Program of Studies

ENGLISH

English 9
The course is intended for Freshmen at the Merrimack School. The course curriculum for this class is in accordance with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The goals of this course are to enhance and supplement the students’ present abilities. This course has an emphasis on American Literature. Students in this course will read memoirs, novels, poetry and short stories written by American authors. Evaluation for this course is based on weekly vocabulary quizzes, essays, reading journals, projects and class participation.

English 10
The course requires students to read novels from each of the genres listed: non-fiction, fiction, poetry, and autobiographies/biographies. Students are required to complete comprehension questions for each book and write a well-organized essay on each book demonstrating their understanding and mastery of the designated novel. In addition, students will participate in a weekly vocabulary quiz promoting MCAS and SAT readiness.
Each student’s essay is graded on proficiency in the following categories :

Grammar Spelling Punctuation AP Writing Format

Students will complete several preparatory skill exercises to hone important areas that may be on the Sophomore MCAS exam. A list of books may be chosen for the current year.

English 11
The course is intended for Juniors at the Merrimack School. The course curriculum for this class is in accordance with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The goals of this course are to enhance and supplement the foundation pre-requisite courses of English 9 and 10. Students will further investigate different genres of writing and vocabulary instruction will increase in difficulty. Writing and other expressive avenues will be utilized during this course.

English 12
The course requires students to read and discuss pieces of fiction, non-fiction, drama, epic poetry. Students discuss and take tests on each piece, and are required to write well-organized essays demonstrating their understanding of the piece under consideration. Students write regular short papers of various kinds; research papers, reviews, interviews, essays and creative pieces. Students learn new vocabulary words each week, and participate in weekly vocabulary quizzes promoting SAT readiness. Students’ writing is graded on proficiency in grammar, spelling and punctuation, as well as clarity and cogency.

British Literature
The course is designed to explore the authors from England, a variety of pieces from these authors, comparing and contrasting styles and genres. Setting, plot, character development, and other themes from literary works will be analyzed for similarities and differences. Some authors to be examined are the Bronte sisters, Shakespeare, William Chaucer, and Charles Dickens.