Course Guide

English 9 stresses the mechanics of formal writing through assignments of various types of writing. Grammar skills are reinforced, focusing on mechanics and parts of speech. Emphasis is placed on reading for comprehension. The approach to literary instruction is through genre studies, including not only classical selections but also contemporary ones. Vocabulary skills are improved through use of a workbook.

A major part of this class is devoted to career exploration with concentration on specific skills necessary for obtaining and maintaining employment. Reading, writing, and speaking skills are emphasized. Modern literature, including drama, and the novel are part of the curriculum.

Language arts and vocabulary study, as well as written and oral reports are assigned throughout the year and are interspersed with thematic Credits involving literature. During their study of literature, students also experience group and independent work, through which they develop reading, writing, and listening skills.

This class focuses on the writing process. It emphasizes the steps required to become an effective writer: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading. Students will write paragraphs and essays dealing with non-fiction areas: description, exposition, narration, and persuasion. Informal writing opportunities will also be provided. Understanding of mechanics and usage will be highlighted.

College-Prep English. This class attempts to meet the needs of the college-bound studente. The class stresses grammar, sentence structure, selection of topics, and organization of materials and ideas. The students gain experience using the library and its various reference materials in order to prepare not only essays but also literary papers. A variety of writing experiences is provided as preparation for SAT’s, ACT’s, AP exams and college writing. Most writing is done in class.

English 11 emphasizes the study of American literature through readings in the text. English 11 also emphasizes the refinement of reading composition skills. The course stresses those reading and writing skills needed in everyday living. Oral skills are developed through class and group discussions, individual and oral reports.

Two end of course SOL exams are given at the completion of this course.

College-Prep English. English 11A focuses on the study of American literature with parallel reading augmenting the textbook. Students refine their skills in writing essays, outlines, and compositions with emphasis placed on the more technical aspects of grammar and punctuation as well as persuasion. Students write a formal research paper. Instruction focuses on critical reading and writing skills necessary for success in post-secondary education.

Two end of course SOL exams are given at the completion of this course.

College-Level English.  Advanced Placement Language and Composition is designed to prepare motivated students to communicate effectively in the world.  In this college-level course, students will analyze the rhetoric of nonfiction, fiction, and visual documents from a variety of time periods and genres to explore complex topics and to apply what they have learned to their own writing. This course engages students to become skilled readers and writers aware of the interactions among a writer’s purpose, audience expectations, and effect.  Students will write essays to strengthen their writing through research, revision, editing, and rewriting.  Students should expect an intense writing experience designed to increase their knowledge of rhetorical techniques.

Two end of course SOL exams are given at the completion of this course.

English 12 emphasizes reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills and the practical application of these skills in the everyday situations the students encounter. Standard usage and vocabulary improvement are stressed. The course also attempts to foster the students' appreciation of literature as an art form and to encourage students to do creative writing.

College-Prep English. English 12A stresses refinement of reading skills in selections read and discussed in class. Critical thinking is encouraged through participation in class discussion and literary analysis. Independent study attempts to prepare students for standardized tests and composition. Writing skills are emphasized through review of grammar, writing compositions, writing a research paper, and taking essay tests. Speaking skills and critical listening skills are stressed as students prepare speeches, oral reports, and readings to present in class.

College-Level English. AP English stresses both effective writing and critical reading. Students will analyze a variety of texts-both prose and poetry-and will use parallel-reading materials extensively. As readers, students will learn to recognize the language patterns that authors have created and to describe their responses to these patterns. In their writing, students will address topics and share ideas, learn to gather information, to develop a discourse, to organize details, and, based on their specific audience, to control the language in which the entire scope is realized.

English 9B, 10B, 11B and 12B are designed to remediate and foster improvement in all areas of communication including reading, writing, oral communication, and thinking skills. Student placement is based on a combination of test scores, previous grades, and Staff Recommendation.

Journalism is an introductory course in mass communications, concentrating on newspaper production. Students produce the school newsletter, learn interviewing techniques, and study basic news and feature writing, layout, makeup and design, advertising, proofreading and headlining. Students also produce television broadcasts that are presented within the school. Students also learn desktop publishing using the computer lab. In addition, the class studies journalism history, First Amendment rights and high school journalism case law.

Students will learn the fundamentals of stage performance through mime, monologues, dialogues, staging, and performances. Students are expected to create, produce and participate in a variety of plays. This class is graded heavily in performance and participation and requires participation beyond the classroom. Attendance and participation in all performances is required. In the event of an emergency, a mandatory alternate assignment will be assigned.

Creative Writing is a course designed to help develop and enhance writing skills on both creative and technical levels. This means that individuals will be allowed to work at their own pace and on their own projects. We will focus on various literary genres including the short story, poetry, and non-fiction essays. The students will create a portfolio which will highlight their writing achievements and serve as their final exam.

Photojournalism is a course designed to teach the student news writing, layout, and design skills and the application of these skills to the computerized production of the Buffalo Gap yearbook, The Golden Bison. Students also learn editing skills, basic typography, and the principles of advertising.

Download 371.6 Kb.

Share with your friends: