October 26, 2011

Hello Everyone!  Just a quick update on classroom happenings.

English 30-2:
Students have completed novel studies and literary response essays.  We are currently watching films to complement the novels.  Today, students will begin writing persuasive essays.

We will begin reading Ian Ross' play, "farewel" once essays are complete.

The Mid-Term Exam for Block A English will be Wednesday, November 2 at 10:00 a.m.  The Block D Mid-Term will be Thursday, November 3 at 1:00 p.m.  Mid-Terms are valued at 15% of the final classroom mark.

Socials 10:
We are well into our unit on Staking the Claim.  Students have daily written work to complete in addition to projects and other activities.  We are looking forward to hearing from guest speakers regarding the Nunavut Land Claim in the near future.

The Mid-Term Exam is Thursday, November 3 at 9:00 a.m.

Enjoy the rest of the week.

October Update

Greetings, All.

English 30-2:
Students are wrapping up novel studies and working on skills required for literary response.  Next week, we should have that wrapped up, plus novel tests and found poetry.  Then, we'll move on to film studies.

Please note that Block A's Midterm Exam in this course will be on Wednesday, November 2 at 10 a.m., while Block D's will be on Thursday, November 3 at 1:00 p.m.

See the calendar attached to this blog for Departmental Exam dates.

Socials 10-1:
We have completed the Diversity and Pluralism Unit and are moving on to Staking the Claim, combined with Democracy and Governance.  Essay deadline has been extended to Monday, October 17. 

Homework assigned this weekend involves creative writing in response to a photograph.

That's all for now.  Happy Saturday, everyone!

Socials 10-1

This is just a note for Socials students.  First, a reminder that the unit test is on Thursday, October 6 during Block C.  In addition, tomorrow (Tuesday) you will be given the following essay assignment.  Note that the rough draft is due on Tuesday, October 11.

Socials 10-1

Essay Assignment

Due Friday, October 14, 2011

What is the “Canadian identity” and what has made this identity what it is?

Write a 500 to 750 word persuasive essay in which you present key events or factors that you believe have had the most influence on Canadian identity.  Consider history, geography, challenges, outside influences, etc. when preparing your text.  Use a minimum of three sources to support your arguments.

Note:  Wikipedia is not an acceptable source.

Your mark will be assigned as follows:

1. Brainstorming and Outline.  10 marks.  This should be stapled to the rear of your document.
2. Rough draft.  10 marks

This should be stapled to the rear of your document, complete with evidence of editing and revisions.  This is due on Tuesday, October 11, 2011.

3. Title page.  10 marks

This should include the following:

      Title

      Submitted to:

      Submitted from:

      Date submitted:

      Your title should creatively present the main idea of your paper in 5 words or less.  It requires capitals.

4. Introduction.  5 marks

Your introduction is your opportunity to grab your readers’ attention, so make it creative and interesting.  Start generally and narrow the introduction down to your thesis statement.  One paragraph.

5. Conclusion.  5 marks

One paragraph.  Restate the thesis in a new way (echo it).  Go from that restatement to close your paper with a bang.  Do something interesting—end with a quote or something profound to wow your reader.

6. Body.  Ideas. 30 marks

Probably three paragraphs in support of your thesis.  Be detailed and clear here, as it is the meat and potatoes of your paper.  These marks include not only content but the way you present the content.  Sentences should be varied and sophisticated.  Consider word choice, tone, style, etc.

7. Mechanics.  5 marks

Spelling, punctuation, capitalization.

8. List of works cited page.  5 marks

You need to cite your referenced works in this section.  Do it alphabetically by author as per the handout and the online website, www.easybib.com.

Total Marks Available = 80

October 2, 2011

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.  Just a heads-up that there is no school for IHS students on Friday, October 7th as teachers have professional improvement.  Everyone has Monday, October 10th off for Thanksgiving. Therefore, students have a four day weekend to which they can look forward.

 Here's what to expect this week in class.

English 30-2:
We had a great day at Nakasuk on Friday reading to the students.  I was very proud of all the Grade 12's who participated.
We'll continue with the novel studies this week.  Everyone can look forward to some notes on the novels on Monday before we move on with reading.

Socials 10-1:
Students completed statistics presentations on Friday, which were fantastic.  On Monday, we'll view the last few before moving on to citizenship.  On Tuesday, Dee Karadag, a brand new Canadian citizen, will be our guest speaker.  Wednesday we'll review and complete the unit before writing the test on Thursday.

Students will be assigned their first essay this week.  It will be due on Tuesday, October 11.

Have a great week, everyone!