Howe Sound Secondary School
English Department
Mr. P. Demers
email:
webpage: pauldemers.pbwiki.com
Communications 12
Students in Communications 12 should expect to complete the following units this quarter: (See attached preview)
Novel - Two novel studies, one to be completed independently and one with the class. There will also be an opportunity to do a bonus novel study.
Short Stories - Read several short stories and examine theme, character, plot and setting.
Poetry - Read several poems, examine theme and identify the use of poetic devices.
Writing - Development of good writing skills in a variety of genres.
Language Skills - Vocabulary development, spelling, grammar, dictionary skills, etc.
Business Writing - Apply the proper format and style for business letters
Visual Design – Use graphic and written elements to create effective visual communication
Attendance - Students are expected to attend all classes and to arrive on time prepared to work. If you are absent for legitimate reasons, your parent or guardian must contact the office and excuse the absence; otherwise the absence will be considered unexcused. Students whose attendance is deemed to a concern will be referred to the office.
Lates - Being to class on time is important for your learning and for the smooth running of the class. It also shows disrespect for my time and your classmates' learning. If you are late, wait at the door until I invite you to sit down. This may take 30 seconds or 30 minutes. I won't interrupt the class, but I will let you sit as soon as it's appropriate. Be patient. Students whose lateness is deemed to a concern will be referred to the office.
Assignments - There are regular assignments in Comm. 12, and your success will depend on your ability to complete these. If you need help, you need to ask.
There will always be adequate time given in class to complete assignments. If you work well, you will not have to do any homework. The course is structured so that everyone who makes a serious effort can be successful.
Plagiarism - Students are sometimes tempted to use resources to help them with their assignments without giving proper credit. This is called 'plagiarism' and it violates the principles of learning that we hold as valuable.
If you borrow work from your classmates, download work from the internet or have tutors write essays for you, you are guilty of plagiarism. Individual assignments are intended as practice to help you improve. If you simply submit another's work, you are not learning and your writing will not improve.
Electronic Devices - We all own a variety of electronic devices now, and using these appropriately is something we have to learn.
There is never a reason to have a cell phone on in class, and I want them turned off and put away. If your phone rings during class, I will take it away and return it at the end of class. If it happens often, I'll give it to Mr. Bent until the end of the day.
A lot of people use MP3 players to block out distractions when they're doing seat work. I think that's okay IF you ensure that it's not so loud as to disrupt those around you. Your players should not be on, of course, when I'm teaching or we're having a discussion. During those times, turn them OFF and keep the head phones off your head.
Classroom Behaviour - Respect is the basis of all good behaviour. Students are expected to show respect for their peers, the teacher, the school and its equipment, other people's property, and most importantly, themselves.
If you are interfering with other's ability to be successful, you will be asked to leave.
GOOD LUCK - I hope that you enjoy Communications 12.