Advanced English 11

Course Outline

The Advanced English 11 curriculum guide reflects and builds upon the framework provided by Foundation for the Atlantic Canada English Language Arts Curriculum, located for download at and the Atlantic Canada English Language Arts Curriculum, Grades 10–12 (ACELAC), located for download at . The Atlantic Canada English language arts curriculum has been developed with the following intentions:

  • responding to continually evolving education needs of students and society
  • providing greater opportunities for all students to become literate
  • preparing students for the literacy challenges they will face throughout their lives
  • bringing greater coherence to teaching and learning in English language arts across the Atlantic provinces

Pervasive, ongoing changes in society—for example, rapidly expanding use of technologies—require a corresponding shift in learning opportunities for students to develop relevant knowledge, skills, strategies, processes, and attitudes that will enable them to function well as individuals, citizens, workers, and learners. To function productively and participate fully in our increasingly sophisticated technological, information-based society, citizens will need broad literacy abilities, and they will need to use these abilities flexibly. 

Advanced English 11 is characterized by additional content and curriculum outcomes that expand and extend learning in both theoretical and applied aspects of the subject area. Learning experiences in Advanced English 11 focus on in-depth treatment of selected topics, independent learning and reflection, extended research projects / case studies, and critical and cultural literacies. This course will be taught in both in class and on-line contexts, and will make effective use of information and communication technology and electronic resources for learning. 

Advanced English 11 is an intensive program of study reflecting higher expectations than English 11. Advanced English 11 offers a challenging curriculum for self-motivated students with a passion for language, literature, and learning. It is designed to broaden knowledge, hone skills, and foster initiative, risk-taking, and responsibility. These attributes are developed in an environment that promotes both independent and collaborative learning. Advanced English 11 is characterized by enriched content and extended curriculum outcomes. Learning experiences in Advanced English 11 focus on in-depth treatment of selected topics and sophisticated texts, independent learning and reflection, extended research projects, creation of texts, and interrelated learning experiences. 

A student who demonstrates several, or all, of the following attributes may be interested in Advanced English 11:

  • Has a passion for language, reading, writing, and literature
  • Is a proficient writer—eager to develop a range of writing 
  • Is a conscientious, self-directed learner • Is an avid reader 
  • Explores contemporary and non-contemporary literature in a variety of genres
  • Challenges comfort levels by taking risks as a reader and writer
  • Contributes enthusiastically to collaborative learning experiences
  • Relishes sophisticated learning experiences
  • Explores creative potential and imagination in a variety of ways
  • Is inquisitive, reflective, and open to new ideas
  • Is intrigued by diverse interpretations of a text or event
  • Seeks to comprehend and connect complex ideas and perspectives (e.g., the “big picture”)

The curriculum guide for this course is still relevant and includes important information for teachers. Teachers are reminded to reference the At-A-Glance documents for outcomes when using course guides.


Updated February 2, 2024