The purpose of the English Department is to teach students to read intelligently, to think logically, to express themselves clearly, and to enjoy literature. An intense writing program and a variety of oral activities ensure that clear writing and oral communication skills are developed through a sequential program from grades 7 - 12. Students read American, Asian, European and World literature to understand and appreciate the ideas they express, the styles and forms in which they are written, and the cultures from which they spring.
All students take year-long English courses from grades 7-10 which offer students a varied, sequential study of reading, writing and language. In their junior and senior years, students may choose from a variety of semester-long electives. They must take either American Literature or British Literature before graduating.
For specific course information, links and pictures, see menu on left.
Links of interest:
English Department's Discussion Board
The Keables Guide Online
Grades 11-12 Vocabulary: list 5-Q1 list 6-Q2 list 7-Q3 list 8-Q4
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online
For rhyming help for poetry, the RhymeZone
Iolani's Auxiliary Reading Program
Uses of Technology in the Teaching of English
Shakespeare's Monologues (for the the Shakespeare Competition!)
The Student's Serenade
by Anne Bronte
I have slept upon my couch,
But my spirit did not rest,
For the labours of the day
Yet my weary soul opprest;
And, before my dreaming eyes
Still the learned volumes lay,
And I could not close their leaves,
And I could not turn away.
