/ Secondary School Course Overview /
Subject: / English / Teacher: / Mr. Taylor McCarey
Grade level: / 8 / Latest revision: / 24August 2015
Email: / / Website: / taylormccarey.com

Our school’s mission is for everyone to demonstrate the ISG community themes of

RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, AND REACHING FOR EXCELLENCE.

Course description
The grade 8 English course is a demanding adventure, a personal challenge and an opportunity to engage with one’s self and with others at an increasingly sophisticated level of mental interaction. It requires a personal commitment of time and effort as students prepare for work in high school.
Aims and Objectives
To develop and improve the reading, speaking, research, and writing abilities of each student. Each individual student will develop an appreciation for the complexities and joys of reading, critical thinking, and responding to works of literature and non-fiction.
Key knowledge areas, skills and concepts in the course
Students will:
  • become better, more proficient readers
  • develop an appreciation of differing points of view
  • understand that literature is a complex form of art
  • become clearer speakers of English
  • become better, more accurate and proficient writers of English
  • understand that writing and speaking require thought and self-discipline
  • understand that writing is an ongoing process through many stages: brainstorm, draft, revision, editing, proofreading, publishing
  • develop research skills utilizing print and scholarly web resources.

Evaluation of student progress
Students will be continuously assessed throughout the course. During lesson time, students will be both self and peer assessing using success criteria, so that they may reflect on their own progress and areas for improvement. They will receive end of unit examinations, and will be assessed on their ability to write essays, conduct research and give presentations. Students will also develop their ability to interpret and evaluate historical sources.
Student progress will be assessed informally and formally throughout the year, and in a variety of ways. Formal assessment refers to sit-down tests and quizzes under examination conditions. Informal refers to all other assessments
Formal Assessments: 50% (Essays, Tests, Quiz)
Informal Assessments: 50% (Classwork, Homework, Reading Log)
Materials required in class
1 notebook. 1 notebook will be divided into different sections
  1. Vocab
  2. Writing (Descriptive, Narrative, Persuasive, Expository)
  3. Novel Study (Tuesdays with Morrie, Gathering Blue, Diary of a Young Girl, Animal Farm)
1 folder: Students need a separate folder for their English class paperwork and to keep all relevant papers organized.
Pack of pens: Students are expected to be prepared with a pen at all times and to have spares with them in case they run out. The school does not stock pens, paper, and other materials for students so it is important to have these at all times.
Books: During this school year, students will read the following works: Animal Farm, Tuesdays with Morrie, Gathering Blueand The Diary of Anne Frankas well as two group-selected works for literature circles. We will also utilize the Grade 8 workbook for writing as well as poems, short stories, and non-fiction essays.
Independent Reading books: We do have some books available for students to read independently, although it is better for the students if they have access to English language books either on a kindle, iPad, or through sites such as amazon.co.uk. Students are expected to read at least 15 independent books this school year. Students must always have an independent book with them in class and are encouraged to keep one in their bag at all times.
Computer access: As students prepare for high school, they will be expected to type their major assignments as well as conduct research on the Internet. Having access to computers at home is extremely helpful. If students do not have computer access, please email me so we can make arrangements for their work.
Student expectations
Each student is expected to
  • Respect all others within the classroom to create a safe and strong working environment
  • Work to the best of their ability (Participate in activities, strive for excellence)
  • Be organized (bring materials, be on time)

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