English
The curriculum of the Upper School English department builds on the foundations of the Middle School language arts program. The Upper School program is based on the belief that all aspects of the English curriculum are interdependent and they all contribute to reinforcing student progress in the mastery of English. The curriculum seeks to foster an appreciation of literature as well as the skills associated with close reading, modes of writing, word usage, vocabulary development, listening, speaking and analysis. The immediate aim is to prepare students for academic success in college. The ultimate aim is to provide students with the ability and the desire to be lifelong learners in the language arts.
English department objectives:
- Appreciation of literature
- Willingness to accept a variety of perspectives
- Ability to examine a work of literature in its historical, cultural, and biographical context
- Reading for comprehension and literary merit
- Ability to recognize and appreciate figurative language and literary devices
- Ability to successfully analyze literary criticism
- Ability to speak before a class, either in a seminar or during a presentation
- Ability to research and write a comprehensive research paper
- Ability to prepare organized, well-developed written responses to literature
