This first level in the WELS Intensive ESL program 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.

Prerequisite: None

WELS ESL Level 2 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 Canadian life by expanding their cultural knowledge of their new province using a variety of texts, media, and activities.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of WELS, Level 1, or equivalent*

This level extends students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English for a variety of everyday and academic purposes. Students will demonstrate improved listening comprehension in English. 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 academic programs. This level also introduces students to the rights and responsibilities inherent in Canadian citizenship, and to a variety of current Canadian issues. Prerequisite: Successful completion of WELS English as a Second Language, Level 2, or equivalent*

“Equivalent” may be an equivalent course of study completed in another province in Canada or in another country, or a proficiency level determined through initial assessment.

In this level, students are prepared to use English with increasing fluency and accuracy in classroom and social situations and to participate in Canadian society as informed residents. Students will develop the reading, writing, and oral presentation skills required for success in college and university subjects. Students are introduced to process essay writing. They will also study and interpret a variety of academic texts; extend listening and speaking skills through note-taking, listening to academic lectures, conducting authentic interviews with Canadian people, and participating in discussions and presentations. Students will also write summaries of academic lectures and articles in English; and respond critically to various print and media texts.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of WELS, Level 3, or equivalent*

This level provides students with the skills and strategies they need to make the transition to college and university preparation courses in English. Students will be encouraged to develop independence in a range of academic tasks. They will participate in debates and lead classroom discussions; 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.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of WELS, Level 4, or equivalent*

“Equivalent” may be an equivalent course of study completed in another province in Canada or in another country, or a proficiency level determined through initial assessment.