English

We offer English courses covers from 2 nd  grade to 12^th grade. Our teaching methodology develops a connection with students and engages in lesson discussions that keep students focused and open to new ideas. Engage students’ interest, strengthen reading and writing skills, develop an appreciation for literature and history assist students establish their English competence furthermore, for 9^th, 10^th, 11^th and 12^th grade students, links to the success of their SAT test.

6^th English                                                                                                  

Course description: students will acquire a variety of new skills and develop old ones as they read and analyze different genres of literature, write various kinds of narratives, and engage in grammar, spelling and vocabulary activities on a weekly basis. More specifically, the sixth graders will read three novels in the course of the year – the first two dwelling on modern-day issues, and the third set in Ancient Greece.  Besides these novels, the students will read numerous short stories and a selection of poems and plays.  They will read aloud in class but the volume of independent reading and literary analysis will significantly increase. The sixth graders will also be involved in a variety of vocabulary-building activities aimed at promoting a more mature and competent usage of the English language. In writing, the students will be guided to develop the different elements of effective writing such as dialogue, sensory description, plot, characterization, etc.   They will also write in a variety of forms that include the short story, personal narrative, descriptive essay, etc.  They will also be required to go through the five stages of the writing process, namely prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. A spelling test of twenty words will be given weekly.  The students will be expected to conform to the conventions of written English and thus use correct grammar and punctuation. The major goal for the sixth graders will be for them to emerge as more independent, more proficient, and more mature readers and writers.

7^th English

Course description: The seventh grade Language Arts focuses on the integration of vocabulary, literature, reading strategies, composition, oral language skills, and grammar.  Through the Wordly Wise© Curriculum students build reading vocabularies while simultaneously strengthening critical thinking, and writing skills. Through teacher guided reading and writing activities, students will examine story connections, discuss author perspectives, and study the language and craft of various literary selections.  Cognitive strategies are shared and practiced to help students monitor their understanding and evaluate the author’s presentation of ideas.  Students will demonstrate theses skills through small group discussion, literary response activities, written quizzes and composition writing.

8^th English

Course description: Eighth Grade Religion introduces the student to ecclesiology, the study of the Church, covering the origin and nature, and teaching and governing authority of the Church.  It looks at the sacraments, Mary, the saints, and our separated brethren.  The course addresses the work of the Christian in the world, through virtue, the works of mercy, vocations (single, religious, and married), and the law, conscience, and social order.  It also looks at the four last things, of death, judgment, heaven, and hell.  The course is written to help the student to desire to imitate the saints of the Church.

9^th grade English

Course description: This course is the standard ninth grade English class. Students are introduced to high school level reading, writing, speaking, listening, media, and interpretation of literature. Students prepare for the Minnesota Basic Standards Test in Written Composition by writing compositions for an adult audience. Students develop skills that help prepare them to complete graduation standards in the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade English courses

10^th, 11^th, 12^th grade AP language

Course description:The English-Language Arts offered at STC is based on the California State Standards. The courses emphasize critical reading, composition and speaking skills in the context of various literatures including, but not limited to short stories, poetry, drama, non-fiction and novels.  The challenging content is designed to prepare students for college level work. Varied writing assignments and projects also help prepare students for college.  The writing assignments are based on the New York Writing Project, which emphasizes developing writing styles across varied genres and across the curriculum. All students will be challenged and all students will be offered the tools necessary to be successful critical thinkers.