High School Block:
English as an Additional Language A2.1
English as an Additional Language (EAL) A2.1 is a course designed to strengthen essential English skills, with focus placed on communicative tasks that support the development of reading, writing and interacting (speaking/listening) through meaningful and authentic task-based learning. Learners are provided with opportunities to develop writing skills, academic vocabulary, reading strategies, reading comprehension, socio-cultural competencies, and strategies for academic success.
An important objective across all courses in the English as an Additional Language course pathway is to support learners’ English proficiency development in order to communicate effectively in varied contexts and with members of a diverse Canadian society. Learners are afforded dedicated time to focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing, as aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Language and by using an action-oriented approach.
By the end of this course, learners will be consistently demonstrating competencies in English at the A2.1 level of the CEFR. This means that they will be able to understand and follow short, simple spoken and written instructions related to familiar topics and everyday classroom activities, locate specific information in simple English texts, and write short texts about personal or familiar topics. They start to describe aspects of culture and identity and can reflect on their own learning strengths and needs with support. Through guided practice, students develop foundational communication, social, and academic skills appropriate to the Canadian school context.
CONTEXTS AND CONCEPTS
Social and Everyday Interactions
- Expressing likes, dislikes, and personal preferences
- Asking and answering simple questions (e.g., about daily routines, past events, basic needs)
- Introducing oneself and others (name, age, family, nationality)
- Participating in simple classroom conversations and peer interactions
- Giving short presentations on familiar topics
- Telling and retelling simple stories or personal experiences
- Using basic social conventions (e.g., greetings, politeness strategies) in situationally appropriate ways
- Understanding and following simple spoken instructions in everyday settings
English Language and Literacy
- Understanding key information in short, simple texts (stories, instructions, signs, labels)
- Using text features (e.g., titles, pictures, bolded words) to aid comprehension
- Finding specific details in a text
- Reading aloud with some fluency and intonation
- Writing short texts for personal or classroom use (e.g., notes, short paragraphs, messages)
- Using capital letters, periods, and basic spelling conventions correctly
- Organizing simple written texts with a clear beginning, middle, and end
- Using numbers, dates, and basic time expressions in written and spoken communication
Skills for School and Life
- Using self-assessment strategies (checklists, portfolio)
- Practicing inclusive communication skills (tone, empathy, polite language)
- Understanding classroom and school routines
- Organizing personal learning materials
- Using strategies to ask for repetition, clarification, or help
- Giving and receiving feedback through peer and self-assessment (with support)
- Reflecting on personal interests, strengths, and areas for growth using simple language and visuals
- Recognizing responsibilities within a classroom and school community
- Representing aspects of personal identity in various formats (e.g., graphic organizer, poster, simple presentation)
- Developing academic habits such as listening, turn-taking, and working in groups