English 10

The 10th grade English course, with its thematic focus on external and internal journeys, uses classical and contemporary literature to develop the skills needed to uncover a text’s literal and metaphorical meanings. Class discussions and writing assignments encourage students to deepen their ability to independently interpret texts and produce writing that explores their own ideas about the literature. The syllabus may include Purple Hibiscus, A Wreath for Emmett Till, and Fahrenheit 451 along with a unit study of short stories and sonnets. We also use a performance-based approach to teaching Shakespeare, as the unit for The Tempest culminates in student performances of the comedy. Altogether, these works serve as the basis for developing verbal articulation and analytical skills through discussion and writing. Students build their vocabulary by studying words from the texts they read and strengthen their grammar through focused lessons and practice. Along with the rest of the English department, the 10th grade teachers practice the workshop approach to writing, which emphasizes extensive revising and editing. Also available in Honors with department approval.