Our English Language Learning classes are designed to ensure our students have the support they need to become more proficient in reading, writing, and communicating in English.  Each language skill is assessed on a five-level scale following the new BC Curriculum Guide. The five levels include Beginning (1), Developing (2), Expanding (3), Consolidating (4), and Bridging (5).

All ELL students will be tested at the end of Semesters 1 and 2 to make sure they are placed in the right ELL support level for the following September. They will be assessed on their comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills.  At that time, a student may test out of the ELL program based on their score for the combined ELL tests given. ELL students are not required to take all the ELL courses listed below; each student is assessed independently through the ELL testing procedure as well as on their performance in their regular classes. The ELL program is a placement program; students will be enrolled in the classes that best support their educational needs. Each student will be assessed on their individual effort. 

BEGINNER (1)
DEVELOPING (2)
EXPANDING (3)
CONSOLIDATING (4)
BRIDGING (5)

At Walnut Grove Secondary, ELL students receive specific level support through the Beginner (1) to Consolidating (4) levels.

The Beginner (Level 1) student uses basic vocabulary and simple sentences to engage in communication. This student uses their own language and culture to comprehend simple text on familiar topics. Instructional scaffolding will be provided using high interest/low vocabulary resources. ELL Support teachers are available for push-in language support during classroom time and will offer supplemental materials to enhance language acquisition. The following ELL course will be available:

  • ELL Beginner Oral Language 8/9

 

The Developing (Level 2) student uses practical vocabulary and simple sentences to enhance social interaction and academic experiences. This student is strengthening pronunciation and understanding of social and academic vocabulary. This student uses re-reading, predicting, and word recognition to comprehend text on familiar topics. Instructional scaffolding will be provided using high interest/modified resources. ELL Support teachers are available for push-in language support during classroom time and will offer supplemental materials to enhance language acquisition. The following ELL courses will be available:

  • ELL Beginner Oral Language 8/9
  • ELL Strategies for Academic Success 10

 

The Expanding (Level 3) student uses simple academic vocabulary and a variety of sentence structures to accomplish academic tasks. This student is using predicting, inferencing, and context clues to aid in comprehension of unfamiliar text. Instructional scaffolding will be provided using high interest/abridged and original resources. ELL Support teachers are available for push-in language support during classroom time and the following ELL courses will be offered:

  • ELL Strategies for Academic Success 10
  • ELL English Language Development 10

 

The Consolidating (Level 4) student uses a broadening scope of vocabulary more typical for grade level academic tasks. This student is using predicting, inferencing, synthesizing, context clues, and word analysis to aid in comprehension of unfamiliar text. Instructional scaffolding will be provided using high interest resources with more complex and specific language. The following ELL course will be available:

  • ELL Academic Writing 11
Click for ELL Course Descriptions

 SECOND LANGUAGE CREDIT INFORMATION

A number of Canadian post-secondary institutions require students to have completed a ‘second language’ to the Grade 11 level.  Students need to check the specific requirements of the post-secondary institutions they are considering attending.  For international students, there are several options to consider and discuss with the International Coordinator or school counsellor. 

a) Language Equivalency

Students can receive credit for language study if their first language is one of French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Punjabi, or Spanish. 

Students who have completed studies in their home countries to a certain grade can receive language credit in Canada when they show their Grade 7-9 report cards.  Students will receive course credits with marks (%) that count towards the 80 credits required for BC graduation.  If a percentage cannot be determined, the student’s transcript will show TS (Transfer Standing).  These courses can be used as one of the four recognized academic courses for SFU or UBC admissions.

Grade in Home Country

Language Credit in Canada

Example

Sample Mark

Gr. 7 completed

Gr. 10 Language Credit (4 credits)

Mandarin 10

85%

Gr. 8 completed

Gr. 11 Language Credit (4 credits)

Mandarin 11

82%

Gr. 9 completed

Gr. 12 Language Credit (4 credits)

Mandarin 12

84%

It is also possible to get language equivalency credit for American Sign Language, Arabic, Italian, Korean and Russian.  However, these courses cannot be used as one of the top four recognized academic courses for SFU or UBC admissions.

b) External Language Credit

Students who do not meet the criteria for Language Equivalency will be considered for “external language credit”.  This is for students whose primary language of instruction in their home country is not in the main list of languages, e.g. Cantonese.  The grade completed in the home country determines the language credit.  The student’s transcript will show TS (Transfer Standing), not a mark.  The External Language Credits count towards the 80 credits required for BC graduation, but cannot be used to help the overall percentage required for university entrance.

Grade in Home Country

Language Credit in Canada

Example

Sample Mark

Gr. 7 completed

Gr. 10 Language Credit (4 credits)

UXLC 10A

TS

Gr. 8 completed

Gr. 11 Language Credit (4 credits)

UXLC 11A

TS

Gr. 9 completed

Gr. 12 Language Credit (4 credits)

UXLC 12A

TS

c) Language Challenge Exam

Students who came to Canada before completing Grade 9 and who cannot claim Grade 12 Language Credit are encouraged to consider taking the Language Challenge Exam.

Delta School District offers students the opportunity to write Language Challenge Exams.  Information and application forms are available online in September of each school year.  Applications need to be turned in to the WGSS Counselling Centre in early October.  The test is written in January in Delta, BC.  Students should be in Grade 11 or 12 when they write the exam.  Any student considering the exam should discuss their options with a counsellor or international coordinator and read the “Frequently Asked Questions” section at the Delta website: https://www.deltasd.bc.ca/schools/secondary/challenge-exams/

 

Please Note:

Korean 12 is not a recognized academic course. It meets the language requirement for both SFU and UBC but cannot be used as one of the recognized academic courses for SFU or UBC admissions in the calculation of admission averages.

d) Studying an Additional Language

Students who arrive in Canada before or during Grade 7 or who wish to study an additional language should consider gaining language credits by studying French or Spanish at WGSS. 

 

UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE INFORMATION

Each post-secondary institution has General Entrance Requirements and English Language Entrance Requirements that are specific to their institution.  General information can be found on the grid on page 22.  Consult the International Student Coordinator or a counsellor with questions about specific institutions.

English Entrance Requirements – UBC

Students must meet one of these requirements:

  1. Complete four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English within Canada immediately prior to attending UBC.
  2. Achieve a grade of 70% or better on the provincial examination portion of BC English 12 or English Literature 12 or the equivalent.
  3. Achieve the required scores in listening, reading, speaking, and writing on one of the tests of English language proficiency.

IELTS

International English Language Testing System (Academic)

6.5 with no part less than 6.0

TOEFL

Internet-based test

Overall score:  90

Reading & Listening:  22

Writing & Speaking:  21

TOEFL

Paper-based test with the TWE (Test of Written English)

55 each for Reading, Listening, and Writing (4.0 on TWE)

English Entrance Requirements – SFU

Students must meet one of these requirements:

  1. Completion of the last three years of full-time secondary education in English in Canada or another country where the principal language of instruction is English. A minimum grade of 70% in English Studies 12 is required.
  2. Achieve the required scores in listening, reading, speaking, and writing on one of the tests of English language proficiency.

IELTS

International English Language Testing System (Academic)

6.5 with no part less than 6.0

TOEFL

Internet-based test

Overall score:  88 or better

Minimum score of 20 in each of the four components: listening, speaking, writing, reading