For the 25-26 school year, the English department has shifted to offer term-contained courses for 5th and 6th formers. This new curriculum gives students the flexibility to choose their English courses for each term. The electives are categorized into writing and literature electives, and Advanced Studies and non-AS options. The offerings range from courses on Film Analysis to Scandinavian Literature.
A few restrictions do accompany this new flexible curriculum. Students must take at least one writing-focused course and one literature-focused course. New 5th and 6th formers are also required to take Writing Seminar in the fall of their first year to equip them with the necessary skills for their future classes.
This fall, I had the pleasure of taking the Advanced Studies Toni Morrison’s Beloved course with Mr. Baird. Though there were only a small handful of students, the conversation never failed to leave me wanting to know more. I had heard of Morrison in passing but haven’t had the chance to pick up one of her books yet; this class provided me with an opportunity to not only read one of her best works but to engage in like-minded discussions. We spent classes doing close reading exercises and rounded the semester off with a final critical essay on Beloved.
Another student who is currently taking Personal Narratives, a writing-focused course, in the winter term was able to share some insight on the course. The class is intended to help students improve their storytelling skills both within and outside of the context of the college essay. The curriculum involves analyzing different works and experimenting with storytelling techniques. Students spend time discussing the readings in class and peer-reviewing each other’s work. The class recently completed a personal essay centered around an object of sentimental value to them.
The new term-contained course offerings allow students to explore subjects that interest them without committing a full year to a single English class, making it feel less like a requirement. And with so many course offerings, classes are smaller, invoking a more conversational atmosphere. The best part of the new system is that some courses may take a more traditional approach, while others might allow for more autonomy, giving students the opportunity to connect their personal lives and interests to literature and writing.
