In English 9, students strengthen reading comprehension by analyzing literary and informational texts, with an emphasis on informational texts. They use mentor texts to develop persuasive and expository writing through a recursive process. Research skills include evaluating diverse sources, including media, and citing information accurately. Students also enhance communication by creating and delivering multimodal presentations individually and collaboratively.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: None

In this course students deepen their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through rigorous study of literary and informational texts. Students will analyze how authors use language and techniques, craft persuasive and expository writing with credible evidence, and refine research skills by evaluating and citing diverse sources. Mentor texts and recursive writing processes support the development of clear, effective communication. Additionally, students will enhance presentation skills through multimodal tools in individual and collaborative contexts.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: None

In English 10, students analyze literary and informational texts to explore universal themes and their historical, cultural, and social significance. They focus on argumentation, using mentor texts to strengthen claims with evidence from reliable sources, while developing media literacy by analyzing and creating media messages. Research and collaborative projects refine skills in evaluating sources, addressing biases, and citing information accurately.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: English 9

Honors English 10 builds on skills from Honors English 9, focusing on analyzing literary and informational texts to explore universal themes and their historical, cultural, and social significance. Students strengthen argumentation and research skills by analyzing mentor texts, constructing well-supported arguments, and synthesizing information from diverse sources. Media literacy is enhanced through creating and critiquing media messages, while collaborative projects develop communication skills and the ability to present diverse viewpoints effectively.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: English 9

English 10: AP Seminar is a rigorous project-based course that builds foundational skills in research, writing, collaboration, and presentation. This course allows students to explore real-world issues through research, analysis, and discussion. Its flexible, interdisciplinary framework, integrates critical reading, writing, and speaking, as students investigate topics from multiple perspectives, construct evidence-based arguments, and create both written and multimedia presentations in both individual and team settings. This course aligns with Virginia’s English 10 standards and prepares students for AP Capstone and college-level work.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: English 9

In English 11, students refine advanced reading, writing, and analytical skills by evaluating literary and informational texts, including American literature that reflects cultural and historical themes. They use mentor texts to craft focused, coherent writing for academic and workplace purposes while conducting ethical research and synthesizing information from diverse sources. The course emphasizes multimodal presentations, media literacy, and collaboration, preparing students for postsecondary success through authentic, real-world tasks.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: English 10

Honors English 11 builds on skills from Honors English 10, focusing on an advanced study of American literary and informational texts to explore themes and their historical, cultural, and social significance. Independent comprehension and analysis of selected works is expected. Students strengthen argumentation and research skills by analyzing mentor texts, constructing well-supported arguments, and synthesizing information from diverse sources. Media literacy is enhanced through creating and critiquing media messages, while collaborative projects develop communication skills and the ability to present diverse viewpoints effectively.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: English 10

Honors American Civilization integrates Virginia and United History with American literature (English 11) to develop a deep understanding of the American experience. The cross-curricular course will emphasize the interconnectedness of the history, literature, and experiences of people who have lived in the United States. The course will examine ways in which events and experiences necessitated new, uniquely American styles in its literature and investigate key decisions and the effects of those decisions on American history. Students will prepare for the EOC Reading and Writing. Students will also complete the state-developed performance tasks for Virginia and United States History.

Credits: 1 English Credit

Prerequisites: English 10

This course is equivalent to Northern Virginia Community College's (NVCC) ENG 111 and ENG 112 and introduces students to critical thinking and fundamentals of academic writing. Writing activities will include exposition and argumentation with at least one researched essay. Students will continue to develop college writing with increased emphasis on critical essays, argumentation, and research. Students learn to locate, evaluate, integrate, and document sources and effectively edit for style and usage. ENG 111 is completed in the first semester; the student must successfully complete 111 before moving to 112, which is the second semester course. Upon successful completion of both semesters of this course, students will earn high school credit and NVCC credit.

Credits: 1 high school credit and 6 hours of NVCC credit with successful completion of both semesters.

Prerequisites: Must meet requirements for acceptance to Northern Virginia Community College

AP English Language and Composition is an introductory college-level composition course. Students cultivate their understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through reading, analyzing, and writing texts as they explore topics like rhetorical situation, claims and evidence, reasoning and organization, and style. Students enrolled in the course must take the AP Language and Composition exam in May, which may earn them college credit. Students are expected to remain in their AP class for the entire school year.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: English 10

In English 12, students refine advanced reading, writing, and analytical skills by evaluating complex texts and exploring themes across literary and informational works. Writing assignments emphasize technical and professional standards for academic and workplace audiences, supported by mentor texts. Students strengthen media literacy through analysis and create interactive multimodal presentations. Research projects reinforce ethical practices, and collaborative work develops communication and teamwork skills essential for postsecondary success.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: English 11

Honors English 12 builds on skills from Honors English 11, focusing on an advanced study of literary and informational texts to explore themes and their historical, cultural, and social significance. Independent comprehension and analysis of selected works is expected. Students strengthen argumentation and research skills by analyzing mentor texts, constructing well-supported arguments, and synthesizing information from diverse sources. Media literacy is enhanced through creating and critiquing media messages, while collaborative projects develop communication skills and the ability to present diverse viewpoints effectively. This course is designed to prepare students for college level coursework.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: English 11

This course is equivalent to NVCC ENG 255 and examines literary texts across a variety of cultures, genres, and time periods. It will focus on developing critical thinking and interpretive skills through close reading, discussion, and an analysis of literary texts from around the world in their historical, cultural, social, and/or literary contexts. Students will develop skills in close reading, interpretation, and comparative analysis.  This course counts as both an Osbourn course and a NVCC course, so students will receive both an OHS grade and an NVCC grade which will appear on their college transcripts. This is a FULL YEAR course.  Upon successful completion of both semesters of this course with a C or higher, students will earn high school credit and NVCC credit.

Credits: 1 high school credit and 3 hours of NVCC credit with successful completion of both semesters.

Prerequisites: Dual Enrollment Language and Composition with a grade of C or better.

This course, equivalent to an introductory college course, engages students in careful reading and critical analysis of literature. Independent reading, research, and critical thinking, as well as the development of advanced composition skills, are stressed. Students frequently take part in small and large group discussions. Authentic research will address topics relevant to the student’s future with all students preparing an oral presentation of their research findings. Students who do well on the AP Literature and Composition exam in May can be exempt from freshman college English or receive college credit. 

Students who do well on the AP Literature and Composition exam in May can be exempt from freshman college English or receive college credit. Students enrolled in the class must take the AP Literature exam. Students are expected to remain in their AP classes for the entire school year. Common unit assessments are given at the end of each unit. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: English 11

Students learn tutoring skills to support their peers with reflective writing and developing writing strategies. Students use professional journals, collaboration with other writing courses, and class instruction to provide one-on-one peer instruction. Students will learn and execute the tasks associated with scheduling and running a student-run writing center as well as collecting, analyzing, and sharing data.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in a previous English course.

This course is for students who love to write. This workshop course focuses on the student writing and revising his/her original works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. The student will produce a portfolio of original literature. Daily writing exercises, journaling, and projects are required. Students will work in reading/writing groups to provide and receive extensive feedback. Students will be eligible to work on the school literary magazine in the second semester.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: None

This course is for students who have a passion for writing and have successfully completed Literary Magazine-Creative Writing 1. Focusing on original works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, students will engage in a workshop-style environment, writing and revising their pieces while building a portfolio of original literature. Daily writing exercises, journaling, and creative projects are integral to the course, along with collaborative reading and writing groups for feedback and improvement. In the second semester, students will contribute to the creation of the school’s literary magazine, curating and publishing their work alongside their peers.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: Literary Magazine- Creative Writing 1

Developing Literacy is an intervention class that uses Lexia Power Up as a tool to support literacy gains for students in grades 9–12 who are at risk of not meeting College- and Career-Ready Standards. The instruction and program target three areas, word recognition, reading comprehension, and writing skills so that students become proficient readers and writers. This class complements the English instruction and curriculum students receive in Language Arts courses as reading and writing are critical life skills that your child needs in the 21st-century workplace.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation

This intervention course continues the focus on Developing literacy and uses Lexia Power Up as a tool to support literacy gains for students in grades 10–12 who are at risk of not meeting College- and Career-Ready Standards—the instruction and program target three areas, word recognition, reading comprehension, and writing skills so that they become proficient readers and writers. The course continues to provide the student with instruction and practice in reading, writing, organizational skills, test-taking strategies, self-advocacy, real-life communication skills, and time management. Strengthening literacy skills that are utilized in all subject areas and preparing students for required standardized testing in reading and writing are the goals of this course.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and completion of Developing Literacies.

This year long course teaches the basic principles of broadcast journalism. Topics covered include news, features, editorials, and sports writing, all specifically targeted toward presentation via broadcast media. Students will also examine the similarities and differences between newspapers, news magazine, television, and radio, and analyze the unique way each explains and interprets current events. Students will learn research techniques essential to in-depth reporting and write investigative and interpretative stories. Journalistic law and ethics, and effective communication will also be emphasized. Students enrolled in this class will plan and implement a daily morning news/announcements show for the OHS community.

Students may take this course multiple times to count as a sequential elective

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: None

This year-long course teaches the basic principles of journalism. Topics covered include news, feature, editorial, sports writing; layout and design; effective use of photographs; desktop publishing and journalism law and ethics. Strong writing skills are recommended. Students will write for Osbourn’s news website, ohstalon.com, and may work on the yearbook.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: None

The year-long journalism class creates content for the news website, The Talon. Students plan articles; conduct interviews for stories; write news features, sports, and editorials; take and prepare photographs, and assist in the design of the news website.  Some time outside of school hours may be required to successfully meet deadlines. Specific guidelines for Journalism 2, 3, and 4 News Website- are available from the advisor. 

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: Completion of prior or equivalent course in the Journalism sequence.

The yearbook class produces the student yearbook, Eyrie. Students plan and design the book; conduct interviews for stories; write and edit features and sports stories; take and crop photographs; sell and design advertising; create pages; and market the book to students and staff.  Some time outside of school hours is required to successfully meet publisher’s deadlines. Specific guidelines for Journalism 2, 3, 4 - Yearbook are available from the advisor.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: Completion of prior or equivalent course in the Journalism sequence.

This course teaches the basic principles of public speaking and group discussion. Students learn how to communicate effectively in a variety of speaking situations and gain confidence in addressing a group. This process includes topic research, speech preparation, delivery techniques, oral interpretations, and listening skills. 

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None