Writing 12 is an English elective course open to students in grades 11 and 12.  There is no provincial exam for the course, however it is worth four credits towards graduation, and is accepted for admission at some post-secondary institutions.  The focus of the course is to help students explore and refine their creative writing; however, students are expected to have strong English skills as this is not a remedial writing course. 

View the Course Objectives

As a non-examinable course, class participation and excellent work habits are essential for success.  Attendance is required, but attendance alone will not guarantee success; failure to do the work will result in failure to progress.  Students will be expected to read from and write a variety of genres: fiction; creative non-fiction; poetry; drama; children’s stories; and a variety of descriptive, narrative, and expository writing.  Students are also expected to participate fully in class discussions and to use all writing time provided to write.  By the end of the course, each student should have a portfolio of polished (publication calibre) work.

Each term students must read two independent novels (about 600 pages total length) and keep a writing/idea/quote journal.  Students must develop at least one piece of writing independently to share at the end of term and submit at least one piece to a contest or publication.

Evaluation (subject to change)

q  10% Collaboration Skills

q  Participation in class activities, listening and group skills, etc.

q  Self and Teacher evaluation

q  10% Daily work

q  80% Writing

q  Portfolio of work should show all aspects of the writing process.

q  60% of the COURSE mark is based on your Final Portfolio presented in Term 3.

NOTE: This course will not focus on academic/essay writing. Students looking to improve this type of writing should register in Writing Development 11 or Academic Reading and Writing 12.