english

Prerequisite:  None

This course is divided into four units: Foundations of Stories - How to Read Like a High Schooler, Foundations of Academic Discourse and Writing - How to Talk Like a High Schooler, Foundations of Poetry and Allusion, and Foundations of Drama. Students will explore and develop their voices as writers, focus on the conventions of writing and grammar to strengthen their communication skills, and study short stories, novels, and dramas. Students will have the opportunity to study texts closely from a variety of perspectives and to demonstrate how students’ knowledge of myths and classic texts inform their understanding of other texts and ideas. Students will synthesize the work they have done throughout the year by exploring the emotional and aesthetic power of language when it works in texts on all levels- as poetry, as performance, as historical commentary, as joyful play.

Enrolled students in the Level 1 program are expected to complete a summer assignment specified by the instructor.  Failure to do so will be reflected in the Quarter 1 grade.

Prerequisite:  None

This course is divided into four units: Foundations of Stories, Foundations of Academic Discourse, Foundations of Poetry and Allusion, and Foundations of Drama. Foundations of Stories puts writing in the forefront of classroom instruction, offering a workshop-style environment for students to explore and develop their voices as writers.  Students will focus on the conventions of writing and grammar to strengthen their communication skills.  Foundations of Academic Discourse expands upon this work through the study of short stories and a novel.  Foundations of Poetry and Allusion is designed to give students the opportunity to study texts closely from a variety of perspectives and to demonstrate how students’ knowledge of myths and classic texts inform their understanding of other texts and ideas. In the Foundations of Drama unit, students will synthesize the work they have done throughout the year by exploring the emotional and aesthetic power of language when it works in texts on all levels- as poetry, as performance, as historical commentary, as joyful play.

Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation

This 9th-grade reading strategies course aims to empower students with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the diverse range of texts they will encounter in high school and beyond. It will be taken in conjunction with the student’s 9th grade English course. A student may earn up to a half credit towards an elective. The primary goal of this course is to equip students with the tools and techniques necessary to comprehend, analyze, and critically engage with a variety of texts. The curriculum will focus on both fiction and non-fiction materials to ensure a well-rounded approach to reading. Grammar and vocabulary study is also included. Students can complete their support in one quarter or up to a full year, earning 0.25 credits per quarter enrolled.

This course is an elective course credit not an English credit. 

Prerequisite:  None

English 10 (Level 1) continues to build on the foundations that were set in English 9, and prepares students for challenging courses at the honors and advanced placement level. Throughout this year, the emphasis on composition continues as students write for a variety of purposes and continue to build their writing skills with a focus on argumentation. Students craft essays in the following modes: argument, exemplification, synthesis, and comparison and contrast.  

 Enrolled students in the Level 1 program are expected to complete a summer assignment specified by the instructor.  Failure to do so will be reflected in the Quarter 1 grade.

Prerequisite:  None

English 10 (Level 2) continues to build on the foundations that were set in English 9. It concentrates on developing an understanding of the characteristics of various literary forms of expression. In addition to the emphasis on critical reading and writing, English 10 (Level 2) is comprised of four thematic units of study: Coming of Age; Science Fiction and Commentary, Marginalized Voices (Icons with Purpose), Ambition, Manipulation, and a beheading. Throughout this year, the emphasis on composition continues as students write for a variety of purposes and continue to build their writing skills with a focus on argumentation. Students craft essays in the following modes: argument, exemplification, synthesis, and comparison and contrast.

Prerequisite:  None

English 10 (Level 3) continues to build on the foundations that were set in English 9 by concentrating on the continued development of strategies to improve critical thinking, reading, and writing skills necessary for success.  English 10 (Level 3) comprises four thematic units of study: Coming of Age; Motivation, Manipulation, and Personal Strength; Personal and Societal Conflict; and Technology and Our Place in a Digital World. The English 10 Level 3 program ensures that students will continue to develop skills in critical reading and writing to prepare them for success in postsecondary planning. The emphasis is on the development and use of effective study skills, close reading strategies, improved vocabulary and strong communication skills.  Writing instruction and practice enables students to write clearly and effectively in all areas of the curriculum. 

Prerequisite: None

Advanced Placement English Language & Composition is a full-year writing course with a focus on rhetoric and the rhetorical strategies used by authors.  The readings within this course span a variety of genres and topics and are viewed through a critical lens focusing on the language, structure, and argument. This course is the equivalent of a college-level composition course and prepares students to perform successfully on the Language and Composition Advanced Placement exam and the SAT/ACT.  Enrolled students in the Level 1 Program are required to complete a summer assignment as specified by the instructor.  Failure to do so will be reflected in the Quarter 1 grade.  *Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.  AP exams will be ordered for all students who are in an AP class on Nov. 15th, and a $40 unused exam fee will be applied to anyone who drops the AP course after Nov. 15th. Any student that does not take the AP Language Exam will be awarded Level 2 credit, not Level 1 credit.

Prerequisite:  None

English 11 (Fall) will continue to build on students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening, and college and career readiness skills. Unit 1, Media Literacy, builds on students’ knowledge of rhetoric as they learn how to access, analyze, evaluate, and use information from the media. Students will learn to evaluate and consider their own position as consumers of media and will learn to transfer their critical reading and analysis skills that they have learned to use in traditional texts to non-traditional and digital media.

In Unit 2, The Research Unit, students will continue to build on the skills they’ve acquired in unit 1 to read and evaluate sources. In this unit, students will learn specific research skills such as how to decipher credible sources and how to organize one’s ideas into a structured argument. 

Prerequisite:  None

English 11 (Fall) will continue to build on students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening, and college and career readiness skills. Unit 1, Media Literacy, builds on students’ knowledge of rhetoric as they learn how to access, analyze, evaluate, and use information from the media. Students will learn to evaluate and consider their own position as consumers of media and will learn to transfer their critical reading and analysis skills that they have learned to use in traditional texts to non-traditional and digital media.

In Unit 2, The Research Unit, students will continue to build on the skills they’ve acquired in unit 1 to read and evaluate sources. In this unit, students will learn specific research skills such as how to decipher credible sources and how to organize one’s ideas into a structured argument. 

Prerequisite:  Completion of summer assignment.

Advanced Placement Literature & Composition is a full year course with advanced work in composition and the critical analysis of literature that is comparable to a college-level course.  This course is designed to prepare students to perform successfully on the Literature and Composition Advanced Placement exam.  Students admitted to this class must have demonstrated not only the will and ability to undertake more advanced work , but also  that they have mastered essential composition skills.  Many colleges award credit to students who attain a satisfactory score on this examination.  Enrolled students in the Level 1 program are required to complete summer assignments during the previous summer as specified by the instructor.  Failure to do so will be reflected in the Quarter 1 grade.  *Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.  AP exams will be ordered for all students who are in an AP class on Nov. 15th,  and a $40 unused exam fee will be applied to anyone who drops the AP course after Nov. 15th. Any student that does not take the AP Literature Exam will be awarded Level 2 credit, not Level 1 credit. 

Prerequisite: None

In this class, students will have the opportunity to explore their creative side. Students are expected to write daily in journals to re-establish their imagination and freedom of expression. In the first quarter, specific skills are broken down and assignments are designed to foster a new approach. Students are no longer identifying set skills, but are now actively creating and implementing skills such as: description, plot design, characterization, and theme development. The final task for quarter one is each student will create their own original short story. Quarter 2 is a continuation and further development of writing skills. The culminating assignment is to publish a piece of their choosing in a student-created Literary Magazine.

Prerequisite:  None

Dystopian is a course that delves into the exploration of dystopian worlds through literature and film. The course begins with an examination of the origins and characteristics of dystopian societies. Students then explore contemporary dystopian fiction, analyzing how these narratives reflect and comment on present-day social and political issues. Throughout the course, students engage in creative projects, writing exercises, and discussions, ultimately culminating in the creation of their own dystopian narratives. The course aims to develop critical thinking skills, foster an understanding of societal reflections in literature, and encourage exploration of themes such as resilience and hope within dystopian contexts. 

Prerequisite:  None

This class is a combination of two of our previous electives: Expressions in Literature and Issues in Modern Literature. This class takes the best of both of these classes to provide students with a brand new experience. Expressions in Modern Literature will take a look at life around us and discuss issues that plague both the U.S. and the world. We will look at different issues affecting the globe and how those issues are shown or talked about depending on one's desired audience. We'll see how similar issues are explained to different ages; think: how does one talk about healthy relationships to a group of kindergarteners versus a group of high schoolers? Students will be both consumers and producers of different presentations that cover a variety of topics. Through readings, research, and other presentations, students will learn about the issues of the world while also considering how to package information based on the audience you wish to share it with. 

Prerequisite:  None

Journalism is a student-driven, workshop-based class that offers opportunities for students to work as a team to create, design, and publish all forms of media including broadcast journalism and the student newspaper, "For All the Devils". Students taking this course must possess curiosity, responsibility, a strong work ethic, and cooperation. Journalism students will practice and develop skills of interviewing, investigating and reporting in a “real world” environment that emphasizes creative problem solving and meeting deadlines.

Prerequisite:  None

Students will read classic and modern mystery and suspense stories while identifying and applying the most common elements of mystery and suspense. There are many opportunities for presentations, and students are able to read a mystery book of their choice during the second unit. 

Prerequisite:  None

In this class, students will learn about the various stories of Greek Gods and Heroes. Content will cover history of Greece and the history of oral tradition before exploring the stories of the Heroes and Gods. This class has a focus on note-taking skills as students will be expected to follow along with instruction on visual aids while also listening to the teacher's verbal lectures and collect information needed for future quizzes and exams. Materials for this class will not be available to students outside of class so responsibility falls on the students to take notes during class and work with peers to get class notes if ever absent.

Prerequisite:  Qualifying LAS Links placement test score

This course is for students whose first/home language is one other than English as indicated on their Home Language Survey that was filled out upon enrollment in Plainville Community Schools. Student placement in this course will be based on the LAS Links English Proficiency placement test which will be administered after enrollment in Plainville Community Schools. This placement test assesses student proficiency in academic speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in English. If their English language proficiency does not meet grade level standards students are eligible for the English as a Second Language (ESL) course. The ESL course is designed to help students learn about living in the United States as well as build vocabulary and listening skills, improve reading comprehension, and build speaking confidence and clarity in both an academic and social environment. This course will focus on intensive English grammar studies and support academic courses. Course content is designed to help students meet proficiency on the state required LAS Links test which is administered each spring. It is also designed to help students meet grade level standards as aligned with CELP and Common Core standards in their academic classes. In order to exit this course, a student must receive an Overall score of 4 or 5 as well as a score of 4 or 5 in both Reading and Writing on the state mandated LAS Links English Proficiency Test, which is administered every year during Midterms, in order to exit the ESL class. 

Prerequisite:  Qualifying LAS Links placement test score

This course is especially designed for students who are new arrivals from other countries, whose first/home language is one other than English as recorded on their Home Language Survey during enrollment to Plainville Community Schools, and have had little or no previous exposure to English before arriving. This course is designed to help students develop a strong foundation in English to communicate effectively through speaking, listening, reading and writing.  The focus of lessons will be on the basic grammar and vocabulary necessary to communicate in everyday situations, as well as learning about life in the United States. There will be opportunities to practice the oral, and written language necessary to respond to common questions and expressions and how to express your own ideas and opinions, building your confidence and fluency in  using English. Students will also learn basic study skills so that they can be successful in their academic classes. Student placement in this course will be based on the LAS Links English Proficiency placement test which will be administered after enrollment in Plainville Community Schools. This placement test assesses student proficiency in academic speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in English. If their English language proficiency does not meet grade level standards and the student has had little to previous exposure the English language students are eligible for the Newcomer course. Course content is designed to help students meet proficiency on the state required LAS Links test which is administered each spring. It is also designed to help students meet grade level standards as aligned with CELP and Common Core standards in their academic classes. In order to exit this course, a student must receive an Overall score of 4 or 5 as well as a score of 4 or 5 in both Reading and Writing on the state mandated LAS Links English Proficiency Test, which is administered every year during Midterms, in order to exit the ESL class.