| Language Arts |
Grade 9
Ninth Grade English Language Arts lays the foundation for further study of World, American, and British literature, and focuses students' efforts on writing techniques used in school subjects. Students read deeply and widely, improving their skills in reading both fiction (including the novel, drama, and poetry) and non-fiction. Work on grammar skills and vocabulary development is integrated into reading and writing activities. Writing practice focuses on expository pieces, with much attention given to clarity of expression and to the revision process. Themes, projects, and readings are closely tied with the Social Studies course in World History.
Grade 10
Tenth Grade English Language Arts students read major works of modern literature of the Americas, and continue to develop academic writing and speaking skills. Students consolidate and expand knowledge of literary genres and techniques in preparation for the IB English A1 course. Course content is designed to complement the time period and some themes covered in the Grade Ten US History course. All 10th graders are introduced to the research process, are asked to collect, read, and synthesize information, and, as a final assessment, must write a research report using the MLA format.
Grades 11 and 12
IB English A1 Year 1& 2 (HL & SL)
To fulfill the requirements for the IB Diploma, all students must study a Language A1. At ACST, for most students, that language shall generally be English. The Language A1 program, a required course, is primarily a two-year pre-university course in literature. Students not enrolled in the Diploma program will follow the same syllabus and will complete the same internal assignments, but will not be responsible for external IB assessments. The general aims of the course, as stated in the English A1 Subject Guide, are to:
• Encourage a personal appreciation of literature and develop an understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism
• Develop the students' powers of expression, both in oral and written communication, and provide the opportunity of practicing and developing the skills involved in writing and speaking in a variety of styles and situations
• Introduce students to a range of literary works of different periods, genres, styles, and contexts
• Broaden the students perspective through the study of works from other cultures and languages
• Introduce students to ways of approaching and studying literature, leading to the development of an understanding and appreciation of the relationships between different works
• Develop the ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of written text
• Promote in students an enjoyment of, and lifelong interest in, literature
The Grade 11 English course introduces students to the elements of the A1 English course, guiding students through half of the fifteen works on the syllabus and two of the four assessment components (the World Literature essays and the formal oral presentation). The Grade 12 course guides students through the remaining works on the syllabus, and prepares them to complete the remaining assessments, including the recorded oral commentary and Papers 1 and 2 on the May external exam.
Introduction to Research Elective
As a prelude to the Grade 11 Extended Essay workshop, and as a means of helping students develop their writing, research, and presentation skills, this one-semester course focuses on an “I Search” paper on a topic of personal interest to them. Exploration of possible answers to the questions below form the basis of the course for grade 10 students, taught with the collaboration of the Upper School librarian. Topics explored include the nature and utility of research skills, choice and focus of an appropriate topic, information literacy, preparation of successive drafts of a research paper in MLA format, and sharing of findings in a PowerPoint presentation. Assessment is based on evaluation of class journal, class exercises, drafts of the paper, and on the final presentation.
