Philosophy | Grade Five | Grade Six | Form I | Form II

Philosophy

The Middle School English curriculum concentrates on the interrelated study of grammar, literature, vocabulary, and composition. This program provides a method for developing skills in two key areas for academic success: writing and critical reading. Boys are encouraged to read with understanding and feeling and to recognize in the experience of literature a common bond with all humanity. Reading selections include modern works and classics chosen to promote the enjoyment of literature. The study of grammar and vocabulary forms an integral part of Middle School English. With a competent command of grammar and a growing vocabulary, the student will be able to meet the increasing demands for good, clear communications skills, both written and oral.

Grade Five

The Fifth Grade English curriculum is divided into three parts: reading, writing workshop, and English mechanics. As a class, students read a variety of novels that complement the history and ethics curricula. The books may include Taylor, The Cay; Lowry, Number The Stars; Curtis, Bud, Not Buddy; and Collier & Collier, My Brother Sam Is Dead. Films and other media are used to enhance the learning experience. Classroom discussions, which develop critical and analytical thinking skills, are an essential part of the course. For additional challenge, boys may read books they have chosen independently and practice their analyses of text as well as their oral expression by presenting book reviews to their classmates.

Written assignments based on the class novels are used to give the boys practice in expository and persuasive writing; special emphasis is placed upon sentence structure and paragraph development. The boys have additional opportunities to develop the fluency of their written expression, as well as their creative writing skills, through regular assignments in a writing journal and stories. Texts used in addition to the novels listed above include a spelling workbook (SRA/McGraw Hill, Spelling Level 6, which includes the study of vocabulary), grammar workbooks (Houghton Mifflin, Workbook Plus and Reteaching Workbook), and a reading comprehension workbook (a variety is used, depending on the needs of individual boys).

Grade Six

Writing, reading, and grammar are emphasized in the course. The students spend time discussing the literature; working on writing projects; taking and reading notes; writing and reading first drafts; and rewriting for greater detail, effectiveness, and technical accuracy. Producing fully developed, informative, and cohesive paragraphs is emphasized. Vocabulary and grammar are studied in depth, and their value as aids to effective writing underscored. The study of literature focuses mainly on texts about growing up and emerging into the world at large, and students have the opportunity to discuss and write about their own experiences. Texts: Holt Traditions, Warriner’s Handbook; Sadlier-Oxford, Vocabulary Workshop; Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea; Taylor, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry; Howe, The Misfits; D’Aulaires, D’Aulaires Book of Greek Myths; Sutcliffe, The Wanderings of Odysseus and Hinds, The Odyssey.

Form I

This course seeks to integrate the study of literature with the more technical areas of grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. Using literature as a source for the other areas of study provides a context for learning. Since much of the literature focuses on situations similar to those confronting the boys, it provides a basis for discussions about conduct and values. Emphasis is placed on study skills. The boys learn how to take notes, schedule their time, set specific goals, do research, and take tests. Composition work stresses the five-paragraph essay and the creation of short stories.

Fall Term: Adventures and Heroes. Nye, Beowulf, a New Telling; Bradbury, The Halloween Tree, writing poetry, short stories, and essays.

Winter Term: Personal Narrative and Responsibility. Lord, A Night to Remember; Nielsen, Word Nerd; essays and short stories.

Spring Term: Mysteries and the Fantastic. T. H. White, The Sword in the Stone; Graves, Gods and Goddesses; Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, abridged, a joint History-English project involving researching American life in the nineteenth century and creating historical fiction.

Other texts include Dimick, Voyages in English 7 and Shostak and Sadlier, Oxford Vocabulary, Level C.

Form II

This course focuses upon and refines the skills of critical reading and writing. By examining what a work says and implies, and by exploring its language and larger structures, the student develops an analytic mind. Literary works are selected for their artistic merit as well as for their appeal to the maturing reader. Independent reading is assigned throughout the year for those boys who seek additional challenges. Through frequent essay and creative writing assignments and regular grammar and vocabulary exercises, the student understands the importance of the written word and gains the skill and confidence to express himself in all areas of composition.

Fall Term: Knowles, A Separate Peace

Winter Term: Krakauer, Into the Wild; Wolff, In Pharaoh’s Army

Spring Term: Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird; Golding, Lord of the Flies