Course+Outline

=**Welcome to English 9 Challenge** =

==**Some atypical elements of the approach to this subject.** ==

1. The classroom physical configuration is not typical. The teacher desk is located in the centre of the room to maximize involvement in the students' work at all times and for central control of the laptop/projector/Smartboard. Students in the classroom can position themselves at any of the four round tables (max. 4 per table) or computer stations. With this configuration it is extremely important that students respect the spacial needs of others and make physical adjustments when their attention is required at the lectern or Smartboard.

2. We will be relying heavily on the technology present in the classroom. Students will be called upon to control and respond to the Smartboard during interactive presentations. Instead of each individual working on their own in their own space students will collectively solve problems together in collaboration with the teacher and each other. Students will be using the computers in the classroom to access the internet, submit comments and entries on the class blog page, word processing, podcasting, developing slide shows and even video production.

3. Communication with parents and students is heavily emphasized. The teacher will send bulk emails informing all parties of current curriculum, important dates, updates on marks and to share general information. The teacher will also use email, Twitter (@bjanzenmtdouglas) and text messages to communicate with specific individuals regarding individual matters. Students/parents will be provided with the teachers mobile phone number as well to be used for asking questions or sharing information via text messaging.

4. Wiki-spaces. The class has a central wiki-space that will be used to house assignments, share information and display student work. This space contains invaluable information provided by the teacher and external resource links to enhance learning. Each student will be creating their own wiki-space where much of their work during the course will be posted for evaluation by the teacher. This will help the students and teacher keep track of improvement as well as providing a place for parents/guardians to "look in" on the work of their child. The wiki-space is a way to "virtually" turn in homework. Students/parents will be able to access this site from any internet connected computer at school or at home.

5. Project Based Learning

Students will become better writers, speakers, but most importantly, better thinkers and problem solvers. To that end, each semester the class will orbit and explore a central theme. The work on short stories, novels, poetry, and plays will revolve around this central theme.

With access to all this technology comes responsibility. Students are required to handle all equipment with extreme care. Students may not use the computers to access free video game sites or to check email or Facebook unless it is directly related to class work. Students may access the teacher and the lab most days at lunch for extra help or to complete class work.

===**Attendance:** === You are responsible for doing the work that is required to pass this course. If you are absent, it will be up to you to catch up on the missed work. Check the Wikispace to find out what you have missed or send the teacher an email or text message. Don’t hesitate to ask for extra help. I am usually available in the morning and at lunch-time. Students are encourage to email or text me with questions any time. If I receive your message before 9:00 pm there is a good change I will get back to you that evening.

===**Student Deportment:** === Our classroom is your work place (and mine) so please dress appropriately and conduct yourself in a ‘work place’ manner. Also please restrict the use of electronic items, which may be disruptive to the learning environment, as this is a collective workspace, not your or any one individuals private office. Please adhere to positive and productive social skills when communicating and listening to others. No one person in this room is more important than any other. Headphones out of your ears when the teacher or anyone else in the room requires your attention. (Even if the devise is not playing)

===**Late Work:** === When work is due, it is to be handed in at the start of class that day if it is in hard copy form. Electronic homework must be posted/emailed by midnight on the due date. If you are absent when work is due, you are expected to hand it in your first day back to school. One of the benefits of using the electronic submission system is that students can turn in their work from home or anywhere else in the world. When work is electronically submitted it is automatically date stamped.

===**Absent for Tests:** === If you miss a test, you are to bring a note that clearly explains your absence for missing that day. You will be expected to write the test, at lunch-time or after school, on the day of your return. This must be done prior to the original ‘marked’ tests being returned to the other students. Unexcused absences will result in a score of zero.

===**Written Work:** === Take into account the following criteria which will have an impact on evaluation of assignments: - neatly done in ink, typed or written - double-spaced - on one side of the paper - if more than one page, stapled together neatly.

Effort Marks: E = Superior contribution to class. G = Good all assignments are submitted on time, and class contribution is positive. S = Satisfactory missing any assignments, and/or class contribution is negligible. U = Unsatisfactory missing two or more assignments, and/or class contribution is negative.

===**Plagiarism:** === If two students hand in work that is clearly the same both students will score zero. Students found copying on tests will automatically receive zero, with no chance to rewrite the test. This is also the policy with respect to plagiarism – which is considered an even more serious literary ‘crime’. Students found submitting work that has been copied from another source will be given a zero with no chance to redo the work and may be subject to discipline. Occasionally students will be able to see the work of other students online prior to their submission. Sharing ideas is encouraged but the final product must belong to the student submitting the work.

===**Course Content:** === Short Stories Grammar/Sentence Structure Shakespeare Poetry Novel Studies Essay Writing Creative Writing See: Project Based Learning

Course work is worth 90% of final mark. Final Exam is worth 10% of final mark.