English
SEVENTH GRADE ADVANCED
This course consists of intensive instruction in language usage, vocabulary enrichment, and writing improvement as tools for correct oral and written expression. The primary objective of literature is to interest students in reading for enjoyment and reflection. Being read to and reading aloud for others is common practice. Since literature reflects real life, emphasis is given to the discussion of characters’ personalities, as tools for self-discovery, personal growth, and clarification of Christian values. Students are initiated into the study of myths and folktales and comprehension skills are interwoven throughout. Speaking English at all times is emphasized, encouraged, and rewarded.
SEVENTH GRADE REGULAR/SPECIAL
This course consists of intensive instruction in language usage, vocabulary enrichment, and writing improvement as tools for correct oral and written expression. The primary objective of literature is to interest students in reading for enjoyment and reflection. Being read to and reading out loud for others is common practice. Since literature reflects real life, emphasis is given to the discussion of characters’ personalities, as tools for self-discovery, personal growth, and clarification of Christian values. Students are initiated into the study of myths and folktales and comprehension skills are interwoven throughout. Speaking English at all times is emphasized, encouraged, and rewarded.
READING SKILLS SEVENTH GRADE
(Required Elective – twice a cycle)
This course is a totally individualized reading program geared to the different reading abilities within each group. Emphasis is given to the study of vocabulary in context and dictionary skills as tools for facilitating comprehension. Group sessions enable students to practice specific reading skills needed to answer prepared reading questions.
EIGTH GRADE ADVANCED
This course emphasizes the study of diverse genres of world literature and exposes students to the basic elements of literary genres. Basic vocabulary skills are developed by means of contextual usage. Language skills will enhance students’ writing and oral skills. The writing process is integrated into the course with emphasis on effective paragraph writing. The values of freedom and responsibility seen as decision making tools and the acceptance of its consequences will be the priority. Men and women at the service of others is the core value of all school and classroom activities, from which all other values spring.
EIGTH GRADE REGULAR
This course focuses on the development and reinforcement of the oral and written skills of the language. One of the main objectives of the course is to effectively comprehend and evaluate the different literary genres and their basic elements. Throughout the year students will be evaluated in the grade - selected skills of reading aloud, identifying the main idea, organizing information and making inference. Tolerance, respect and responsibility are the values for the Ignatian student in the eighth grade. “Men at the service of others” is the core value of all school and classroom activities.
EIGTH GRADE REGULAR/SPECIAL
This course concentrates on the reinforcement and integration of the basic language skills through oral and written communication. Effective reading comprehension is a main objective of the literature content of the course, which introduces students to different literary genres through multicultural selections.
READING SKILLS EIGTH GRADE
(Elective – twice a cycle)
This course is a continuation of the seventh grade reading program, but new skills are introduced and previous skills are reinforced. This individualized program is geared to the different reading experiences within the group. Emphasis is still given to vocabulary in context. Silent reading sessions are enhanced with learning to manipulate reading rate.
NINTH GRADE ADVANCED
This course emphasizes the study of diverse genres: poetry, short stories, novels, essays, and plays from both English and world literature. The students discover relationships between literature and life while comparing issues and themes with personal experiences. The reading selections encourage critical thinking, clarification of values, meaningful discussions, and interpretations based on textual evidence. Vocabulary is developed through context and reinforced by analogies. The course provides continuous development in English proficiency with the study of language and usage in written and oral exercises. The writing process is an important component of the program, and writing activities are woven throughout the course.
NINTH GRADE REGULAR
This course concentrates on the reinforcement and assimilation of correct language structures for effective communication in English. Emphasis is on the study of diverse genres: poetry, short stories, novels, essays, and plays from both English and World Literature. The reading selections encourage critical thinking and clarification of values by meaningful discussion and analysis based on textual evidence. The vocabulary skills are developed through contextual usage. The course provides continuous development in English proficiency with the study of language and usage in written and oral expression. The writing process is integrated through creative writing activities. Selected readings and activities accomplish cross-curricular integration.
TENTH GRADE ADVANCED
This course emphasizes the study of diverse genres of world literature. The reading selections encourage critical thinking and the clarification of values through the use of interpretation, discussion, and analysis. Basic vocabulary skills are developed by means of contextual usage. Language skills will enhance the students’ writing and oral skills. The writing process is integrated through creative and literature-based activities that prepare students to encounter the reality of today’s modern and professional world.
TENTH GRADE REGULAR
This course emphasizes the study of diverse genres of world literature. The reading selections encourage critical thinking through the clarification of values through the use of interpretation, discussion, and analysis. The basic vocabulary skills are developed by means of contextual usage. Language skills will enhance the students’ writing and oral skills. The writing process is integrated through creative and writing activities that prepare students to encounter the reality of today’s modern and professional world.
ELEVENTH GRADE ADVANCED
This course is designed to prepare students for more advanced, intensive and specialized English courses. It is understood that these students have mastered the speaking, reading, and writing skills generally expected in advanced level courses. Students integrate extensive reading in all genres of American literature and discover the diversity of views and relations as displayed by American authors. Procedures for analysis and criticism are followed to foster critical thinking and objective judgment. Writing becomes an outlet for creativity, ideas, and reactions by using different writing strategies.
ELEVENTH GRADE REGULAR
This course emphasizes basic grammar, composition, and vocabulary skills geared toward effective oral and written communication. Reading comprehension and analysis are developed through the study of representative works from American literature. It introduces the cultural and historical background, literary movements, and events which led to the creation of selected literary works by American writers. Procedures for analysis and criticism are followed to foster critical thinking and objective judgment. Writing becomes an outlet for creativity, ideas, and reactions by using different writing strategies.
SAT PREP ELEVENTH GRADE (Elective Course)
This course emphasizes the study of standardized test taking skills. The reading selections encourage critical thinking and the clarification of values through the use of interpretation, discussion, and analysis. Basic vocabulary skills are developed by means of contextual usage. Language skills enhance the students’ writing and oral skills. This course helps students prepare for the SAT exam by exposing students to test taking strategies, reading comprehension questions, vocabulary enrichment, correct grammatical structures, and effective standards of writing.
TWELVETH GRADE ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
This college-level course is designed for students who have shown advanced aptitude in English. Students should be self-motivated and must contribute significantly. Class discussions, team collaborations, and writing assignments will require mature and skillfully written critical analyses. Works of mainly British literature of the sixteenth to twentieth century challenge the students with the richness of their ideas and language. Attention is given to rhetorical strategies and stylistic devices to foster analysis and critical thinking. Writing assignments are designed to teach students to use language honestly and effectively, while organizing ideas in a clear, coherent, and persuasive manner. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in Literature and Composition.
TWELVETH GRADE ADVANCED
This course focuses on the integration of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through the study of traditional and contemporary British literature. Through extensive work in literary analysis of major writers, the students has the opportunity to comprehend and interpret some of the finest poetry, novels, plays, short stories and drama of the English language. The diversity of genres provides the continuous development of value judgment and foments Christian principles and Ignatian philosophy. Vocabulary enrichment enhances educational growth as a speaker, reader and writer.
TWELVETH GRADE REGULAR
This course emphasizes the continuous development of the four basic skills of understanding, speaking, reading and writing. Student s have the opportunity of reviewing grammatical language skills to attain proficiency in the use of the English language. The study of world literature covers the literary genres for the development of critical thinking, value judgment, and foments Christian principles and Ignatian philosophy. Vocabulary enrichment provides educational growth as a speaker, reader and writer.
WRITING SKILLS TWELVETH GRADE
This course is designed to provide the students with skills for effective writing. It varies depending on the students’ needs and interests. It is divided into four mini-courses:
- Introduction to pre-writing techniques with emphasis on the types of paragraphs
- Presentation of formats for well-developed essays and other types of writing
- Exposure to diverse forms of poetry writing by providing activities of enrichment and growth
- Assessment of creative writing by promoting a vehicle of communication for projecting Christian values more effectively