All English courses in grades 7-10 require the students to read, in addition to the books discussed in class, several books of outside reading in the course of the year. The students are free to choose the books from lists supplied by the teachers. Selections from these genres present a variety of perspectives and voices. In all readings, students are taught to understand both the literal and abstract levels of a text. Students practice an assortment of different writing styles including poetry, short story, descriptive and expository essays.
Students write both informal journal entries and formal papers.
The course teaches grammar and vocabulary within the context of student writing. Students maintain portfolios of their writing and are asked periodically to reflect upon their progress as writers. Students are expected to participate in class discussion and in small group work. In all readings, students are taught to understand both the literal and abstract levels of a text. Students write both informal journal entries and formal papers.