English I

During the I-Search Project, freshman will investigate a school appropriate topic of their choosing (teacher and guardian approved) to answer a question (or questions) that they have. We will work through the I-Search process together, learning useful researching, citing, and writing strategies and techniques. One of the most compelling aspects of the paper is that it is less formal than a traditional research paper. This means that students will use the first person pronoun (“I”) and  will reflect and inform readers of their research throughout the paper. 

-Search inventor Ken Macrorie says that “the I-Search asks you to scratch a genuine itch until you’ve quieted it.”

​Finally, use this project as a stepping stone to the various “benchmark” assignments that Northgate High School is known for:  If I Change the World Project (10), The Argumentative Paper and Speech (10), The American History Research Paper (11), The American Author’s Project (11), Mock Congress (12), and The Senior Project (12).

English II

Rhetorical Unit
All 10th grade students research and learn to effectively craft an argument based on the three aspects of Rhetoric- ethos, pathos, and logos. Students spend 4th quarter researching a topic of interest to them, researching all pro and con arguments, writing a paper that clearly demonstrates their understanding of the topic as well as their ability to write a well-written research/ rhetorical paper, and preparing a speech that persuades their audience to take the next step. 

This is a second semester final for all 10th grade sophomores. 

English III

All 11th grade students will participate in either an American Authors Project or an American Icons Project. Both projects require students to practice their research, writing, and rhetoric skills.

Students participating in the American Authors Project choose an author, read one-two novels from that author, then research how that author contributed to the literary movement in which they were involved.

Students participating in the American Icons Project choose a person who they think is an American Icon. From there, students research their Icon's life and craft an argument as to why that person or group is an American Icon.

*Both projects are equally challenging and participation is dependent on the teacher your student has. Some teachers favor one project over the other which is why students may participate in different projects in different English classes.

English IV

Senior Project
***NORTHGATE STUDENTS MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE AND PASS THE ENTIRE SENIOR PROJECT, UNDER THE NORTHGATE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT’S SUPERVISION, IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN NORTHGATE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY, AND RECEIVE A NORTHGATE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA.***

Northgate's senior English curriculum includes guidance through a required culminating Senior Project that consists of an experiential hands-on project with a community connection; a multi-sourced research paper centered on a related topic including personal interview; and a formal presentation of the student's findings and experience.   
Sample Commitment Posters