English Courses, News, and Information

see also: English faculty

Course Offerings

ENGLISH 9 (113000)
Grade: 9 Credit: one
Prerequisite: English 8
Students read a variety of literature, exploring the characteristics of different forms and relating life situations to literary themes. Language study includes spelling, vocabulary, and learning about language history and structure. Through varied and frequent writing assignments, students build on their understanding of writing as a process of prewriting, drafting, revising, and publishing. They also practice discussion skills, and they observe and practice oral presentations to develop poise and confidence. (This is a Standards of Learning aligned course which is tested in 11th grade.)

TRANSITIONAL ENGLISH 9 (113095)
Grade: 9 Credit: one
Transitional English 9 is intended to be taken concurrently with English as a Second Language 5730 (ESL B2). For ESL students, Transitional English serves as a transition from English as a Second Language to the general education English program. Students read a variety of literature, explore the characteristics of different forms, and relate life situations to literary themes. Language study includes spelling, vocabulary, and mechanics. Through varied and frequent writing assignments, students build on their understanding of writing as a process of prewriting, drafting, revising, and publishing. They practice oral communication skills in a variety of settings, including small groups, class discussions, and formal presentations.

PRE-IB ENGLISH 9 (113007)
Grade: 9 Credit: one
Students study literature and language to develop the analytical, critical, and creative thinking skills necessary to communicate clearly, imaginatively, and effectively, both in writing and speech. They study literature to develop an awareness of the relationship between life and literary experience. Language study includes tracing linguistic development, studying etymology, expanding verbal fluency, and analyzing the structure of language. By writing frequently and by practicing through a variety of oral presentations, students organize, communicate, and evaluate ideas logically and creatively. Pre-IB English 9 emphasizes the communication skills and concepts that will help students prepare for courses within the IB curriculum, which they may opt to take during grades 11 and 12. It also meets the course requirements of English 9 GT. (This is a Standards of Learning aligned course which is tested in 11th grade.)

ENGLISH 10 (114000)
Grade: 10 Credit: one
Prerequisite: English 9 or Transitional English 9
Students read a variety of literature comparing and contrasting settings, characterizations, conflicts, points of view, and themes. Language study includes spelling, vocabulary, verbal analogies, and learning about language history and structure. Through varied and frequent writing assignments, students expand their understanding of writing as a process and develop their skill in revising according to purpose and audience. They practice adapting speaking and listening skills to the audience, topic, purpose, and situation. (This is a Standards of Learning aligned course which is tested in 11th grade.)

PRE-IB ENGLISH 10 (114007)
Grade: 10 Credit: One
Students continue to study literature and language to develop the analytical, critical, and creative thinking skills necessary to communicate clearly, imaginatively, and effectively, both in writing and speech. They analyze various literary forms to investigate and recognize their relationship to the whole work and its literary tradition. In language study, students increase vocabulary skills with an emphasis on analyzing and creating verbal analogies. Through frequent writing about literature, they expand their knowledge of the writing process, with special focus on the expository essay. Interaction in small and large groups increases students’ proficiency in oral skills and in problem solving. Pre-IB English 10 continues to prepare students for courses within the IB curriculum which they may opt to take during grades 11 and 12. It also meets the course requirements of English 10 GT. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning cumulative test 9-11th grade.)

ENGLISH 11 (115000)
Grade: 11 Credit: one
Prerequisite: English 10
Students read a variety of literature, comparing themes of various works and analyzing expository materials for logical reasoning. Language study includes spelling, vocabulary, verbal analogies, and learning about language history and structure. Through varied and frequent writing assignments, students reinforce their understanding of purpose and audience and develop their skill in the use of voice and tone. Through a variety of interpersonal, group, dramatic, and public speaking activities, students refine their understanding of oral communication. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning cumulative test 9-11th grade.)

IB ENGLISH 11 (115008)
Grade: 11 Credit: One (weighted +.5)
This is the first year of a two-year intensive college-level study of language and literature in English. Over these two years students develop their analytical and creative powers of expression, both in oral and written communication. They practice the skills involved in writing and speaking in a variety of styles and situations, and use English as a key to the study of other disciplines. Students are introduced not only to major classical works of literature, but also to a range of contemporary writing. They also study different genre, styles, and contexts through the comparative study of works from various cultures. IB English 11 together with IB English 12 prepares students for the higher level exam. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning cumulative test 9-11th grade.)

ENGLISH 12 (116000)
Grade: 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: English 11
Students read a variety of literature, analyzing characterization, point of view, and style of writing. Students also identify the characteristics of various forms of literature. Language study includes spelling, vocabulary, and learning about language history and structure. Through varied and frequent writing assignments, students refine their understanding of purpose, audience, and voice and develop criteria for evaluating writing. They participate in speaking and listening activities to build critical thinking--using inference, hypothesis, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation skills.

IB ENGLISH 12 (116008)
Grade: 12 Credit: One (weighted +.5)
This is the second year of a two-year course in which students continue a rigorous study of language and literature in English. They demonstrate an increasing proficiency in creative and analytical thinking skills through their speech and writing. They develop an understanding of the techniques involved in literary study and criticism, and engage in a detailed and critical examination of written works from world literature. Students develop a personal appreciation for, and lifelong interest in literature and language. Students are required to take the higher level English A1 IB exam.