John Champe High School Department of English Course Selections

Required English Courses All students must earn four credits in English and must take an English course each year of high school.

Required English Courses 9 th Grade10 th Grade*11 th Grade12 th Grade English 9 AcademicEnglish 10 AcademicEnglish 11 AcademicEnglish 12 Academic **English 9 Honors**English 10 Honors**English 11 Honors***AP Lit & Comp ***AP Lang & Comp *All English 11 courses have 2 End of Course SOL tests; one writing and one reading **Honors English Courses are weighted 0.5 and have a year-long portfolio requirement ***AP Courses are weighted 1.0 with the option to take an AP exam in May.

Academic VS Honors Academic courses challenge students to master rigorous standards with individualized support. Honors courses are more inquiry-based, move at an accelerated pace, cover a greater breadth and depth of study, and require more independent work. All honors students create a two-part, year- long reflective portfolio that shows evidence of their growth and learning. Honors courses receive a weight of 0.5.

Is Honors Right for You? Consider the following slide which highlights the “Habits of Mind” of an honors student. You should agree with just about every statement !

Habits of Mind As an Honors English Student, I Read widely and often Foster my spirit of inquiry; seek answers Make connections Reflect thoughtfully Refine my thinking Develop my capacity for analysis Write widely and often Revise deeply Demonstrate originality Work diligently

10 th Grade English Options English 10 is a survey of British Literature. A documented research paper is required in English 10. You may take English 10 Academic or English 10 Honors (weighted 0.5)

11 th Grade English Options English 11 is a survey of American Literature. A documented research paper is required in English 11. There are two SOL tests: writing and reading You may take English 11 Academic, English 11 Honors (weighted 0.5), or AP English Language and Composition (weighted 1.0)

11 Honors VS AP Language & Composition English 11 Honors 0.5 weight Survey of American Literature 2 SOL tests (required) Requires students to create a Year-long, two-part portfolio assessment project (inquiry-based and reflection-based). AP Language & Composition 1.0 weight Equivalent of 1 st year college writing course, infused with American Literature 2 SOL tests (required) and 1 AP Test (optional) Requires students to become skilled readers and writers in a variety of disciplines and rhetorical contexts. Seeks to answer the question “How does a work mean what it means?” Both classes require extensive independent, out-of-class reading and writing.

12 th Grade English Options You may take English 12 Academic or AP English Literature and Composition (weighted 1.0) English 12 is a two semester course: Semester One: Advanced Composition Semester Two: World Literature

What is AP Literature? AP Literature is an intensive study of fiction – novels, plays, and poetry. You must be willing to see yourself as a reader and writer. Literary analysis focuses on author’s purpose and universality of literature Develops skills to analyze the effect of literary techniques on meaning Writing focuses on analysis and creative writing (formal, informal, and timed)

Theater Arts I, II, III, IV - technical and performing art of theater - history, staging, costuming, make-up, lighting, directing, designing, acting, etc. Participate in productions, competitions, and trips! All levels of experience welcome. See Mr. Staggs for more information! English Electives: Drama

Technical Theater I and II -design research; painting and constructing; sound, lighting, and computer technology; special effects; costume and make-up; publicity and management; and more! A very hands-on and unique course! See Mr. Staggs for more information! English Electives: Drama

English Electives: Publications The first course for any novice publications student is Journalism. Learn about newspaper and mass media production, history, and writing! Students should have interests in writing and communicating. Preparation for serving on newspaper staff or yearbook staff.

English Electives: Newspaper Newspaper Journalism I, II, and III: Learn the basics of newspaper production, interviewing, writing, online services, photography, and more! Develop leadership skills! See Mrs. Douglas for more information!

English Electives: Yearbook Photojournalism I, II, and III: Learn the basics of yearbook production, layout/design, photography, advertising, management, and public relations! Develop leadership skills! See Ms. Mathews for more information!

Additional English Electives (All one semester courses) Etymology – study of language and meanings; very useful for SAT and ACT SAT Prep – course that reviews and teaches strategies for success not only on the SAT but on all standardized tests

Additional English Electives (All one semester courses) Public Speaking – master the art of speaking – for all levels of comfort! A great life-skill to develop! Creative Writing – work on prose, poetry, and drama; build a portfolio and seek opportunities to get published!

Want more information? Make informed decisions! Check out the LCPS Program of Studies Speak with your English teacher Speak with your counselor Speak with Mr. Hoffman, English Chair