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English
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Purpose and Objectives

English is the foundation for all learning in our culture and the medium through which an individual communicates with the world. In order to communicate effectively, one must master the basic elements of language: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. To enable students to attain these ends, the English program provides a rigorous and varied writing program, an in-depth study of the literature of this and other cultures, and a variety of aural-oral experiences. The primary aim of the English program is to produce individuals who are comfortable with their language and confident in their use of it. The study of the language must always be progressive, moving from the knowledge of the basic language to the understanding of its structure and scope and, finally, to an appreciation of its beauty and power.

All students complete four years of required English courses and write a senior thesis. Required courses are taught at the honors and college-preparatory levels. Students wishing to take an honors level course should have the recommendation of an English teacher.

For a complete list of English Department course offerings, click here.

Belmont HIgh School Program of Studies, please click here.
 
English Language Learners

ELL instruction is offered to students assessed as having limited proficiency in English. Students may placed in an English Language education class and/or receive individualized or small group tutoring.

Please click here for more information.

 
Senior Thesis

Seniors are required to complete all steps in the thesis process and submit a final paper by April in order to complete their twelfth grade English requirement for graduation.

  • Seniors read three to four primary sources; each primary source must be a work of some length and merit.
  • Students read novels, plays, or collections of poetry or short stories.
  • Students research their author and topic in at least three libraries as well as on-line, reading six to eight secondary sources.
  • Students read at least five to eight secondary sources which contribute to their understanding of their author and topic.
  • Students complete note cards on both their primary and secondary sources.
  • During the senior year students write and revise several papers about their thesis topic, and they confer with their teachers and peers to further revise and refine their final thesis topic and paper.
  • Students outline, draft and revise a final MLA documented 10 to 15-page thesis paper which synthesizes their reading, research, reflection, and conferencing.

Each spring the English Department selects the three outstanding senior theses as winners of the Lillian F. Blacker Prizes for Excellence in Writing.

 
Zenith

Zenith is the high school’s literary arts magazine. Published each spring, this magazine features original student writing as well as examples of student art and photography. All students are encouraged to submit their work for publication.

Department Contact:
 
Phone: (617)993-5940
email: Lindsey Rinder
Director
 
English Teachers:
Bloom, Martha
Brandt, Kaitlin
Carp, Risa
Comment, Kristin
Critchley, Sarah
Crotty, Amy
Goodrich, Alyssa
Hurtubise, Lisa
Reynolds, Mark
Safier, Alicia
Santiago, Tracie
Wayne, Anne-Marie
ESL
Latham, Melissa
 
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