English 9

Course Outline
Instructor: Mr. Powell E-mail: tpowell@sd62.bc.ca Classroom: Portable #3 Website: http://powellsclassroom.weebly.com I use the website frequently! (a.k.a. every day) Twitter: @tpowell62 This isnt a required follow, but you may find this incredibly useful. On the website, under the English 9 tab, you will find downloadable assignments (so that there are NO I left it at home! excuses), scheduled due dates for assignments, an assignment drop box and a schedule of events. I will require some, if not many of the assignments handed in via the drop box. This means that the assignments will need to be computer-generated (.doc or .docx files), or scanned. Also, there is a Contact Me tab, when you can email me directly. If you know that you will be absent for a class, please send me a quick note so that I know.

Instructional Philosophy:
I firmly believe that respect is one of the most important aspects of any classroom. This is why I have the word RESPECT posted at the front of the room. That respect needs to be all-encompassing (for yourself, for me, for the physical classroom, for each other). I think that I am flexible and fair, but I have high expectations for all students. I think that all education, no matter what the subject is, needs to be discussed, talked about and dissected in order to be effectively studied. This means that you should be prepared to discuss what you have learned and your opinions on a variety of subjects. That doesnt mean that the door is open to chat all of the time, but I certainly am looking for opinion and thoughts, to be chatty ON TOPIC. I always want our classroom to be free from judgement and open to discussions. I also like to use technology to supplement what we are doing (such as blogging and Tweeting), so be ready for that.

Topics:

Short Stories Poetry (I come at this quite differently) Grammar and Vocabulary Writing o poems o personal narratives o reviews o letters o TBA Robert Cormiers The Chocolate War Barbara Haworth-Attards Theories of Relativity Media Literacy Drama: William Shakespeares Much Ado About Nothing (Dont groan too much!) Non-Fiction

You will find that we write quite often, usually in the form of quickwrites. My philosophy is that people, and especially students, dont write enough. By that I mean pen-to-paper writing.

Course Assessment & Evaluation:

You will earn your marks through a wide variety of ways. The biggest thing is to be present (in mind and body!) and actively involved in the class and discussions. Other ways to earn marks are through worksheets, notes, assignments, group discussions, presentations, and projects. Class mark: 70% Final Exam: 20% Participation mark: 10% Letter Grade & Percentage: A 86 100% B 73 85% C+ 67 72% C 60 66% C50 59% F 0 49%

Class Mark: Reading/Viewing/Listening Skills - 50% quizzes/tests, reading projects, film reviews, etc. Writing/Speaking/Representing Skills - 50% impromptus, essays, presentations, descriptive writing, poetry, etc.

It is your responsibility to keep track of due dates and your results on assignments in order
to monitor your progress in this course. The website will provide you will a great resource to have on-hand and to use to make sure that you stay on top of things.

Assignments MUST be handed in on time

If you know you are going to be away or have an appointment on a due date, please arrange an extension with me before the date. Email conversations are acceptable. As you know, late assignments or projects are rarely done as well as those submitted on time.

Participation Mark: This is a very easy 10%! You will be given a participation mark at the end of every month. I will be looking at being in class on time and prepared, organization and notetaking, being actively involved in class discussions, being actively involved in the class environment.

Equipment required for this course:

Binder for English 9 with dividers and loose-leaf paper Pen - Blue or Black ---- NOT pink, purple, green, etc. Pen Red Pencil Eraser Ruler Highlighter(s) Recommended: o dictionary and thesaurus (yes, your smartphone is okay) o coloring supplies o sticky notes

Expectations for Pre-AP English 9:

Come to class with all materials needed for that day (binder, novel, pen, pencil, etc.) I will not
allow students to go to their locker after the bell had gone. o I do have extra supplies for student use, but a shoe must be exchanged for it

Students English binder must remain organized (the participation aspect assesses the organization
of notes, drafts, worksheets, handouts, etc.)

Students should use some sort of agenda. This will be checked periodically, and will be included
in your participation mark.

Students may eat/drink in class, but if I find a single piece of garbage on the floor or in a desk, this
privilege will be removed immediately. Spills must be cleaned up!! Aaaaaand, energy drinks are NOT allowed in class at any point.

Students may listen to MP3 players and handhelds during individual work time, but devices must
be removed from the ears and turned off until I give the green light.

Texting is not permitted during class time... EVER. If a student is caught texting in class (and
concentrating on your lap is a bit of a giveaway), I will confiscate the device and return it to the student at the end of the class. If it gets to be a real issue, I will take the device down to the office and the student can pick it up from an administrator. Facebook: Ah, the bane of every teachers classroom. Honestly, I dont mind it..outside of the classroom. o Basically most of the projects will require some computer time, and it is your responsibility to stay focused and away from the dreaded FB. I dont include Twitter and other social media because there will be time when we use it. Oh, we will never use Instagram

The Powell Negative S-Word Rule o I have had this rule for my entire career, and in every school that I have taught in. o I believe that people need to really THINK about what is coming out of their mouths in
terms of communication. It is verbalizing who you are as an individual.

QUESTIONS????