In the Middle School the English program is dedicated to building a strong foundation in all reading and writing skills. Selected novels, plays, short stories, and poems serve as the basis for the reading program. Students add constantly to their vocabularies through the study of words in Vocabulary Workshop (Sadlier-Oxford, levels A-D) and their reading.
All Middle School students have laptop computers, which they use for writing and revision. The writing portion of the curriculum encourages imaginative and energetic responses to questions and underscores the importance of accurate diction, good usage, and correct grammar. Writing assignments are designed to generate coherent paragraphs that develop into longer essays. The use of specific details to support the writer’s basic position is stressed. Writing assignments are designed to prompt the student into expressing personal observations and opinions in a convincing way. Final drafts are expected to demonstrate competency in the mechanics of writing. To this end students learn how to eliminate sentence fragments and run-ons, how to punctuate and spell correctly, and how to avoid common errors in usage.
Literature is chosen on the basis of merit and its ability to engage the Middle School reader. A conscientious attempt is made to choose books with challenging vocabulary and themes that are age appropriate. The goals of the reading program are to encourage enjoyment and appreciation, and to develop interpretive skills. Middle School reading includes such classics as A Christmas Carol, Tom Sawyer and To Kill a Mockingbird. Contemporary fiction is represented by such works as Haroun, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, and Montana 1948. Shakespeare is at the heart of a drama unit in all grades.
Tests on the reading are designed to measure comprehension skills as well as knowledge of content. Tests also generally require a considerable amount of writing. All cumulative exams include at least one essay assignment.
A summer reading program helps sustain skills during the vacation. All students entering grades 6-8 are required to read two books. In addition, they are expected to read two books of their choice. The English Department provides a list of recommended books to help with the selection.
Advanced sections are designed to challenge superior students and afford them the opportunity for enhanced learning experiences.