The English Department at Uxbridge High School has nine basic goals, all designed to create successful, life-long learners who will be able to achieve the following standards:

1. develop effective skills and strategies for various types of communication, such as writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and presenting
2. understand and use the conventions of writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and presenting required by a variety of audiences, purposes, and situations
3. develop independent reading skills and critical reading skills for a variety of genres
4. develop an appreciation of literature and an understanding of its structure and multi-cultural contexts
5. develop study skills, strategies, work habits, and attitudes necessary for success in school and for life in our ever-changing society
6. develop basic skills of language mechanics and expression
7. develop an ability to examine and evaluate information from various media and technological resources
8. understand the dynamics of languages and dialect
9. be provided with opportunities to pursue special talents and interests through a variety of media and technology.

The English Department requires that a student take freshman English during the freshman year, sophomore English during the sophomore year, junior English during the junior year, and senior English during the senior year. With the exception of the elective courses, students cannot take two years of English during the same year unless they are required to make up credits for courses failed. If this occurs, courses must be taken in the correct 9-12 sequence. Electives are offered in addition to the one-course-per-year requirement, and they cannot substitute for that requirement.