English

The WCHS English Department warmly welcomes you to our page. We work hard in our department to bring your child the latest English resources; in fact the entire department will work from new textbooks during the 2000-2001 school year. We are excited about the diverse opportunities that each member of our department provides his/her students while in their classroom.

For the students, the department strives to further provide instruction in both reading and writing, while also allowing a means of personal expression through written language. Each teacher in the department provides a consistent approach in reviewing, reinforcing, and practicing practical skills in the elements of grammar and reading. Students will travel around the world and through history as they read works of literature from Shakespeare, Dickens, O. Henry, Presidents Franklin and Lincoln, and other well-known writers.

Our hope is to use many types of literature to inspire students to think and write about their world. We challenge them to understand the aspects of English as a reflection of God’s Word and His Truths so that they may determine an author’s true intentions. We are excited about teaching in the light of God’s Word and we are excited that you choose to visit us at this sight. Please do not hesitate to contact us through the high school office if you have questions, comments, or concerns that we need to address.

In passing, Clarence Day (1874-1935), once said that,

From, Life with Father (1935)

The English department is pleased to offer Honors English courses on the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade levels. These courses are designed for the student who enjoys English and is seeking more challenge in English. Students in Honors English will have opportunities to study authors and literature in greater depth. Alternate reading assignments, designed to encourage students to use literary analysis skills and to think critically will be used. Various types of writing assignments will be given throughout the course to enhance the students' abilities in expression, exposition, and communication. These courses will also prepare students for taking the Advanced Placement tests in English which can enable them to by-pass their college Freshman English requirements, making it possible for them to take more advanced or specialized courses in English. Prerequisites for Honors English are: the signature of the previous year's English teacher and no less than a B+ average in previous English courses. You may address questions to any member of the high school English department.

Teachers

• Peggie Bell
• Mike O'Donnell

Curriculum

Course No. 202

English 9 provides a foundation for the study of literature and composition. Through the study of types of literature such as the short story, poetry, drama and the novel, the student will develop a knowledge of terms and techniques, giving him the skills to analyze literature. The course will further serve as a workshop to develop more sophisticated grammar and writing skills needed throughout high school and college. Emphasis is on writing as a process.

Course Fee: $10.00

Course No. 204

English 10 is designed to prepare students for more complex and detailed reading and writing assignments. Students will be studying major literary forms such as the short story, novel, biography, poetry and a Shakespearean play. Students will further develop formal writing skills with emphasis on paragraph development, exposition and clarity. This course will culminate with a research paper.

Course Fee: $10.00

Course No. 206

English 11 provides the student with a systematic study of American literature. American literature is represented from the nation's founders to its contemporary authors. The philosophies of the authors are evaluated in light of God's Word and His principles. The student develops his ability to critique literature and the philosophic mind set of the authors. The literature and philosophy of American Puritanism, Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Naturalism, Realism and Existentialism are studied.

Course Fee: $10.00

Course No. 208

The purpose of English 12 is to prepare seniors for the demanding life of college courses and professors as well as equip them with effective communication tools which are necessary in all aspects of life. This course is provided to review the necessary skills in writing and the importance of words and their relationships within the sentence. A chronological study of English history, literature and language is covered in detail. Literature is analyzed and discussed in light of God's Word. Researching techniques, vocabulary skills, technical writing and literary analysis are emphasized.

Course Fee: $10.00

Course No. 209

This accelerated senior English course is designed for the serious student of English. Although it is not an advanced placement course, students will be prepared for and have the opportunity to take the advanced placement test in English Composition and/or CLEP tests from colleges.

This advanced course is, in part, an assimilation of skills, concepts and information taught in the previous years of high school. It has, throughout the semester, a major emphasis on composition in order to prepare the students for the demands of college courses. Its literary emphasis in on thoughtful and critical analysis of British Literature. The course also contains a semester-long vocabulary unit as well as many opportunities for oral presentations, journaling and discussions to add to their knowledge and communication skills. It is further designed to strengthen and enhance the student's individual Christian values through classroom activities and discussions, assignments and the testimonies of both teacher and student.

Because this is an advanced course with a weighted grade, the following prerequisites are in place: no less than a B+ average in sophomore and junior English and the signatures of the junior English teacher, the student's parents and the Guidance Counselor.

Course Fee: $10.00

Course No. 210

This course is designed for the student who enjoys writing and has the desire to develop his writing ability. Students will explore their own sense of imagination and creativity through a variety of written expression including narration, journaling, exposition, poetry and prose. This elective course is open to juniors and seniors and has a limited enrollment of fifteen. A portfolio of completed work is due at the end of the semester. Students must meet a grade prerequisite of a B in their previous English classes for admission.

The prerequisite for this class is a personal interview with the teacher and a submitted piece of work.

Course No. 211

Theater Performance focuses on the acting aspects of theater productions and is open to students in any grade level. It seeks to develop in the student the skills that are necessary to perform on stage in theatrical production at the amateur level. It is also valuable as a first taste of serious theatrical experience and may, therefore, serve to whet the student's appetite to pursue theatrical studies in greater depth after the high school experience. It is intended to be technical, as well as practical, developing both an academic knowledge and appreciation of theatrical performance, as well as providing practical acting experience as an application of the principles that are learned.