English Literature

The English program at AIS is developmental with each successive year building upon the skills of the previous one. The curriculum is designed to inspire growth in the areas of reading, writing, critical thinking, as well as oral proficiency. At each level, we use the Elements of Literature Series published by Holt, Rhine hart, Winston and we supplement this with a class novel and poetry study. The complementary independent reading program requires students to read one novel a month and prepare book reports and responses.

Grade Six

In the first year of middle school, we focus not only on building practical reading and writing skills, but also developing an understanding of literature. In being exposed to a variety of genres (including, mystery, biography, drama, personal narrative, short stories and fables) students begin to acquire an understanding of basic literary devices. The study of literature culminates in a class novel project that provides students with an opportunity to consolidate their knowledge and prepare research presentations on the social and cultural background of the novel. Students are also encouraged to draw on their own experiences for various writing assignments such as the autobiography project. With the integration of the second step program (social skills), students perform short dialogues and engage in discussions that help improve their relationships, level of confidence and oral language proficiency.

Grade Seven

In the second year of middle school, we continue to build reading and writing skills and further students’ understanding of literature. As a good variety of genres (including, drama, personal narrative, short stories and myths) are covered, students begin to identify the characteristics of each and acquire an understanding of more complex literary devices such as character development and theme. The study of a class novel encourages students to draw comparisons between the literary elements of various works. Writing projects throughout the year include research/expository essays, short story writing and poetry. With the continuation of the second step program (social skills), students perform short dialogues and engage in discussions that help improve their relationships, level of confidence and oral language proficiency.

Grade Eight

In the final year of middle school, we look for increasing competence in reading and writing skills with greater emphasis placed on the skillful use of language. More attention is paid to diction and syntax, as students learn to tailor language to better suit the purpose and intended audience of a written work. Therefore, a greater variety of writing assignments are undertaken including: persuasive writing, compare/contrast essays, expository essays, short story writing and poetry. Research skills are also more developed as students learn how to incorporate secondary materials and document their sources. In grade eight, the study of literature not only helps students develop a more extensive literary vocabulary, but also confirms for them the importance and value of literature in society. With the conclusion of the second step program (social skills), students perform short dialogues and engage in discussions that help improve their relationships, level of confidence and oral language proficiency.