English

Grade Level: 9

This course will focus on literature and composition, reinforcing a study of standard grammar usage, mechanics, and vocabulary. In literature, the course includes the short story, the novel, drama, poetry, mythology and non-fiction. This course will focus on the development of critical thinking and study skills. Emphasis is given to the development of written and oral communication skills with a focus on paragraph and essay writing, cre­ative writing, principles of research and debating, and a comprehensive review of grammar and mechanics.

Grade Level: 9

Note: Some high schools may have a summer reading assignment for Honors and AP English courses.  Students should see their school counselors for more information.

This course will focus on the study of literature and composition by concen­trating on the development of critical thinking and study skills. Emphasis is given to the development of written and oral communication skills with a focus on paragraph and essay writing, cre­ative writing, principles of research and debating, and a comprehensive review of grammar and mechanics. Independent projects, enrichment activities, and reading will be a major part of the course work. This course is designed for those students who are academically gifted, achieving beyond grade level or are motivated to do so.

Grade Level: 10

Prerequisite: English I

This course is designed to be a transition course for tenth grade students needing reinforcement of the skills necessary to be successful in English II and future English courses. This course will emphasize expository writing in preparation for the English II End-of-Course exam. Grammar usage and vocabulary will also be included. Students will read world literature selections as a focus to model and analyze in writing.

Grade Level: 10

Recommended Prerequisite: English I Honors 

Note: Some high schools may have a summer reading assignment for Honors and AP English courses.  Students should see their school counselors for more information.

This course is designed for the academically advanced, highly motivated, gifted and/or talented student. This course will emphasize the finer points of composition, focusing on expository, descriptive and argumentative writing. A variety of literary works will serve as a resource for writing compositions. Grammar, usage, and vocabulary will be included.

Grade Level: 10

Prerequisite: Composition

This course will provide opportunities for students to develop skills in composition and to analyze a variety of literary works. It will focus on poetry, drama, short stories, and novels from world literature. Students are required to take the English II End-of-Course exam for this course.

Grade Level: 10

Prerequisite: Composition Honors recommended.

Note: Some high schools may have a summer reading assignment for Honors and AP English courses.  Students should see their school counselors for more information.

This course emphasizes composition, analysis, independent study and research, and specific thinking and vocabulary skills. Focus is also on oral and written communication skills and the building of interpretive and critical reading/thinking skills with emphasis placed on analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of world literature.

Grade Level: 11

Prerequisite: English II

This course will focus on the historical and literary aspects of American literature with emphasis on selections by major American authors. Students will read independently, write papers, and conduct research. Attention is given to students’ ACT and SAT verbal skills.

Grade Level: 11

Recommended Prerequisite: English II Honors

Note: Some high schools may have a summer reading assignment for Honors and AP English courses.  Students should see their school counselors for more information.

This course is designed for the academi­cally advanced, highly motivated, gifted and/or talented students. This course will survey the history of American literature to develop ana­lytical and interpretive skills. There will also be a focus on enhancing writing skills and vocabulary develop­ment. Independent reading is required.

Grade Level: 11

Recommended Prerequisite: English II Honors 

Note: Some high schools may have a summer reading assignment for Honors and AP English courses.  Students should see their school counselors for more information.

This 1-semester course is for students in 11th grade and satisfies the 11th grade English requirement. A college level course and is offered for students who will take the AP exam. An AP course in English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects, as well as the way genre conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing.

Grade Level: 12

Prerequisite: English III

This course will emphasize the study of the literature of England and the development of the English language. It will include composition study from essays to major research projects as well as vocabulary development. The senior project will be completed during this course.

Grade Level: 12

Recommended Prerequisite: English III Honors

Note: Some high schools may have a summer reading assignment for Honors and AP English courses.  Students should see their school counselors for more information.

This course will concentrate on comprehensive grammar skills, a critical and analytical study of British literature selections, outside reading of novels, and proficiency in composition. It is designed for seniors who possess advanced communication skills. The senior project will be completed during this course.

Grade Level: 12

Recommended Prerequisite: English III Honors 

Note: Some high schools may have a summer reading assignment for Honors and AP English courses.  Students should see their school counselors for more information.

This one semester course is a college-level course and is offered for students who will take the AP exam. This 1-semester course is for students in 12th grade and satisfies the 12th grade English requirement. There will be independent, analytical readings, and critical analysis of important American and British works. Students must be self-motivated, avid, and critical readers who possess superior skills in reading and writing.

Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program supports English Learners (ELs) in order for them to attain English proficiency while at the same time achieving academic success.

The first step in identifying our English Learners (ELs) is the completion of the Home Language Survey (HLS). The HLS shall be completed by every student upon initial enrollment in grades K-12 in Franklin County Schools. If a language other than English is listed on the HLS, a copy must be given to the ESL teacher/department in order to make a determination as to the student's primary language. The HLS must be placed in the student's cumulative folder.

English Learners in elementary, middle school, and high school receive either ESL content based pull out services with small group instruction or as an ESL elective class where students receive grades and course credit. ESL instruction is based on the student's language proficiency levels and grade level and designed to develop all four language domains:  listening, speaking, reading, and writing. North Carolina is part of the WIDA Consortium and our ESL teachers plan lessons based on the NC English Language Development (ELD) Standards as well as the Common Core State Standards.

Grade Level: 10-12

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

This course is designed to teach the procedures and concepts involved in producing and creating a yearbook. Students will be asked to participate in all aspects of production, including layout and design, copy writing, photography, advertising, finance, and business.

Grade Level: 10-12

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

This courses are designed to complete the school yearbook, edit copy, and help produce any other journalism-related documents. Basic journalism skills will be enhanced and practiced.

North Carolina Virtual Public School is an initiative by the State of North Carolina through which certified teachers provide online instruction in courses that meet the objectives of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. NCVPS course availability is based upon funding that high schools receive each school year for online courses and the number of course sections offered by NCVPS, so students need to plan their course of studies carefully with the assistance of their school counselor.  FCS high schools may restrict enrollment in online classes to courses not already being provided face-to-face.  Details about NCVPS are found at www.ncvps.org.

Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA Recommended

Note: Students should see their school counselor for online course availability and enrollment deadlines.

Grade Level: 10-12

Course Descriptions for NCVPS Online English Electives

These are online English electives that are not available face-to-face at some FCS high schools.

• High School Mythology & Folklore
• Journalism (This course does not work on the school's yearbook)