English

Department Chair: Gretchen Davis
email | phone:425-868-6191 ext. 698

The goal of the English department is to help students develop their abilities to read, write, speak, and listen well. These skills are necessary for their progression as critical and creative thinkers, problem solvers, and effective communicators in a rapidly changing world.

Clear, effective communication is a major goal of the Middle School curriculum. To that end, students learn the basics of grammar as a means to understanding the structure of their language. In writing, the emphasis is on the writing process, organization and development, as well as mechanical accuracy. Beginning research skills are also taught. The English curriculum is coordinated with other departments to help students understand the importance of reading, writing, speaking, and listening in all that they do. As students read from the various genres in literature they will discuss, interpret, examine, analyze, and evaluate fundamental works of the human experience.

Coherent, articulate writing with mechanical correctness is a major objective of the Upper School curriculum. Students are taught the process of writing: brainstorming, thesis identification, outlining, drafting, editing, revising, and publishing. Ample opportunities are also given for free writing and creative writing. The Upper School English curriculum also uses a thematic approach to literature in connection with other disciplines, and exposes the students to a wide variety of literature from the world, as well as periods from ancient to modern. Students discuss, interpret, examine, analyze, and evaluate fundamental works of the human experience and teachers cultivate an appreciation of literary works that will enhance an awareness of the relationship between literature and culture, not only nationally but globally; an understanding of the evolution of individual and societal identities; and an ability to critique value systems.

History