L.E.A.P. Literature Enrichment Advanced Placement

WHAT IS L.E.A.P?  Like STEM is to science and math, LEAP is to English and drama and writing.  This is an enrichment opportunity that challenges motivated students to pursue their love of communication, reading, writing and analysis of literature.

So, what cool things can I see or do when I join LEAP?

GUEST SPEAKERS  So far, we have booked three guest speakers. One is our very own Mr. Stephen MacNeil, author of Woolies and Worms, and he is an established screen writer. He will be presenting, in here, on October 28 th.  We have also booked Mr. Kyle Christie, graduate of ACS, and he is presently the anchor and host of CP24 Live at 5 and teaches journalism at Conestoga College.

 We have also booked John Wing (comedian, poet, author, U of Windsor lecturer, CBC Radio contributor) for Dec. 5. He has been a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno six times, and performed at nine Just For Laughs comedy festivals, and had his own comedy series, Man, Woman and Child, ] He was a contestant on America's Got Talent (season 8) in 2013 but was eliminated in the semifinals.The Tonight Show with Jay LenoJust For LaughsMan, Woman and Child ]America's Got Talent (season 8)

 Mr. Wing will talk about his past and on going projects involving poetry, comedy, television, radio, lecturing, contributing essays.  I am sure in the midst of his talk he will make us laugh! 

WRITING CONTESTS  ACS LEAP will be hosting periodic writing contests based on a theme. All ACS Lions are strongly encouraged to submit a piece of writing based on a motif; this means all types of writing (scripts, poems, short stories, essays, speeches) are accepted. Prizes will be awarded for first place. As well, the winning piece and honorable mention will be featured in our School Magazine.  Our first contest will run from October 22- November 12. All hard copy submissions must be submitted by the due date in the library. A box for submissions will be made available.  Our motif for our first contest is "loss".

ACS BOOK CLUB  The Book Club run by Ms. Freibauer and Ms. Creechan  It runs every Monday, in the library, during both lunches.  Last year we read Fault in Our Stars, and 13 Reasons Why  If I Stay is the first title this year.  The Book club also goes on a trip to Toronto, in the spring, to meet authors and do some sightseeing.

THE POET’S CORNER  The Poet’s Corner: this is an opportunity for students and staff to dramatically recite, on ATV, a meaningful poem, written by a favorite author or an original piece of poetry.

THE REMEMBRANCE DAY SPEECH CONTEST  The Thank –a- Vet speech writing contest.  The winner of this contest will deliver his/her speech at the Remembrance Day Lunch here at ACS.  The next top 5 speeches will be delivered, live, on ATV during the week of November 10 to 17 th.

HOW DO I JOIN LEAP?  Complete and submit the registration form to Student Services a.s.a.p..  You will be included in the LEAP s reminding you of upcoming activities.  Your attendance and involvement in activities earns you points towards Letter/Lion Awards.

WHAT IS AP ENGLISH?  The Advanced Placement or AP program offers university-level courses and exams for secondary students.  In Canada, the program is administered the by the office of The College Board in Victoria B.C.  By taking the courses here at ACS, and writing the Advanced Placement exam in the spring, it provides students with the opportunity to earn a first year university equivalency credit in English.

WHAT IS AP (ADVANCED PLACEMENT?)  In September 2015, AP English will be offered in grade 12.  You will take 4U1 AP in Semester 1 and ETS 4U1 (Studies in Literature) AP, Semester 2. The AP Exam in Literature and Composition will be written in May of These two courses will provide the practice and preparation students need so that they can succeed on this international exam.

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF A PRE-AP ENGLISH STUDENT? Is this YOU?  Strong reader  Strong writer  Self-motivated learner  High achiever  Have a strong desire to learn

IF YOU ARE 11U AND JOIN LEAP:  If you are considering AP English in 2015 and you earn 10 points in your grade 12 year through LEAP, and you take an AP course and write the AP exam, you will earn a special AP certificate and acknowledgement at your Grad, in June of 2016.

ON YOUR WAY OUT:  Pick up a registration form.  There is a section for you to complete in terms of contact information and qualities for an AP placement student.  You will also need a teacher referral; this can be any teacher who has taught you or is presently teaching you.  You will need three signatures: that teacher, yours and a parent/guardian.

ONE LAST THING!  What do STEM, LEAP and PASTA have in common?  Here’s a flyer from Mr. Page to explain that.

L.E.A.P.  It’s time to invest in your future.  It’s time to invest in your self.  It’s time to LEAP with us.