Multilingual Learners Program

These courses are designed for English language learners who have had opportunities to develop language and literacy skills in their own language appropriate to their age or grade level. Most English language learners are in this group. These learners may be entering secondary school from elementary school alongside their English-speaking peers, or they may be entering secondary school in Ontario having recently arrived from other countries. They can read and write in their own language within the expected range for students of their age in their own country. They can build on their existing first-language skills when learning English in an ESL program.

ESL credit courses (ESLAO to ESLEO) are available to English language learners on the ESL credit pathway. Up to three ESL language courses can be applied to the four compulsory English credits required for diploma purposes. There are five ESL courses based on levels of language proficiency in English. Depending on a learners’ previous experience with English, students may be placed in ESL Level 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. For example, a student who has been in full-time education in his or her country of origin but who has never studied English would be placed in ESL Level 1. A student who has been in full-time education in his or her own country and has studied some English might be placed in ESL Level 2 or 3 on the basis of the initial English language assessment

Course Descriptions

ESLAO – English as a Second Language, Level 1
1 credit, Open, Prerequisite: None
This course builds on students’ previous education and language knowledge to introduce the English language and help students adjust to their new cultural environment. Students will use beginning English language skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing for everyday and essential academic purposes; use basic English language structures and simple sentence patterns in short conversations; read short adapted texts; and write phrases and short sentences. The course also provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to begin to adapt to their new lives in Canada.

ESLBO – English as a Second Language, Level 2
1 credit,  Open, Prerequisite: English as a Second Language, Level 1
This course expands students’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English for everyday and academic purposes. Students will participate in conversations, in structured situations, on a variety of familiar and new topics; link English sentences to compose paragraphs; read a variety of texts designed or adapted for English language learners; and expand their knowledge of English grammatical structures and sentence patterns. The course also supports students’ continuing adaptation to the Ontario school system by expanding their knowledge of diversity in their new province and country. 

ESLCO – English as a Second Language, Level 3
1 credit, Open, Prerequisite: English as a Second Language, Level 2
This course extends students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English for a variety of everyday and academic purposes. Students will make short classroom presentations; read a variety of adapted and original texts in English; and write using a variety of forms of text. Students will also expand their academic vocabulary and their study skills to facilitate the transition to the mainstream school program. This course also introduces students to the rights and responsibilities inherent in Canadian citizenship and to a variety of current Canadian issues.

ESLDO – English as a Second Language, Level 4
1 credit, Open, Prerequisite: English as a Second Language, Level 3
This course prepares students to use English with increasing fluency and accuracy in classroom and social situations and to participate in Canadian society as informed citizens. Students will develop the reading, writing and oral presentation skills required for success in all school subjects. They will study and interpret a variety of grade-level texts; extend listening and speaking skills through participation in discussions and seminars; write narratives, articles, and summaries in English; and respond critically to various print and media texts.

ESLEO – English as a Second Language, Level 5
1 credit, Open, Prerequisite: English as a Second Language, Level 4
This course provides students with the skills and strategies they need to make the transition to college and university preparation courses in English and other secondary school disciplines. Students will be encouraged to develop independence in a range of academic tasks. They will participate in debates and lead classroom workshops; read and interpret literary works and academic texts; write essays, narratives and reports; and apply a range of learning strategies and research skills effectively. Students will further develop their ability to respond critically to print and media texts.

Community Support

Settlement Workers provide assistance to newcomers in the areas of translation, employment, housing and advocacy as required. Wellington Catholic DSB has a partnership with Settlement Workers in Schools run through Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington. (SWIS) Settlement Workers assist newcomer families as they settle in Ontario. Each school site has a SWIS that can facilitate schools in welcoming and supporting newcomer families.

Resource Links:

County of Wellington – Settlement Services

Immigration Services  Guelph-Wellington

Guelph Wellington Local Immigration Partnership

For more information on government funded programs and initiatives, please visit:

	Supporting English  Language Learners  A practical guide for Ontario educators  Grades 1 to 8 Click Here		English Language Learners ESL and ELD Program and Services Click Here
	Supporting English  Language Learners with  Limited Prior Schooling A practical guide for Ontario educators Grades 3 to 12 Click Here		Supporting  English Language Learners  in Kindergarten A practical guide for Ontario educators Click Here​