English 2006-07

The English program at PTHS strives to meet the needs of students at all levels from the college bound to those who enter the work force immediately after graduation.

The mainstream English courses are literature based with an emphasis on writing for various purposes. In freshman English the students are introduced to the study of literature through a variety of genres including plays, poems, short stories and novels. At this level, we offer an Applied English class designed to help students improve their reading and writing abilities so they can enter the regular English classes as sophomores. In sophomore English students focus primarily on more advanced literatures including two Shakespearean plays and a non-fiction read. In junior English the focus in on American literature in conjunction with US Studies and in Senior English the curriculum is World literature to complement the Current World Problems class. Writing and vocabulary study are designed to help students do their best on the WASL, SAT, ACT, senior projects and college admissions essays.

Advanced and AP English courses are also an option for students who are up to the challenge. Advanced freshman and sophomore English courses prepare students for the rigor of the AP curriculum. AP, or Advanced Placement, is a nationally recognized program which requires extensive study in a wide variety of literatures and a close analysis of the rhetoric of the English language. Juniors and seniors who pass an exam in May can receive college credit, depending upon which college they attend.

Seniors who are not on the college track can take Business English as seniors. This is a great option as it prepares students for entering the work force immediately.