English
All students will take an English course each year. Honors classes can be selected at all levels; AP and Dual Enrollment classes are for juniors and seniors only.
The following electives are available for students at all levels:
- Speech & Debate
- Forensics
- Film Study
- Film Study 2
- Creative Writing
- Newspaper
- Yearbook
Required Courses
Ninth Grade
A student must choose one of the following courses:
- English 9
- English 9 Honors – Expand the section below to learn more.
Tenth Grade
A student must choose one of the following courses:
- English 10
- English 10 Honors
Eleventh Grade
A student must choose one of the following courses:
- English 11
- English 11 Honors
- English 11 Dual Enrollment
- AP English Language and Composition
Twelfth Grade
A student must choose one of the following courses:
- English 12
- English 12 Honors
- English 12 Dual Enrollment
- AP English Literature and Composition
Should I take Honors?
Profile of an Honors Student:
- Enjoys reading and writing and chooses to use free time to read and/or write
- Comfortable approaching teacher; views teacher as an ally in the learning process
- Asks questions that demonstrate curiosity and a critical mind that “digs below the surface”
- Utilized appropriate technology, such as Google Classroom and Blackboard, to keep updated on class assignments and announcements
- Self-motivated
- Organized
- Responsible
- High expectations for academic performance
- Enjoys group work
- Maintains excellent attendance
- Independent worker
How does Honors differ from Regular?
An honors course will consist of the following:
- More homework – almost all of the required reading is done outside of class as homework and then discussed during class
- More group work and projects
- More demanding literature
- Arrives in Honors course with working knowledge of basic essay organization and understanding of basic grammar
- Faster pace
- More student ownership of knowledge formation
- More independent learning
- Increased depth of analysis of literature
- Less time on comprehension issues
What about the jump from regular English to Honors English?
We are always excited for students to challenge themselves to move from regular classes into the Honors classes. In order for students to have success stories with this move, students and parents should make sure a strong support system is in place.
Questions to think about before jumping to Honors:
- Does my child love to read for pleasure?
- Does my child quickly understand written material?
- Does my child enjoy writing?
- Does my child have a strong working knowledge of grammar, usage, and mechanics (use of proper punctuation, subject-verb agreement, writes complete sentences with ease)?
- Has my child done well in regular English?
- Is my child able to self-advocate for help during Bulldog Block time as needed?
- Has my child passed his or her Reading and Writing SOLs?
Elective Offerings
- Speech & Debate – gain confidence through speech activities and games; learn debate skills that allow you to see all sides of an argument (full year; grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
- Forensics – take public speaking to the next level; prepare yourself to compete against other schools or prepare for a career in law, politics, or social activism
- Film Study 1 and 2 - gain knowledge and appreciation of movie history by watching a variety of films; gain an understanding of the film-making process; (full year; grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
- Newspaper (Journalism) – become a member of the online newspaper where you learn to conduct interviews and write a variety of article types, often on topics of your own choosing (full year; grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
- Yearbook (Photojournalism) – develop skills in interviewing, digital photography, caption writing, proofreading, editing, graphic design, and business to create a book that will serve as a history/reference/memory book for the unique school year (full year; grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
- Creative Writing - provides students an opportunity, in a supportive, relaxed, fun, creative environment, for additional writing experimentation (full year; grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Speech and Debate
9, 10, 11, 12
The speech communication course is designed to introduce students to the basics of speech communication. Students will participate in a variety of speech activities and fun games which will help them develop self-confidence. The debate class continues this progression, helping students develop strong arguing skills.
All of the work in Speech & Debate is done in class via oral presentations, in front of the class, in small groups, or in pairs. Support is given based on the skills and comfort level of each student. There is no homework, and very little reading or writing.
•“Being in your class gave me more confidence to talk in front of a group of people.”
•“I overcame my fear of speaking . The job interview practice helped me actually get a job. Now I’m a cashier so thank you!”
•“Because of this class I feel confident in my social skills.”
Watch this video to learn more!
Film Study 1 & 2
9, 10, 11, 12
Students in Film Study will gain a knowledge of movie history, an understanding of the film-making process, and an appreciation of the many great movies that have come out over the years.
Much of the work in Film Study is done in class via written response and oral discussion. Movies will be presented in subject-oriented units, and quizzes and tests will be given on those units. There will be some at-home viewing assignments from time to time, and some outside projects designed to illustrate and apply students’ growing knowledge of film.
“It’s great to watch movies that I never would have seen on my own. I never thought I would enjoy old movies or foreign films, but we have seen a lot of good ones in this class. It’s neat to see them alongside great new movies too.”
Watch this video to learn more!
Journalism I-IV (Newspaper)
9, 10, 11, 12
Journalism introduces students to the world of news media and enlists them as members of the Westfield Watchdog. Students learn to conduct interviews and write a variety of article types, often on topics of their own choosing. Their press pass allows them to indulge their passion for sports, music, and other areas while growing their communication skills and exploring the various corners of our school.
As a team that delivers an important service, students participate in daily team-building activities. We get to know each other while engaging with current events and probing the crucial role of the free press.
Journalism provides a number of potential steppingstones. Reporters who stay in the course for a second or third year often get promoted to editors. The course also makes a college application shine. Best of all, the class allows students to start building a portfolio of articles. Journalism can open doors to a career in business, communications, and many other fields!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•“I enjoy Journalism because it's a chill class where everything is completed during class. Everyone is friendly and the class makes you a better writer.”
“This class feels like family. It’s also a creative outlet where I write about things I am passionate about.”
“I enjoy interviewing, investigating, writing, and playing a part in making sure all events in the school get fairly reported. I also love the editing aspect and learning about all the different staff and students at our school.”
Watch this video to learn more!
Photojournalism I-IV (Yearbook)
9, 10, 11, 12
Photojournalism (also known as yearbook) is a year-long elective course that requires enthusiasm, creativity, responsibility, and a dedication to the production of a book that will serve as a history/reference/memory book for the unique school year.
In this hands-on and student-led course, students will develop skills in interviewing, digital photography, caption writing, proofreading, editing, graphic design, and business. Students will work both independently and collaboratively in teams led by a student editor to create and publish The Guardian, the school’s award-winning yearbook, that sold over 925 copies last year!
Much of the work in yearbook is done in class, traveling around the school to interview students and take pictures and work on spreads; however, some outside work is required to attend/photograph school events (sports contest, student products, SGA-sponsored events) free of charge. Continued involvement in yearbook also offers leadership opportunities as editor positions become available each year.
Previous yearbook covers created by editors/staff
Watch this video to learn more!
Creative Writing
9, 10, 11, 12
Creative Writing provides students an opportunity, in a supportive, relaxed, FUN, creative environment, for additional writing experimentation beyond the standard English program. Students write in-class and no homework is assigned.
Students do not need to have prior creative writing experience, nor do they need to be “excellent” writers.
Creative Writing is a FUN workshop-based class which will give students the tools necessary to avoid writer’s block and to get creative – even if they have never tried to write creatively. Many forms of descriptive writing are encouraged, with an emphasis on poetry, short stories, plays/scripts, children’s fiction, non-fiction, and humor writing (comics).
"Students LOVE this class and say it is one of the most enjoyable classes at Westfield High School!”
“Students return the next year and tell me they feel more confident in expressing themselves after taking Creative Writing.”
Watch this video to learn more!
Forensics
9, 10, 11, 12
The forensics course is designed for students who are looking to become “battle ready” with their public speaking skills. This class will benefit students who are interested in a career in law, politics, or social activism.
The forensics course will also provide an opportunity for students who are on Westfield’s Speech and Debate team (or are interested in joining) to hone their skills and practice for upcoming competitions.
Every Voice Matters. Take Forensics!