The overall goal of the English program at St. Francis is effective communication, reached through close examination of literature and regular practice in written and verbal communication. The core of this four-year program is literature, on which every facet is based. Students analyze works, relying on shared inquiry methods for discussions and formal writing assignments. Writing assignments (both formal and creative), verbal skills (in both discussions and presentations) and vocabulary skills all stem from the literature. Grammar is taught in the context of the writing assignments. The classes contain a wide variety of genres, styles and periods in order to help students develop an appreciation for the subject.

English Course Sequence
For more information about English course offerings, visit the Course Catalog.

• English 9
• English 10: Great Books, Honors Great Books
• English 11: American Literature, Honors American Literature

Seniors must take at least one full year of English, but may take more if they wish to do so. All of the courses which fulfill the requirement are literature-based and will require students to continue to develop skills in literary interpretation and analysis, seminar discussion, writing and effective study habits.

• AP English Literature and Composition
• Literature: Heroes and Villains
• Literature and Film
• Women Writers
• Writing from Literature

The following may be taken in addition to the above but do not satisfy graduation requirements:

• The Canticle (Yearbook)

Facts About the English Program

• The English teachers have been teaching for a combined total of 140 years.
• Students read at least four plays by Shakespeare by the time they graduate.
• 84% of SF students qualify as “proficient” in English by California State University standards (not required to take a remedial English course). The average for Sacramento area high schools is 57%.
• In 2006, 51 of 53 (96%) passed the AP English Literature exam. (The national pass rate is typically about 63%.)
• In 2005, the SF SAT I mean verbal score was 576 compared to 499 for California female students and 505 for females in the nation.

Diocesan English Competencies for High School Entrance

St. Francis High School looks for students with well-developed reading, writing and analytical skills, and exposure to a variety of types of literature. We also want students who have developed a genuine love of reading and writing.

Language Skills and Knowledge Expected Prior to High School Admission:

• Possess mastery level knowledge of grammar and English language usage, including the eight parts of speech, components of a sentence, subject-verb agreement and punctuation
• Know how to use literary terms, such as plot, theme, narrator and point-of-view
• Be familiar with basic literary genres
• Understand the language of composition, including the terms abstract thinking, analysis, interpretation, discussion and comparative relationships
• Know the elements of well-constructed essays, such as the introduction and conclusion, the thesis statement, paragraphs and topic sentences
• Practice habits that develop vocabulary

Department Chair:
Sarah Huffman
916.452.3461 ext. 176
SHuffman@stfrancishs.org