“Walker’s is a truly priceless gift to a young woman.”
MS English
The English curriculum at Walker’s in both the Middle and Upper Schools focuses on the teaching of literature and composition, and also seeks to nurture a love of reading, intelligent habits of speaking, listening, and information gathering in preparation for not only the next grade level, but for college, the workplace, and the world at large.
As each student rises through the school and our carefully selected texts grow in complexity, our expectation is that through close reading she increases her proficiency in critical literary analysis, though we constantly seek to retain a sense of meaningful personal involvement with literature. One of our key aims is for students to learn to appreciate literary craftsmanship — the artistry in each individual work — in every genre.
Our first concern in composition is for each student to express herself in a clear straightforward style and find her authentic voice, qualities we consistently emphasize in both analytical and personal expressive writing in every grade.
Even in this digital age, correct English still matters; we maintain that correct grammar usage and the acquisition of vocabulary remain as important as ever, so their study is embedded in every course. At the same time, we acquaint students with some of the major cultural and aesthetic movements of literature, both classic and contemporary, throughout America and the world, paying attention to the voices of women and of minority writers. To this particular end, we have committed to regular reviews of the breadth and depth of both our curriculum and summer reading choices. Summer reading in English is a required component at each grade level, 6-12.
Whether in the Middle or Upper School, each course is designed to encourage and support each girl as she finds her voice in her writing and grows to her fullest potential in the study of the English language and its literature.
Courses in this department:
English
Ancient and Modern Cultures
This unique course coordinates with the looping curriculum in the history department to capitalize on cross-curricular opportunities in the humanities. In any given year, both the 6th and 7th graders will be studying either Ancient Cultures (2011-12) or Modern Cultures (2012-2013) and will take an English course that selects text to align with that topic. Different skills in reading, writing and speaking are emphasized at the 6th grade and 7th grade level.
At the sixth-grade level, reading and composition are emphasized. The study of literature draws upon every genre to focus largely on texts about growing up and emerging into society, and students have many opportunities to discuss their reading and to write about their own experiences. Previous texts have included Tom Sawyer, Jacob Have I Loved, A Break With Charity, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Other texts are at the discretion of the teacher, but are carefully selected to be appropriate to the age and developmental level of sixth grade girls while challenging them to think in increasingly complex ways.
At the seventh-grade level, students maintain their momentum by continuing to explore the various genres of literature. We read a challenging collection of texts which has previously included To Kill a Mockingbird, The House on Mango Street, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Romeo and Juliet. Other texts are at the discretion of the teacher, but are carefully selected to be appropriate to the age and developmental level of seventh grade girls as we continue to help them grow and make sense of the complexities of the world at large.
As we keep encouraging each student to find her authentic voice, writing is an integral component in each course with frequent assignments of varied lengths and types, including persuasive and analytical essays, and personal writing. Once again, the process is emphasized as much as the final product, and standard English conventions are taught through basic texts, and then applied to the student's own written work.
Naturally, discussions of their reading help the girls bring out the best of one another and it promotes a more meaningful understanding not only of the text, but also of themselves. In order to become a better writer, each student must write often and review past compositions to see how she can improve. Therefore, the process of writing is emphasized as much as the final product. In addition, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and usage are taught through basic texts, and these skills are then applied to the student’s own written work.
Required in Grades: 6 & 7
Coordinates with Ancient and Modern Cultures (history) in the 6th and 7th grade
English 8
In English at the eighth-grade level, independent thinking and writing play major roles as every student is encouraged to develop further her creative and critical skills in response to literature and in preparation for secondary school. We read a carefully selected choice of challenging works which include short fiction, novels, poetry and drama. Representative texts have included Jane Eyre, Ethan Frome, The Member of the Wedding, Our Town, The Glass Menagerie and Twelfth Night. Additional works are chosen at the discretion of the teacher.
Through discussions and regular class assignments, which include analytical and personal essays designed to promote mastery of essay writing, each student is supported as she learns to express herself clearly, accurately, and fluently. At the conclusion of the year, students are well-prepared for the transition to our Upper School.
Required in Grade 8
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– Laura, ‘81
