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 discussion boards and journals and also learn to analyze the craft of literature. They write personal narratives, informative pieces, argument 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, media presentations, and papers.
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: English 10 (using Bedford St. Martin's Models for Writers), English 11 (using Bedford St. Martin's 40 Model Essays), and English 12 (using Bedford St. Martin's The Language of Composition). All three years of study are offered at different challenge levels (honors, academic). In addition, AP English is offered to qualified juniors and seniors.
The high school also offers a varied elective program, including offerings such as Journalism, Debate, Creative Writing, Theater, Sports Literature, SAT Preparation, Media Productions, and Introduction to Film.