Grade+9+English


 * Welcome to Grade 9 English ||

** Grade 9 English 2009-2010 **
 * Mr. Fink and Mr. Petersen **
 * __ Course Overview __**

The aim of English Language Arts is to enable each student to understand and appreciate language and to use it confidently and completely in a variety of situations for communication, personal satisfaction and learning. Thus, the program is designed to provide for the development of the essential concepts, skills and attitudes required for effective communications in all environments. Students will gain competence and confidence in speaking, listening, reading, writing, viewing and visual reviewing. They will be provided with opportunities to experience language in functional, artistic and pleasure situations with the aim:


 * To develop an awareness of and interest in how language works;
 * To develop an understanding and appreciation of a wide range of language use;
 * To develop flexibility in using language for a variety of purposes.


 * __ Course Content __**


 * 1) Grammar Unit
 * 2) Vocabulary Unit
 * 3) Short Story Unit
 * 4) Novel Studies
 * 5) Essay Construction
 * 6) Speech Unit
 * 7) Shakespeare Unit
 * 8) Poetry Unit
 * 9) Achievement Exam Preparation Unit – Business Letter, Reading Comprehension, Short Story and Essay


 * __ Evaluation __**

Major Assignments and Tests 50% Daily Work and Quizzes 40% Grammar / Vocabulary 10% 100%


 * Reporting periods will be cumulative. The final exam will be worth 25%. **


 * __ Resources __**


 * 1) Grammar – **//Write Source 2000//**
 * 2) Vocabulary – **//Words Are Important//** //– Book 2//
 * 3) Anthology – **//Sightlines 10, Crossroads//**
 * 4) Novels – Students will study a selection of the following novels: **//Lord of the Flies// (**Golding**)**, **//To Kill A Mockingbird//** (Lee)
 * 5) Shakespeare: **//The Merchant of Venice//**

// *As time and student interest allow, literary works of study may be added or deleted. //


 * __ Required Materials: __**

· USB Memory Stick highly recommended · 1 three-ring binder (1 ½”- 2” recommended) · 6 dividers · lined paper, blank white paper · blue or black pen · pencils and erasers · ruler · highlighter


 * __ Expectations __**


 * 1) Students are expected to arrive on time with all relevant materials and all assignments prepared.
 * 2) Assignments must be handed in on the day they are due. It is the student’s responsibility to come to class with a hard copy of your work. Do not expect to be dismissed from class to print out an assignment on its due date. Late assignments will be dealt with on an individual basis and work not handed in will result in a phone call home with the assignment still being submitted.
 * 3) If students are away from school, it is up to them to find out about work missed and have it completed.
 * 4) Students are responsible for reading 3 – 6 novels independently. There will be time given for independent reading on a regular basis.
 * 5) ** Plagiarism is very serious! ** Students must ensure that all work is their own or that it is cited correctly when sources are used (see Student Handbook under academic Integrity).
 * 6) Always respect others.


 * __ Speech Day __**

Speech Day is one of the oldest traditions at STS. On the last Wednesday before school is adjourned for Spring Break, the Junior and Senior High staff and students have the opportunity to watch students compete against each other in a number of specific categories including Impromptu speaking and Acting.

Just a reminder to students that all material used must be original and prepared specifically for Speech Day. Material used at a previous event, whether in the school or at an outside competition, is not permitted.

The STS community has always produced some of the best student speakers in the country and we are all looking forward to another outstanding display of your talents.


 * __ English Department Contests __**

There are a number of literary contests throughout the school year for students to compete in. The STS English Department in conjunction with various long-time sponsors from the STS community hosts two competitions for Junior High students to enjoy.

I. The Christy Worsley Short Story Creative Writing Contest for Junior High. Due Date: November 12, 2009

II. The Christy Worsley Poetry Writing Contest for Junior High. Due Date: April 30, 2010

More information regarding these contests will be provided within English classes.