Have you been thinking about learning a new language? Maybe you’re interested in honing your English language skills as a newcomer to Canada. Or perhaps you need to earn English credits for your Ontario high school diploma. The Ontario Virtual School has many options for language courses that can support your needs and meet your OSSD requirements. Through differentiated learning and multiple modes of delivery, including videos, written tasks, visuals, and audio, students can obtain the skills necessary to master a language.
International Languages
- Hindi – offered in grade 12 LIHDU
- Punjabi – offered in grade 11 LIPCU and grade 12 LIPDU
- Simplified Chinese – offered in grade 11 LKBCU and grade 12 LKBDU
- Korean – offered in grade 12 LKKDU
- Spanish – offered in grade 11 LWSCU and grade 12 LWSDU
- Farsi/Persian – offered in grade 11 LYFCU and grade 12 LYFDU
If you don’t have the necessary course prerequisite for these courses, you are also able to complete an assessment test to see if you qualify to take the course!
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Specially designed for newcomers to Canada, these courses teach students how to read, write, listen, and speak in English, while also teaching them about Canada, the media, and English literature. There are a total of 5 levels of ESL offered at OVS, with the fifth class aiming to transition students to college- and university-preparation courses.
French
There are many French course options at OVS, including core French and French immersion. Core French is offered in every grade, starting with Grade 6 (FRA6G) and ending in Grade 12 (SFS4U). These courses are for students who wants to be introduced to the French language and want to learn the basics of how to speak, listen, read, and write in French. Students will also learn about French-Canadian history and culture.
French immersion courses are offered in grade 9-12 and a variety of subjects, such as FIF4U (French Immersion Grade 12), which helps students to hone their French language skills and speak with fluency, while also exploring different types of media and literature. Other courses, such as biology (SBI4UF), advanced functions (MHF4UF), and nutrition and health (HFA4UF) are also offered in French immersion.
English
English is mandatory for students to take in all four years in secondary school in order to earn their high school diploma. OVS offers English in all four grades and in various levels.
Other English Courses
In addition to the above English courses, OVS also offers some other English courses. For those who have not passed the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), you are required to then take the Ontario Literacy Course (OLC4O). If writing is your passion, try The Writer’s Craft course (EWC4U) which gives students the opportunity to express themselves through the written word. OVS also offers Grade 11 Media Studies (EMS3O), where students engage in English language skills by analyzing media representation and communication. Another amazing course is English: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Voices (NBE3U), which introduces students to the ways Indigenous Canadians express themselves and communicate in contemporary Canada. And the Grade 12 Business & Technology English (EBT4O) course gives students an opportunity to learn how to communicate effectively in the business and technology world.
Middle School Courses
Conclusion
No matter what language you are wanting to learn, OVS has a variety of courses to suit your needs. By using differentiated lessons with videos, audio, written passages, images, and different methods of assessment, students can learn languages on a deeper level. Students will hone their skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking, media, business communication, French-Canadian culture, and Indigenous forms of expression. Register for a language course with OVS today!
Written By Michelle E Miller (OVS Teacher)