Curriculum Overview

Students complete seven communications classes during their four years at the Center for Communications. Additional requirements include four English classes, World History and Geography II, and Earth Science. Students receive honors/weighted credit for each class in English, communications, and World History and Geography II.

English classes and communications classes are taught in the Center for Communications. Other course work is completed in the comprehensive high school.

Freshmen are scheduled together in Communications and Technology Connections, English 9, Earth Science, and World History and Geography II. Teachers follow the county curriculum established by the Essentials of the Curriculum; additionally, they integrate and reinforce the skills and concepts taught in the communications classes.

Students design and produce audio and video tapes, brochures, and multimedia presentations related to their study of English, science, and world history.

Communications and Technology Connections

Ninth grade, 1 honors credit, required, 36 weeks

• Understand the communications process
• Understand the forms and functions of mass communication
• Develop and refine keyboarding and word processing skills
• Develop skills in copy writing, reporting, script writing, and editing
• Explore technical skills in computer information systems, desktop publishing, multimedia, photography, graphic design, and audio/video production
• Use poise, standard usage, articulation, and style in public speaking
• Write and deliver formal and informal speeches and presentations
• Explore ethical and legal issues in communications
• Explore careers in communications through guest speakers, field trips, and research

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Sophomores and juniors enroll in honors English. Seniors enroll in Advanced Placement English 12. Students follow the Henrico County curriculum for honors and AP English classes.

All students enroll in two periods of communications classes. Students study print journalism, broadcast journalism, advertising, and public relations. Areas of emphasis include presentation skills, technical reading and writing, audio and video production, information systems, multimedia, photography, graphic design, and career exploration.

Students use both high school and college textbooks. They are required to take both practical and written cumulative exams and to follow attendance policies established by Henrico County Public Schools.

Communications Writing and Production I

Tenth grade, 2 honors credits, required, 36 weeks

• Study the historical, structural, ethical, legal, and economic aspects of newspaper, magazine, and book industries
• Continue to develop skills in copy writing, reporting, script writing, and editing
• Write and deliver persuasive speeches
• Present oral interpretations
• Study models of effective speeches and presentations
• Use audio and visual aids to make presentations
• Continue to develop technical skills in computer information systems, desktop publishing, multimedia, photography, graphic design, and audio/video production
• Continue to explore careers in communications through guest speakers, field trips, and research

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Communications Writing and Production II

Eleventh grade, 2 honors credits, required, 36 weeks

• Study the historical, structural, ethical, legal, and economic aspects of each of the television and radio industries
• Apply skills in copy writing, reporting, script writing, and editing.
  Study models of effective speeches and presentations from American history and literature
• Write and deliver persuasive speeches and present oral interpretations
• Apply principles of effective speeches and presentations using appropriate audio /visual aids
• Study and deliver on-air presentations
• Continue to develop technical skills in the areas of computer information systems, desktop publishing, multimedia, photography, graphic design, and audio/video production
• Continue to explore communications-related careers through guest speakers, field trips, and research

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Advanced Communications: Writing,
Production and Directed Research

Twelfth grade, 2 honors credits, required, 36 weeks

• Study the historical, structural, ethical, legal, and economic aspects of advertising and the public relations industries
• Refine skills in copy writing, reporting, script writing, and editing
• Use audio and visual aids to present effective speeches and presentations
• Analyze and evaluate speeches and presentations
• Write and deliver inspirational and special occasion speeches
• Learn principles of debate
• Continue writing and delivering on-air presentations
• Refine technical skills in computer information systems, multimedia, photography, graphic design, and audio/video production
• Design, produce, and present a variety of communications projects
• Participate in shadowing experiences with professionals in communications
• Complete a senior portfolio project
• Present senior portfolio project to an audience of experts

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