Should I Take ELA 30-1 in Summer School? A Guide For Alberta Students
- Heather Adam
- May 2
- 5 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
Many high school students in Alberta choose to take ELA 30-1 in summer school to lighten their Grade 12 workload, but it is important to consider the pros and cons of the condensed version of this course before committing to it.
As a tutor who has worked with high school students across Alberta, I am often asked the same questions: Is taking ELA 30-1 in summer school hard? How much time will I need to set aside for coursework each day? Are teachers more lenient when marking summer school assignments?
In this article, I’ll answer each of these questions and walk you through the key factors to consider before enrolling in a condensed ELA 30-1 course. Let's start with the basics.
How Long Is the ELA 30-1 Summer Course?
Most ELA 30-1 summer school courses in Alberta run for four to six weeks.
When Do You Write the ELA 30-1 Diploma Exam?
If you take ELA 30-1 in summer school, you typically have two options:
Write your diploma exam in August, immediately after the course
Wait and write your diploma in November
Availability can vary depending on your school or program, so it’s important to confirm your options with your program advisor.
How Much Time Will I Have to Spend on Coursework?
The time commitment required depends on whether you are taking the course online or in-person.
Online students:
Plan to spend 4–5 hours per day, five days a week on coursework (as you have to cover the course material on your own)
Alternatively, some students spread the workload across 2–3 hours per day, seven days a week
In-person students:
Expect one to two hours of homework each evening during weekdays
Please note: the times listed above are guidelines. Every student is different. If you are a student who typically needs more time to read and comprehend texts, or write essays, you may need to allot more time than what is listed above to ensure you succeed in this course.
What Do You Learn in ELA 30-1?
Whether you take the shortened or full-length version of this course, the material you are expected to cover remains the same.
In a typical ELA 30-1 summer course, students are expected to:
Read a Shakespearean play
Study a novel
Analyze a variety of poems and short stories
Write 4–6 essays in preparation for the diploma exam
Due to the accelerated pace of summer school, students may complete multiple assignments before receiving detailed feedback, which can make improvement more challenging.
Is Taking ELA 30-1 in Summer School Difficult?
ELA 30-1 is considered a challenging course, especially in summer school.
In my experience, the biggest difficulty students face is the fast pace of the course. Students are expected to read, write, and improve their skills very quickly, often with limited time for revision between assignments.
If you are a student who has struggled with English in the past, or who finds the pacing of semester-long English classes challenging, summer school may not be the best fit for you.
Students who already feel confident with English often find that the pacing of the course is demanding, but manageable.
Do Teachers Mark Easier in Summer School?
I hear this idea all the time! Students who struggle with English feel as though taking ELA 30-1 in summer school will help them do better because the markers are 'less strict.'
While some teachers may take the accelerated pace into account when marking coursework, it is not guaranteed across the board. Additionally, with less feedback and time to improve, students who find writing or reading comprehension difficult often struggle to reach their desired grades when they write their diplomas.
As of September 1, 2023, the ELA 30-1 diploma exams are worth 30 percent of each student's final grade. Diplomas are marked at the same standard for all students across Alberta, which means that you will not be marked more leniently because you are a summer school student.
It is important to consider the weight of your diploma when deciding whether the condensed course is the right fit for you.
Who Should Take ELA 30-1 in Summer School?
I recommend taking ELA in summer school if:
You are a strong reader and writer
You are self-motivated and can manage your time effectively
You will have a lot of time to set aside for coursework
It may not be the best choice for you if:
You struggled with reading or writing in ELA 20
You need frequent, detailed feedback to improve
You have a busy summer schedule (or limited study time)
Need Extra Support with ELA 30-1?
Summer school may seem daunting but, with the right support, it can be much more approachable. Having a tutor to consult with while working on your coursework can help you stay on track, and ensure that you are able to get the feedback you need to strengthen your writing.
As a tutor with over seven years of experience preparing students for diploma exams, I have developed targeted strategies and resources that help students succeed.
In my sessions, I offer:
Detailed, comment-based feedback that helps students become independent writers, thinkers, and editors
Reading comprehension strategies tailored to diploma-style questions
Step-by-step guidance on how to plan and write a strong essay
Clear instruction on core texts, including plays, novels, and short stories
No matter where you're at, I would love to help you on your academic journey!
If you're interested in getting support for ELA 30-1, please click the link below to book a free meet and greet. You can also reach out to me with any questions here.
Want more information about my tutoring background? Check out this recent blog post for insight on my tutoring experience, what to expect in my sessions, and my pricing.
Resources For ELA 30-1
In addition to one-on-one tutoring, I’ve created two resources that are specifically designed to help students succeed in ELA 30-1.
The Ultimate Essay Writing Handbook:
This book is a step-by-step guide to planning, structuring, and writing strong literary essays. Inside, students will find clear strategies they can apply to their writing right away. It is created with grade twelve students in mind, but it is great for any high school student looking to improve their essay writing skills!
ELA 30-1 Diploma (Part B) Handbook
This handbook includes targeted strategies for tackling different types of diploma questions, a curated list of important literary devices, and a breakdown of common terms found on the Part B exam. It also features eight released diploma exams with answer keys, which gives students the opportunity to practice with real materials and build confidence before their exam. This product is also free! I hope it helps you on your academic journey!
Final Thoughts: Is Taking ELA 30-1 in Summer School Worth It?
ELA 30-1 can be a great option for self-motivated students who thrive in a fast-paced learning environment. It is important to remember the condensed course is not easier, it is just faster, which often makes it more challenging for students.
If you are still unsure whether ELA 30-1 summer school is the right fit for you, it's a great idea to talk to a teacher, counsellor, or tutor to get more insight before you make your decision.