Markville Secondary School offers five levels of ESL classes for students who have recently arrived in Canada. These courses range from beginner level to integration into mainstream English classes.
Each ESL course is designed to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for Multilingual Language Learners. MLLs are students who are either newcomers or students born in Canada whose first language is something other than English.
Students are expected to take one ESL course EACH semester, in order to allow for quicker acquisition of language and completion of the ESL program.
If you have any questions regarding the ESL program or would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact us anytime.
Ms. Sheriff - Interim Department Head of ESL - ESL Office - 905-940-8840 x. 304
Mr. Bramner - Guidance Counsellor for MLL's - Guidance Office - 905-940-8840 ex. 187
Choosing Courses:
Important Considerations for English Language Learners) (ELL)/ Multilingual Language Learners (MLL) students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program:
Students continuing with English language support (ESL courses) can choose the appropriate level of English language study (A, B, C, D, E) at Markville based on the recommendations from their Elementary ESL teacher, or the Reception Centre.
ELL/MLL students need to select two ESL/English courses per year in order to proceed to the appropriate grade level of English (this requires that one elective credit will be used for an ESL or English course).
For example, a Grade 9 student could take ESL C in semester one, ESL D in semester two, and then as a grade 10 student take ESL E in semester one, and ENG2D/P (Academic or Applied) in semester two, resulting in the student being at grade level English by grade 11.
An ELL/MLL student does not have to study the compulsory credits at the ESL-supported level; this is a decision based on their English strength and ability in the course content, following recommendations by teachers in consultation with the student and guardian. For example, a student may delay taking French.
French is a requirement for all students to graduate with an Ontario Diploma. If a student has not studied French in Ontario since grade four, they are required to take the FSF1O1 course to meet this requirement. If the student is not ready to learn an additional language at this time, this course does not need to be taken in Grade 9, and may be delayed until later years of study (ie. after successful completion of ESL C).
Students in the ESL program are supported extensively, which include, but are not limited to, additional time granted in all course assessments and examinations. ELL/MLL students who are in the ESL program entering high school in ESLA, B, C, or D, are exempt from the 34 credit cap, allowing students time to successfully develop the English language before moving on to post-secondary destinations.
See the English as a Second Language Courses Available at Markville S.S.
CoursesOpportunities
Students can volunteer as Translators during their lunch or spare and receive Community Service hours.
The ESL Buddy Club meets once a month. Each student is paired with a native English speaker for a fun activity to increase conversational English.
IYC - The Immigrant Youth Centre is just down the street from our school. They offer a number services for our English Language Learners including recreation classes, conversation classes, and a variety of volunteer opportunities.
English Language Learner Achievement Award - This award is given to a graduating English Language Learner who has shown exceptional achievement learning the English language. The student must have completed all their ESL and regular English Courses at Markville.
Transitions:
Learning an additional language can be complicated and can take longer to master. It may take some time for students to learn enough English for academic success.
Elementary to Secondary
Multilingual Language Learners from the elementary panel planning to enter high school may need to be reassessed for ESL courses in high school. ESL teachers from Markville will consult with elementary ESL teachers in order to decide on the best placement for a student.
ESL to regular English
Students who have completed the ESL program move on to regular English courses. Each student meets with their ESL teacher for a recommendation on placement in a regular English class.
Literacy Test (OSSLT)
Once students transition from the ESL program into regular English, they will be required to write the Literacy test (OSSLT). Students must pass the test in order to graduate from high school. If a student is unsuccessful on the OSSLT, through consultation with school administrators, a student may be placed in an OLC course in order to meet graduation requirements. Helpful resources and practice test material will be provided to all students as they prepare to write the OSSLT.
Support for Multilingual Language Learners
When students register, efforts will be made to introduce them to a student translator who speaks their native language. The translator will help the newcomer integrate with ease into the new Canadian high school environment.
Mr. Bramer is also available in the Guidance office to meet with any Multilingual Language Learners with questions or concerns.
Student progress is monitored on an ongoing basis, even after the student is no longer in the ESL program.
A Settlement Worker is available in the ESL Office once a week to help students in adjusting to life in Canada. For more information about Settlement Workers, please visit Settlement.org
Accommodations are in place to help MLL students succeed. Accommodations may include extra time to write quizzes, tests, and exams, using bilingual dictionaries, and/or working with peer tutors.
The Peer Tutoring Club offers tutoring at lunch and after school. Senior students assist younger students in understanding their homework in all courses. Many of our tutors speak different languages.
Students from our leadership course also act as teacher assistants in the classrooms to help students who may be having difficulty in a course.
Registration Procedures
All students who are newly arrived in Ontario must be formally assessed by the York Region District School Board's Reception Centre for placement into the most appropriate level of ESL.
The parent or guardian must contact the Reception Centre and arrange a date for the student to write an English and a Mathematics assessment.
Once the assessments have been completed, contact Markville's Guidance Department, at extension 187 to make an appointment.
During the appointment, the assessment information will be reviewed, and a program of study will be recommended.
The student will be assisted in selecting the courses best suited to his/her area of interest, language skills, and educational background, and the timetable will be created.
For more information on registration, the school system, or settling in Canada, visit the Newcomers page on our York Region District School Board website.