Academics
Curriculum
Languages
English
Developing Voices, Inspiring Thinkers
At Trafalgar, our enriched English Language Arts program fosters strong communication skills, a love of literature, and the confidence to express ideas — in writing, in speech, and through media.
Our curriculum is guided by the Quebec Education Program (QEP) and then enriched to challenge and inspire. Students explore both classical and contemporary texts, engage in creative and analytical writing, and develop their voice through public speaking and media projects.
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Immersion into text: purpose, audience, bias, stance, social function, codes, and conventions
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Diverse reading from Young Adult Literature to Shakespeare and non-fiction
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Creative & analytical writing in six genres: planning, reflective, narrative, explanatory, reports, and expository
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Public speaking skills developed through presentations and competitions
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Production of sound, print, and image texts with opportunities for publication
Our English Language Arts Journey: Secondary I to V
From foundational skills to advanced literary analysis, discover how our ELA program develops confident communicators and critical thinkers through each grade.
Middle School
ELA I (Secondary I)
8 periods per cycle
Students begin their journey with a focus on codes and conventions of traditional and contemporary texts, both fictional and informational. Students participate in Traf Reads and book circles, write across genres (planning, reflective, narrative, explanatory, expository, reports), and develop oral skills through presentations and public speaking.
Students begin their journey with a focus on codes and conventions of traditional and contemporary texts, both fictional and informational. Students participate in Traf Reads and book circles, write across genres (planning, reflective, narrative, explanatory, expository, reports), and develop oral skills through presentations and public speaking.
ELA II (Secondary II)
6 credits | 8 periods per cycle
Building on previous skills, students analyze traditional and contemporary texts, read and write various genres including creative and expository writing, and improve oral competency through formal and informal presentations.
Building on previous skills, students analyze traditional and contemporary texts, read and write various genres including creative and expository writing, and improve oral competency through formal and informal presentations.
Senior School
ELA III (Secondary III)
6 credits | 7 periods per cycle
Students explore traditional literary genres and non-traditional texts via reading, discussion, and journals. Major works include The Book Thief (Markus Zusak), Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare), and selected Young Adult novels. The program includes documentaries, articles, and short fiction.
Students explore traditional literary genres and non-traditional texts via reading, discussion, and journals. Major works include The Book Thief (Markus Zusak), Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare), and selected Young Adult novels. The program includes documentaries, articles, and short fiction.
ELA IV (Secondary IV)
6 credits | 8 periods per cycle
Focus on the relationship between literature and society. Key texts: Lord of the Flies (Golding), Macbeth (Shakespeare), Pride and Prejudice (Austen). Emphasis on literary essay methodology, critical analysis, peer discussions, and preparation for the provincial ELA exam.
Focus on the relationship between literature and society. Key texts: Lord of the Flies (Golding), Macbeth (Shakespeare), Pride and Prejudice (Austen). Emphasis on literary essay methodology, critical analysis, peer discussions, and preparation for the provincial ELA exam.
ELA V (Secondary V)
6 credits | 8 periods per cycle
Mastery of literary analysis and independent thinking through texts like Hamlet (Shakespeare), The Catcher in the Rye (Salinger), The Color Purple (Walker), and The Handmaid’s Tale (Atwood). Students focus on writing feature articles, analyses, commentaries, and opinion pieces, and lead class seminars.
Mastery of literary analysis and independent thinking through texts like Hamlet (Shakespeare), The Catcher in the Rye (Salinger), The Color Purple (Walker), and The Handmaid’s Tale (Atwood). Students focus on writing feature articles, analyses, commentaries, and opinion pieces, and lead class seminars.
Middle School
Engaging texts that build foundational skills and introduce classic and contemporary literature.
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Senior School
Challenging novels and plays that deepen critical thinking and analytical writing.
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Traf Reads: A Trafalgar Tradition in Shared Literature
Traf Reads is a cherished tradition at Trafalgar! Each year, a committee of ten students—two from each grade level—works alongside our English Language Arts teachers to select the book that the entire school will read. What makes Traf Reads special is that the book choices come directly from suggestions by our own Traf community, including both students and staff.
Once the committee has voted, the chosen book becomes the Traf Reads selection for the upcoming school year. Over the summer, everyone in the Traf community—students and staff alike—reads the book in their preferred format. When classes resume, we engage in thoughtful discussions, projects, and assignments centered around this shared literary experience.
Traf Reads not only develops critical reading skills but also strengthens our school community through a collective love of literature.
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