variety of cultures; interpret informational and literary texts, and
create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. The course will consolidate an understanding of the wellrounded education necessary for success in post-secondary study while teaching language use, precision and clarity
in writing, and academic (MLA) writing standards. Prerequisites: 75% or better in ACLS1.
AP SCHOLARSHIP ENGLISH
(LANAP)
In order to apply for AP Scholarship, students must have a grade of 85% or better in all of their level III language
courses (if enrolled in another school), or 75% or better in their Gavin Academy level III courses. They must be
interested in moving on to post-secondary study and/or a career in the Humanities/Social Sciences. An interview,
writing sample, and essay are required for entry into the course.
OPTIONAL COURSES:
The following courses can be taken at any grade level (suggested grade levels are given) and
prerequisites are not required. Grade levels I, II, III, and IIII are equivalent to common core
levels 9, 10, 11, and 12.
JOURNALING
(LANOJ)
Through the use of quotations, short texts, and one-a-day writing projects, students will practice core writing skills
while learning more about themselves, their communities, and a variety of oral, written, and media texts in a variety
of formats. This course will prepare students for essay and creative writing at the upper levels, as well as the daily
writing tasks associated with everyday life. Prerequisites: None. Recommended level: I or II.
GRAMMAR
(LANOG)
This course focuses on the principles of grammar and sentence mapping, and is highly recommended for all seniorlevel English students, particularly those interested in attending teacher’s college. Students interested in careers in
technology or decoding language may also benefit from this focused, intensive course in grammar interspersed with
multimedia videos, comic strips, and comedic segments. Prerequisites: None. Recommended level: I or II.
WRITING THE ESSAY
(LANWE)
A focused study that assists students in understanding academic writing standards, which also introduces major
essay writing styles and study tips. Students will learn to draft, write, and proofread as well as how to properly
develop a comprehensive written argument. Prerequisites: None. This course is open both to students enrolled in the
Academy and students currently attending another school. It may not be counted for credit at other schools.
Recommended level: III or IIII.
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