English (Language & Literature)

IB MYP English 9 I & II

1452/1453

This course emphasizes reading, writing, literary analysis, vocabulary development, and critical thinking skills in the context of literature. Writing instruction focuses on teaching students to compose well-organized paragraphs and essays that contain substantial details including textual evidence based on close reading. Through literature, students reflect on who they are as individuals and how they interact as members of a community. In addition, students will become more comfortable and confident working individually and collaboratively within the classroom setting. Throughout the course students not only engage with new literary content but also grow as learners who foster transferable skills.

IB MYP Honors English 9 I & II

1850/1851

This course emphasizes reading, writing, literary analysis, vocabulary development, and critical thinking skills in the context of literature. Students engage in class discussions, write literary analysis and critical responses, and give oral presentations that demonstrate an understanding of literary elements and themes in text. Through a variety of challenging texts, projects, discussions, students will reflect on who they are as individuals and how they interact as members of a global community. In addition, students will become more comfortable and confident working individually and collaboratively within the classroom setting. Throughout the course students not only engage with new literary content but also grow as learners who foster transferable skills.

IB MYP English 10 I & II

1702/1703

Students build upon the skills gained in ninth grade English during this yearlong course that focuses on American Literature. Reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills are applied to literature from various periods of American literary history through a lens of equity. The books chosen for students reflect the school’s diversity and allow for rigorous instruction. Students are also required to choose and read an independent book each semester. Students are encouraged to choose books that are varied in genre, topic, and culture, but that are near a student’s independent reading level. Students will also demonstrate a growing command of their writing and speaking skills as they create creative and literary compositions, as well as an argumentation piece informed by research. The curriculum is geared towards honing reading skills necessary for the spring MCA in reading.

IB MYP Honors English 10 I & II 1852/1853

This course prepares students for the IB English 11 Literature course. The literature covered emphasizes both a worldview and an American perspective. Also emphasized are various philosophies of thought, cultural perspectives, and historical influences. Students engage in class discussions, write literary analysis and critical essays, and give oral presentations that demonstrate an in-depth understanding of literary devices and themes. Students also learn how to create fully developed thesis statements that are adequately backed by textual evidence and personal interpretations.