Heritage High School English Department

Welcome

Please navigate the English site by using the links in the sidebar. If that is not there, please click on the three dashes at the top of the page to access the various pages.

Overview excerpted from Program of Studies: English courses (Honors and Academic) are organized in thematic units that address “essential questions.” In these units, students engage with and analyze a wide range of literary and non-fiction texts; evaluate other’s ideas; and synthesize, support, and articulate their own ideas, preparing them to participate in thoughtful, civil dialogue with others. 

Students not only develop critical reading and writing skills in these units, but also learn important research skills and oral language skills. Information and media literacy skills are also emphasized, helping students to evaluate the validity and reliability of information they find or persuasive arguments they encounter. Explicit instruction in vocabulary development and grammar are integrated into these units and support students’ development as readers and writers. 

Academic courses challenge students to master rigorous standards while providing individualized support.

Honors courses are offered in Grades 9 and 10. While they focus on the same skills as academic courses, honors courses are distinguished by a more rigorous and inquiry-based study of literature and nonfiction texts. Honors courses receive a weight of 0.5 and move at an accelerated pace, cover a greater breadth and depth of textual study, and require more independent work. Honors students must complete an independent Big Question Project in which they bring research, analysis, and synthesis skills to bear in articulating and supporting their own responses to a “big question” of their own.

Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Dual Enrollment courses are offered at the higher grade levels and may allow students to earn college credit.