Languages

English Language Arts

All English Language Arts (ELA) programs will deal in varying degrees with the following types of language:  

• Literary language: (literature) includes forms of communication intended to entertain, to stimulate emotions and imagination, to provide aesthetic pleasure, to reveal truth about human nature, and to cultivate universal moral values. Literary materials include novels, short stories, plays, films, poetry, magazine and newspaper articles, autobiographies and biographies.
• Transactional language: is defined as language to get things done: to inform, advise, persuade or instruct people. Transactional materials include expository and persuasive essays, letters, memos, newscasts, speeches, book reviews and summaries.
• Technical language is a part of transactional language specifically related to areas such as science, engineering and industry. Technical materials include manuals, instructions, surveys, and a wide range of reports.

The English Honours Program at Shaftesbury is designed to give highly motivated students the opportunity to study a rigorous and challenging program. The courses fulfill Manitoba Education requirements for grades 10 to 12, and include additional works of literature appropriate to the Advance Placement program of studies. Student enrolment is determined by teacher recommendation. Students will complete the following courses before taking the Advanced Placement literature course in grade 12.  

In our languages department we also offer the following languages courses:

French Communication and Culture

The purpose of these courses is to offer to students the learning of French as a means of communication. Students participate in activities designed to develop an understanding of French grammar and francophone culture in Canada and the world. Students are required to communicate in French in a variety of activities including brainstorming, role-playing, presentations and small group discussions. The themes for student draw on the experience of the students. This facilitates the link between what is taught in the classroom and their daily lives. French is the language of instruction.

Spanish

We offer introductory, intermediate and advanced Spanish classes. A communicative approach will be taken to get students speaking and understanding the language in a way that is relevant and useful. The primary goals are to build communicative competence and to enhance social and cultural awareness of the Spanish-speaking world.