COURSES

English Language Arts Department

The English Language Arts department at Harrington College of Canada is committed not only to developing all the comprehension and communication skills normally associated with a language arts programme, but also to preparing students to meet the requirements of the most challenging university curriculum. The English Language Arts programme is interactive and recognizes the interdependence of language and literature. The Secondary English Language Arts programme allows students to realize that effective use of language in formulating their ideas and effective participation in the communication process are essential to their intellectual, emotional and aesthetic growth.

Program Goals

•  to foster effective participation by students in the communication process
•  to provide opportunities for students to use language effectively
•  to provide opportunities for students to develop writing mastery
•  to provide opportunities for students to value good literature and its importance in contemporary society
•  to encourage students to develop critical thinking skills

English Language Arts - Secondary I - V - Compulsory

Language Arts
The English curriculum comprises full-year courses. While courses vary in content, focus and level of difficulty, these skills - literature and language study, writing, and critical thinking - receive considerable attention in every course. In addition to helping students develop interest and proficiency in these areas, English staff provides students with extended and individual assistance through teacher-student conferences, portfolio work, and SAT/ACT preparation.

Language Arts Grades 7 & 8
Language Arts Grades 7 & 8 introduces a variety of literary genres. The study of drama, novels and poetry allows the class to place specific emphasis on developing the analytical approach to reading. There is a consistent attempt to bring relevance and find connections in the curriculum to the lives of the students. Each term, students select independent reading and write book reviews and journal entries.

Language Arts Grade 9
At this level students are working to strengthen their reading, study and communication skills. The course emphasizes close reading and analysis of literature through a program that stresses a variety of monitoring and self-correcting methods (skimming, scanning, reading ahead, rereading, predicting and summarizing); selecting and applying word recognition strategies (visual clues, contextual clues, structural analysis); and comprehension strategies (graphic organizers, highlighting, marginal notes) and understanding how they best learn (learning styles and multiple intelligences). 

English 10
This course focuses on further improvement of reading comprehension, critical thinking, and expository and narrative writing skills. The course emphasizes North American literature although reading material is drawn from many areas. Among major works read are Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Catcher in the Rye, Shoeless Joe, The Power of One, The Crucible, The Scarlet Letter (honours level) and Macbeth. In this English course, students prepare and submit portfolios.

Grade 11:  Modern Literature
Modern Literature focuses primarily on the works of post-World War II authors. Students explore cultural diversity and controversial concerns of modern and contemporary society through various novels, dramas, short stories, essays and poetry. The activities based on these readings are equally varied, including literary analysis and research, imitative and creative writing, student presentations, class discussions, and portfolio preparation. Major course readings include One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Power of One, Fifth Business and The Great Gatsby.

AP English: Language and Composition and Grade 12 English
This optional college-level course is intended for highly motivated, highly skilled students who have a strong interest in critical reading. The writing skills that students come to appreciate through attentive and continued analysis of a variety of prose texts can serve them in their own writing as they become increasingly aware of these skills and their pertinent uses. Students will receive preparation for taking the national AP Language/Composition examination. This is open to students in Grade 11 and 12.

ESL English
English as a Second Language focuses on reading, vocabulary, language mechanics, writing and speaking, helping students develop overall language proficiency. Short pieces of fiction and non-fiction constitute course reading. Students also have the opportunity to practice word-processing. Limited class size provides ample time for one-on-one instruction, and students are encouraged to move into more challenging English offerings as soon as they are ready, at any point in the year.

Enrichment Electives
Sports Journalism
Designed for students with strong writing skills and an interest in working on the school newspaper and Journal, journalism helps students develop news gathering techniques, write different types of copy, and consider topical local, state, national, and international sporting issues. Journalism students are principally responsible for publishing the school paper; therefore, they are expected to devote time beyond class to working on this publication.

SAT I - Verbal Preparation
SAT I is a course designed for students interested in learning test taking strategies for the verbal section of SAT I. Students will be provided instruction in analogies, sentence completion and reading comprehension through practice exercises, pre- and post-SAT quizzes and tests. Students will address individual weaknesses through the use of computer software. In addition, extensive work in vocabulary, based on the SAT master vocabulary list will be included as part of the course. Assessment will be based on completion of homework assignments, vocabulary quizzes and tests, and practice SAT test scores.

Mathematics Department

Sequences of mathematics courses at Harrington College of Canada are designed to reflect the expectations of the Quebec Education Ministry (MEQ). In addition to developing strong mathematical skills, the mathematics department has designed its programme to make mathematics accessible, challenging and fun. The department is committed to integrating the use of technology (particularly calculators and computers), wherever appropriate, to enhance teaching and learning. Mathematics is required at all levels.

Grade 7
Pre Algebra: Success in Algebra requires certain prerequisite skills and understanding. Pre Algebra is designed to prepare students for a successful study of algebra. Students will learn to operate with integers, solve simple equations and graph in a rectangular coordinate system. They will learn to apply problem solving strategies to real life problems. Manipulates and technology form an integral part of this course.

Grade 8
Algebra I: This course is designed to help the student develop an understanding of much of the algebraic structure of the real number system, acquire facility in applying algebraic concepts and skills, and perceive the role of deductive thinking in algebra. The students should be able to apply this kind of mathematics to problems of the physical world and gain the necessary preparation for the future study of mathematics and related fields.

Grade 9
Geometry: This course is designed to integrate the mathematics of arithmetic, measurement, coordinate geometry, formal geometry, transformations and logic. Although the majority of study is on the mathematics of two dimensions, attention is drawn to mathematics of 1, 2 and 3 dimensions. Considerable emphasis is placed on methods of reasoning. For many students, this course provides the first encounter with formal proof, and the mathematics of correct and valid inference.

Grade 10
Math 436/426
This course reviews and significantly extends the principles and techniques of first year algebra. In addition, sequences, matrices, quadratic and logarithmic functions and probability are studied. Graphic as well as algebraic representation is emphasized. Although the real number system is paramount, considerable work with the complex number system is included.

Grade 11 Math 536/526
Pre-Calculus: The course is designed for students who are planning to study calculus and other higher mathematics at the college level. The content of this course includes a detailed treatment of conic sections, the principle of mathematical induction, sequences and series, functions and limits, rational functions, polynomial equations and exponential and logarithmic equations. Care will be taken to use scientific calculators as well as graphing utilities appropriately. Students mastering the competencies specified in this course should be successful in calculus.

Grade 12
Advanced Math: This course includes advanced work in algebra, analytic geometry, the transcendental (trigonometric, circular, logarithmic, and exponential functions), and polar coordinates. Other topics include mathematical induction, theory of equations, theory of limits and an introduction to calculus. Although Pre-Calculus is not always required for college entrance, it is recommended for students who intend to study in the area of mathematics, engineering, or other science related fields. A graphing calculator is necessary.

Social Studies Department

The Purpose of social studies is to help young people recognize their roles as participants in a democratic society and global community and to take responsibility for their place in the world. Through acquiring knowledge, developing skills and examining values, students begin to understand themselves as individuals, family members, consumers and citizens.

Social studies, by its nature, focuses on the dynamics of the human condition, confronting students with the spectrum of human actions and emotions. It is directly concerned with the study of cultures and civilizations, the effect of change, the development of critical thinking, the improvement of society through reflection and enlightened participation, and the broadening of students' intellectual horizons.

Finally, social studies promote an awareness and appreciation of a culturally-mixed society in an interdependent world. 

World Civilizations Grades 7 & 8
The course includes a study of the development of civilization in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas from their earliest beginnings to approximately 1500 AD. Each civilization is studied through its history, cultures, and the relationship between their social, political and economic realities. Geography and History is integrated into all units, and connections are made through online learning communities to explore areas throughout the world. 

World Geography 7 & 8
An introduction to Geography incorporating concepts, skills, and techniques used by the geographer to understand the Earth as the home of man. The major emphasis of the course is placed on man-environmental ecological systems. Field studies are used to reinforce skills learned in the classroom.  Emphasis is placed upon patterns of settlement and civilization, and the social, economic and cultural aspects of such development. Students examine human social organization and its environmental consequences.

Geography 7 & 8

Grade 9
History of Sports / Civics

Grade 10
History of Quebec & Canada

Grade 11
World History (optional)

Science courses offered at Harrington have a strong experiential component. Students learn scientific concepts and methods by using an experimental approach. Our science programme is designed to prepare students for careers in pure and applied science, health science and technological science. Students at each grade level participate in independent projects that help reinforce course content.

Grade 7 & 8 General Science
This science course will be broken into two main sections. The first part will be an exploration of Human Biology as students discover the inner workings of their own bodies. The course begins with a study of cells and cellular functions and is followed by nutrition and digestion, respiration, circulation support and movement and reproduction. The second part of the course will focus on astronomy as students explore selected areas of the universe. The course will emphasize both a conceptual and practical approach to learning science.

Biology
This course concentrates on three main areas of the rapidly changing science of biology:

I. Molecules and Cells
II. Heredity and Evolution
III. Organisms and Populations

Primary emphasis in this course is on developing an understanding of biology concepts rather than on memorizing terms and technical details. Essential to this conceptual understanding are the following: a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns. This course prepares students for advanced studies in biology.

Chemistry 11
Algebra 1, 2 is a prerequisite. This course teaches students about the physical and chemical properties and behaviour of materials around us. This class includes labs and discussions. The course also includes consumer and environmental issues that currently face society, along with basic chemistry work.

Physics 11
Physics is the fundamental science whose principles underlie all other sciences. Among the topics studied in physics are motion, mechanical and electrical energy, astronomy, heat, atomic physics, electrical circuitry and optics. Students spend considerable time understanding the concepts on which this course is based.

Environmental Science 12: (AP Optional)
Some people believe that our planet is in a state of trauma: toxic wastes, insecticides and solid wastes plague the air and water supplies, limited energy sources, nuclear power plants, and acid rain affect our lives now and in the future and also our relations with other world powers; and humans, in exploding numbers, impinge on natural habitats and threaten the survival of certain animal and plant species.
This course focuses on the problems of the environment, and potential solutions for our country. Given our campus and location a large amount of fieldwork is completed throughout this course.

Creative Arts - Electives

Creative Arts electives are offered in the following areas:

• Music
• Digital photography
• Multimedia

Experiential learning

Overview
Experiential education is the process of actively engaging students in an experience that has real consequences. HCC is a school where students learn by doing, by discovering and by critically thinking about the world and their environment. Students make discoveries and experiment with knowledge themselves, along with hearing or reading about the experiences of others. Students also reflect on their experiences, thus developing new skills, new attitudes, and new theories or ways of thinking.

In traditional classrooms, teachers begin by setting knowledge before students. They hope students will later find ways to apply that knowledge. At HCC students are active in their pursuit of knowledge.

Experiential learning at Harrington
Our students are never passive in the pursuit of knowledge, they are active participants. Harrington places a great deal of emphasis on experiential learning: taking education beyond the four walls of the classroom, where learning becomes an active process.

• Our surrounding property's "natural lab" filled with wildlife, mature trees and plant life, rivers, lakes, streams and rock formations creates the perfect setting for environmental science courses.

• Field trips to Montreal and Ottawa provide ideal settings to study history, political science, art, architecture and physical science in our many famous Canadian art and history museums, performing arts centers, Ottawa's parliament buildings, universities, pharmaceutical companies, hockey equipment manufacturers and high tech corporations.

• Courses are designed to provide students with introductions to career options that allows them to stay in a sports milieu regardless of the level of hockey that they achieve.

College Preparation

Pre AP / AP Courses

Pre AP Courses
Pre-AP is based on the following two important premises. The first is the expectation that all students can perform at rigorous academic levels. This expectation is reflected in curriculum and instruction throughout the school such that all students are consistently being challenged to expand their knowledge and skills to the next level. The second important premise of Pre-AP is the belief that we can prepare every student for higher intellectual engagement by starting the development of skills and acquisition of knowledge as early as possible. Addressed effectively, the middle and high school years can provide a powerful opportunity to help all students acquire the knowledge, concepts, and skills needed to engage in a higher level of learning.

AP Courses
In order for Harrington students to more effectively meet the requirements of the AP Program the following information is necessary:

•  Text readings are to be completed during the summer preceding the course.
•  Testing on summer work will take place in the first two days of term, with results counting 15-20% of the first semester grade.
•  Sitting for the A.P. exams in May is required of all A.P. students. For any further information please see www.apcentral.collegeboard.com.
•  AP Options: AP Biology
•  AP Chemistry
•  AP World History
•  AP English Literature and Composition
•  AP Environmental Science AP Art History
•  Candidates for the AP classes must be approved by the Academic Dean.

PSAT SAT & ACT Preparation

Students in grade 11 and 12 receive ACT PSAT/SAT exam writing technique and practice sessions to optimize their chances of success during testing.

* Course availability is dependent on student enrolment.