ENGLISH 9

Grade 9

The ninth grade English curriculum lays the foundation for the overall four-year program. Ninth grade students will write in a variety of forms, building on earlier experiences in written expression while exploring and correctly using the conventions of language and vocabulary. Students will learn and use techniques of oral communication and critical/strategic reading skills exploring a variety of literary genres. Successful completion of this course earns one required English credit.

ENGLISH 10

Grade 10

Building on the fundamental concepts taught in ninth grade, the tenth grade English curriculum will further assist students in developing an awareness of the diversity of cultures in the global community as reflected in literature. Tenth grade students will write in various forms to demonstrate skills of evaluation and analysis while refining the usage of language conventions and vocabulary. Students will explore the principles and techniques of literary criticism, conduct research, and document career options. Successful completion of this course earns one required English credit.

ENGLISH 11

Grade 11

Eleventh grade students will continue to develop techniques of discussion and written expression through critical reading of American authors and poets with emphasis on an analysis of the interrelationships of culture and literature. Students will write more sophisticated compositions in a variety of forms and create a significant writing product requiring basic mastery of research, documentation, and synthesis of ideas from a variety of sources. Techniques of oral communication will be strengthened. Successful completion of this course earns one required English credit.

ENGLISH 12

Grade 12

The twelfth grade English curriculum is the culmination of the students' study of language, literature, and writing in high school. Students will explore primarily the works of Great Britain and the British Commonwealth to refine skills in critical reading, literary analysis, and written expression. Students will be required to write a number of compositions that apply critical reading skills and various methods of literary criticism, as well as compositions to inform and persuade. Successful completion of this course earns one required English credit.

JOURNALISM I

Grades 10-12

This course provides the student with an opportunity to learn and apply the principles of writing for publications. In addition to news writing, students study production techniques and management, public relations, typography, lay-out formats, and photographic concepts. Students will be introduced to the technology of publication.

SPEECH COMMUNICATION

Grades 10-12

This course helps give students the skills needed to be successful communicators in the many different personal, social, and professional situations they may experience in life. The first half of the course concentrates on oral communication, physical communication, and listening skills in intrapersonal, interpersonal, and group discussions. The second half of the course concentrates on public speaking. Instruction emphasizes research and organization of information, awareness of audience, personal poise, language style, and critique.

DRAMA

Grades 10-12

This course explores the various areas of dramatics in order to give an understanding and appreciation of the art form. Students will participate in pantomime, improvisation, directing, acting, and technical theater.

HUMANITIES Grades 11-12

This course encompasses art, music, theatre, literature, and philosophy. Each area receives emphasis as a separate discipline, but interrelationships between disciplines are explored throughout the course. Two or three field trips to large cities to survey the artistic and historic offerings, along with a creative project by each student are among the requirements for this course.