English 9 Course Outline

Ms. Bergman
Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can;
there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.
Sarah Caldwell
Introduction
Welcome to English 9 at W.J. Mouat, I am glad you are here! I am excited to explore the world of
English with you this semester. Language is the foundation of thinking, learning, and
communicating. As you come to understand and use language more fully, you will be able to enjoy
the benefits and pleasures of language in many different forms.
As we explore the importance of language, story, and communication, this course will encourage you
to do the following:
- communicate effectively in written, spoken, and visual forms
- develop positive attitudes toward language learning
- make connections to other areas of study and your life
- think critically, creatively, and reflectively
- appreciate your own culture and the culture of others
- use and understand technology and media resources
English 9 consists of these six units intended to develop the skills of reading comprehension, grammar,
discussion, oral presentations, and essay writing (units subject to change).
The units are (not necessarily in this order):
- Grammar and writing
- Mythology
- Poetry
- Short stories
- Drama: A Midsummer Nights Dream, by William Shakespeare
- Novel Study: And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie

all semester
3-4 weeks
2-3 weeks
3-4 weeks
2-3 weeks
3 weeks

Attendance
Regular attendance is essential for success in this class
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class
If you are late to class, please enter the room without disturbing the learning of others. As
long as the door is unlocked, you need not knock to gain entrance.
If you arrive to class after the second bell has gone, then you are late.
- First and second late will result in written notation in the Attendance Ledger.
- Third late will result in an official recorded contact with a parent/guardian.
Quizzes will take place at the beginning of class. Therefore, if you are consistently late for
class, then your mark will be negatively affected.

Submitting Assignment
Assignments are to be submitted on the day they are due. English is a subject where you build on
learning, so if you do not hand in assignments your mark on future assignments will be affected.
There will be consequences for late and/or incomplete assignments.
Materials to be brought to every class
Binder with notes, unit outlines and lined paper
Writing utensils pens, pencils, erasers, white out, highlighters, etc.
Books whatever we are currently reading
Website
My website is www.msbergmansclass.weebly.com. I update the website at least three times a week,
and often daily. There you will find the course outline, terms, resources, and assignments/handouts.
If you are excused from class for some reason or have lost an assignment, please check the website
before asking me what you are missing, because I will simply direct you to the website.
CheckMyMark
Your CheckMyMark acts as a way for you and your parents and/or guardians to keep track of what
you may be missing and how you did on your assessments. It will not calculate a percentage for you
throughout the semester. If you want to know what your grade looks like, please come see me.
Assessment
Writing will be assessed on the 6 point scale, tests and quizzes will be percentages, and everything
else will receive a letter grade.
This class is marked cumulatively, which means that it is not simply an average of the two terms.
Instead, you will be assessed on your progress, growth, and improvement as a learner throughout
the entire semester.
School mark
Final Exam
Total

80%
20%
100%

Special Notes on Classroom Expectations and Requirements

Assessment and Evaluation. My assessment and evaluation of your work and, ultimately,
your learning, will depend heavily on your ability to communicate with me via written and
oral language. Therefore, it is imperative for students with weak communication skills to seek
help, support and assistance from me.

Cell phones, MP3 players, Ipods, and other personal listening devices. Cell phones
must be turned off and out of sight at all times. Use of MP3 players, Ipods and other
personal listening devices is not permitted in our classroom. Students who do not adhere to
this policy may have these devices confiscated. (see WJ Mouat Student Agenda).

Afterschool hours. I am accessible for those students that seek help. My afterschool hours
are Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 2:30-3:30 and Thursday 2:45-3:30.

Plagiarism. Each year a number of students submit work which is partly or entirely copied
from another source. Students must understand that using the IDEAS or COPYING the
written work of any other writer without acknowledging the source is ABSOLUTELY
UNACCEPTABLE. Students who Loan their essays or assignments to others, and
students who borrow assignments are equally responsible. There will be contact home,
disciplinary actions taken, and classroom consequences for choosing to plagiarize.

Code of Conduct. The conduct you display in class should be similar to the manner in
which you conduct yourself at your workplace and/or in an adult setting. Students MUST
adhere to the following Six Golden Rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Arrive to class on time.

Be prepared to start work immediately.
Participate actively and constructively.
Be positive and possess a positive attitude.
Meet deadlines and due dates.
Respect begets respect.

I am excited to begin this journey with you. Please complete the following to show your
understanding of what I expect from you this semester.

I, _________________________________________________, have read and understand what is

(name)
expected of me in English 9 and will come to school ready to learn.

Signature of student: ___________________________________________________

Please show this to your parents and/or your guardians and have them read it and sign that they have read it.
Please show the signed page to Ms. Bergman no later than Monday, February 9th.

Parent signature: __________________________________________