Secondary Language Arts Curriculum Overview
The secondary language arts program in Central Bucks integrates reading, literature study, writing, speaking, and research skills at each grade level. Our program goal is to have students achieve high academic standards in the language arts: reading independently, reading critically, analyzing and responding to literature, writing in various forms for a variety of audiences, producing compositions of high quality, speaking proficiently, and using research skills. Students read and respond to literature (classic as well as contemporary novels) in discussions called literature circles. They respond to their reading in logs and journals, and also learn to analyze the craft of literature. They write personal narratives, informative pieces, persuasive pieces, and creative stories, poems, or plays. They learn to respond to each other's writing and to revise and edit their own work during writing workshops. They learn research skills and present their findings in speeches and papers.
In middle level, students engage in interdisciplinary units developed by middle level teaching teams. The textbook Language and Literature (McDougal-Littell) supports the curriculum, and additional novels, plays, and non-fiction works are required each year. In grade 7, students have a double block of language arts/reading each day. Some students are identified for honors English each year. In grade 9, a double block of reading and writing is also provided for students who need extra support to reach the standards.
In senior high, students take core English courses in grades 10, 11, and 12. Central Bucks uses block scheduling, so all students have ninety minute classes for one semester each year: American Literature in grade 10 (using McDougal-Littell's The Language of Literature ), British and European Literature in grade 11 (using Holt's Elements of Literature), and Modern World Literature in grade 12 (using a variety of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and short stories from around the world). All three years of study are offered at different challenge levels (honors, academic, and basic). In addition, AP English is offered to qualified seniors and a remedial reading and writing lab is available for those needing additional support.
The high school also offers a varied elective program, including offerings such as Journalism, Debate, Creative Writing, Theater, Shakespeare, SAT Preparation, Broadcasting, and Fiction into Film.