The Cores

Alberta Education defines a basic education as one which provides students with a solid core program that is considered essential for academic success in school and later in life. This core curriculum consists of knowledge and skills related to academic subjects which includes English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. In Calgary Catholic schools, Religious Education is also included in our core program.

To support students in attaining the goals as stated in Alberta Education's programs of study , school authorities must ensure that all students (Kindergarten to Grade 12) have access to meaningful and relevant learning experiences that include appropriate instructional supports. In each curriculum, there are general and specific outcomes to be achieved. Each general outcome includes specific outcomes that students are expected to demonstrate by the end of each grade. Due to the cumulative nature of learning, students are also expected to retain and demonstrate the specific outcomes from previous grades.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

English 10-1

English 10-1 is intended for students who have demonstrated strengths in their use of language and their understanding of print and non-print texts. This course develops reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing skills. The emphasis is on reading and responding to a wide variety of literature. Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that students have a Grade 9 English mark of 65% or higher to be successful in English 10-1.

English 10-2

English 10-2 provides additional opportunities for students to develop their skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing. The course is also designed, in part, to concentrate on the development of language arts strategies and skills to strengthen student use of language and understanding of texts.

Prerequisite: Students with a mark less than 65% in Grade 9 English should enrol in this course.

English 10-1 H (Honours)

English 10-1 Honours is intended for students who have demonstrated great proficiency in their reading, writing, and oral presentation abilities. This course develops the requisite skills for meeting the requirements of the Alberta Education English curriculum, while enhancing the program with a more rigorous and culturally diverse experience designed to introduce the students to the specific types of literary analysis, and critical writing and speaking skills that will be refined and developed in the IB English program that spans the grade 11 and 12 years.

Prerequisite: Minimum 80% in Grade 9 English.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING (ELL)

ESL Level 1/2

ESL Level 1 (no credit) and ESL Level 2 (5 credits). These courses are intended for students who have little or no experience with English prior to entering Alberta schools. ESL Level 1 students may also have limited and/or gaps in schooling in their home country or their English skills are at the beginning/developing level as determined by the Alberta ESL Proficiency Benchmarks. The focus of these courses is to help students develop basic communication skills through oral language experiences. Students work toward developing English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills needed for communication in daily life.

It is required that all ESL Level 1 & 2 students register for Reading 15, Drama 10 ELL, and Introduction to Canadian Studies 15.

ESL Level 3

This course is intended for students who have intermediate English language skills. There is a focus on vocabulary development and academic learning. Students work toward developing the four English language learning strands: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. English skills are at the expanding level as determined by Alberta ESL Proficiency Benchmarks.

All ESL Level 3 students must register for Reading 15 and 25, Drama 10 ELL, Introduction to Canadian Studies 15 and 25, and Science 10 ELL. Upon the successful completion of ESL Level 3, students should enrol in ESL Level 4.

ESL Level 4

This course helps prepare students for future success in English content area classes. It provides students with support in areas including reading and comprehension strategies, academic writing, and critical thinking skills.

Upon the successful completion of ESL Level 4 and approval of the teacher, students should enrol in ELA 10-2 or ELA 10-1 for the next semester.

Reading 15/25

In Reading 15 and 25, students will study a wide range of texts and reading strategies required to be successful in their senior high courses. The goal of these courses is to help students develop an increased vocabulary in English and a wider range of reading strategies and skills. It is designed to meet the needs of ELL students who have not been exposed to a variety of print and visual texts in English.

Upon successful completion of Reading 15, students will register in Reading 25.

Drama 10 ELL

This course is an introductory course in which students develop their acting skills through speech, movement, planned and spontaneous improvisation, technical theatre, and theatre studies. This course is recommended for all level 2 and 3 ELL students.

It is required that all ESL level 1, 2, and 3 students register for Drama 10 ELL.

Science 10 ELL

The curriculum covered in this course is identical to that of Science 10. However, the objective of this ELL sheltered course is to emphasize building scientific vocabulary through extra language specific supports and the exploration of the fundamental concepts and skills common to Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences. This background information becomes the steppingstone for students interested in pursuing further courses in science related fields.

It is required that all ESL Level 3 & 4 students register for this course. Recommendation for success – 60% in Grade 9 Science.

ESL Introduction to Canadian Studies 15

The intent of ESL Introduction to Canadian Studies 15 is to provide the prerequisite background knowledge of Canada, to address explicit and implicit cultural values, and to offer instruction in the language skills and approach of the Alberta Social Studies Program of Studies. The course is designed to meet the needs of ELL students that have recently arrived in Canada who require support with developing both background knowledge of their new country and English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

It is required that all ESL Level 1, 2, and 3 students register for this course. Upon successful completion of this course, students will register in Canadian Studies 25. Students that are highly successful in the course and are in Level 3 may enrol in Social Studies 10-1 or 10-2 with the approval of the teacher.

ESL Introduction to Canadian Studies 25

The intent of ESL Introduction to Canadian Studies 25 is to build on the skills and knowledge introduced in Canadian Studies 15. Students will focus on the academic vocabulary development and reading and writing skills needed to be successful in mainstream Social Studies courses.

Upon successful completion of this course, students may register in Social Studies 20-2 with the approval of the teacher.

English Language Learners are students who have a first language other than English and require support with English language development. English proficiency levels are updated based on the student’s English language development, achievement in course work, and assessment based on the Alberta ESL Proficiency Benchmarks. Students may or may not progress through one English proficiency level per semester. Many students require more than one semester to complete an English as a Second Language (ESL) course. 5 credits can be earned for successfully completing each of Levels 2, 3, and 4 of the senior high school ELL programs. An ELL student may not choose ELA 10-1, ELA 10-2 Social 10-1 or Social 10-2 until ESL Level 4 is completed, or the student is at a level 4 prior to registering at Bishop O'Byrne.

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MATHEMATICS

Math 10C

Students completing this course will develop creative problem-solving skills, enhance their mental math skills and learn to make connections between mathematical concepts in their lives. Students must have a minimum mark of 50% in Grade 9 Math.

It is strongly recommended that students have a grade 9 Math mark of 60% or higher to be successful in Math 10C.

Math 10C X

This program is modified with reduced content of Math 10C but is designed to provide more reinforcement of prerequisite knowledge, mathematical understanding and critical-thinking skills. The intent of this course is to improve success in

Math 10C X and provide a superior transition into Math 20-2.

Students must have a minimum mark of 50% in Grade 9 Math. This course is recommended for students with marks between 50% and 60% although students with a mark up to 65% in grade 9 Math may consider this course.

Math 10C H (Honours)

Students enrolled in this Honours course will undertake a study of general mathematical concepts that will form the basis for the International Baccalaureate math program in Grades 11 and 12. Students will cover similar content as presented in the regular Math 10C course, in addition to this they will be covering additional topics that will help prepare and fulfill the requirements of the IB Programme.

It is strongly recommended that students have a grade 9 Math mark of 80% or higher to be successful in Math 10C H.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Religion Studies 15

The principal aim of Christ and Culture is to assist students, with the help of the Gospel, to participate as Christians in the shaping of our culture. The program explores major cultural issues from a Christological perspective. Beginning with their own life experiences, students acquire a deeper and more systematic knowledge of themselves, Christ’s message, and the Church. Connections between the Church and contemporary culture are explored in terms of what it means to be a responsible adolescent developing as a member of a Catholic, Christian community while living within the context of a broader culture.

All students in Grade 10 must take Religious Studies 15

All 3 levels (RS 15, 25, 35) must be completed in order to participate in school graduation exercises

SCIENCE

Science 10

Students completing this course will understand and apply fundamental concepts and skills common to Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences. This course provides the foundation of learning experiences that address critical aspects of science and it’s application.

Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that students have a Grade 9 Science mark of 60% or higher to be successful in Science 10.

Science 10H (Honours)

Students enrolled in this honours course will undertake a study of

general science concepts that will form the basis of future International Baccalaureate science courses. Students will cover similar content as presented in the regular Science 10 course with emphasis on process, presentation and research skill development.

Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that students have a minimum of 80% in Grade 9 Science to be successful in Science 10H.

Science 14

Students completing this course will have a practical understanding of science and scientific issues related to daily life.

The themes developed in this course are the investigation of matter, energy transfer technologies and matter and energy in living systems and the environment.

Students with less than 50% in Grade 9 Science must enrol in this course

SOCIAL STUDIES

Social Studies 10-1

This course examines the relationships among globalization, citizenship and identity in Canada. Students will use the inquiry method to explore the multiple perspectives on the origins of globalization and the local, national and international impacts of globalization on lands, cultures, economics, human rights and quality of life.

Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that students have a Grade 9 Social Studies mark of 65% or higher to be successful in Social 10-1.

Social Studies 10-2

This course will examine globalization, the process by which the world is becoming increasingly connected and interdependent. This includes examining the history and effects of globalization on lands, cultures, economics, human rights and quality of life.

Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that students have a Grade 9 Social Studies mark of 45% or higher to be successful in Social Studies 10-2.

Social Studies 10-1 H (Honours)

Social Studies 10-1 Honours is recommended for students considering Social Studies 20IB. This course enhances the Alberta Social Studies 10-1 curriculum specifically through source analysis as well as the development of research, writing and presentation skills.

Prerequisite: Minimum 80% in Grade 9 Social Studies.