Waterloo Collegiate’s Magnet Multilingual Learner Program – English Literacy Development (ELD)/ English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs provide a welcoming environment for students new to Canada. One of the major components of the programs is to accurately assess and place students in the appropriate level upon arrival. Our mandate is to ensure continual guidance support to ensure students meet the Ontario Secondary School Diploma requirements and achieve their post-secondary goals. The MLL programs allow students to work at their own level with the aim of offering a smooth transition into mainstream English classes as well as continuing the acculturation process by providing a variety of Canadian experiences.

“I came to Canada from Syria with zero English and now, after only four years, I am studying Pre-Health Sciences at Conestoga College. The WCI ELD program made that possible for me.” – Fatima Alatia

“I didn’t choose to come to Canada, and I struggled at the beginning. I started in ESLAOI. I quickly fit in and progressed through the levels. I just finished my Masters in Biomedical Sciences at the Univerity of Guelph, and I am waiting to hear if I have been accepted into Law School. Without ESL I might not have made it to University.” – Saba Oji

Grade 9 course selections will be completed with the help of your Grade 8 teacher or guidance counsellor.

ESL & ELD Language Course Offerings

Grade 9 ESL and ELD Electives:

In Grades 9 and 10, WCI offers a number of ESL & ELD electives designed to allow students to experience a mainstream curriculum with a lower student to teacher ratio. These sheltered courses provide direct pathways to the mainstream academic courses, with a proven track record of success.