Upper School English
The Beaver English Department teaches active reading, writing, reflection, and analysis. In our explorations of language and literature, we encourage students to access both their imaginations and their intellects. As they learn, students develop the means of confidently and skillfully expressing their knowledge, observations, and feelings. We believe that engagement with literature leads students to explore human nature, understand multiple perspectives, question the world around them, and appreciate the power and complexity of language.
Requirements
Four years of English courses—40 credits—are required for graduation; two terms each year.
Honors
In grades 10 through 12, students may elect to take their English course at the honors level by signing a contract. Honors students are expected to be leaders in class discussions, to maintain a high level of enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity, and to demonstrate a superior level of critical analysis in all written work and on honors-specific prompts on assessments. Earning Honors credit requires that after electing Honors and signing the contract, that the student continues to live up to these expectations.
English FAQs
Grammar instruction occurs in direct relation to student work; teachers respond to the specific elements that emerge in student writing. Similarly, each student uses a program called Membean that creates an individualized vocabulary curriculum.
Examples from the US English classroom
