English

English courses challenge all students to achieve their potential in the language arts. A unified, coherent program promotes the development of the analytical skills necessary for a mature understanding of literature. Additionally, the sequential writing program builds each year upon skills taught in previous years. The other strands of communication—speaking, listening, presenting, and the understanding of media—are also integral to the program. Although teachers employ a variety of teaching styles, the department demands excellence at all levels, and its ultimate goal is to provide a student with the skills necessary to succeed in a challenging collegiate environment after graduation.

The English Language Arts curriculum reflects the learning standards of the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for English Language Arts & Literacy, incorporating the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects. In addition, English courses coordinate with the content study in Humanities, by incorporating literature and cultural study in alignment with 21st Century Learning Skills and global and cultural awareness.