Department Philosophy

The major premises of C.I.C.’s Secondary English curricula are that

• language is perhaps the most powerful tool that allows us to comprehend, interpret, and participate meaningfully in the world.
• the study of English is one of several global languages necessary for developing and promoting intercultural awareness among international schools and beyond.
• CIC’s English program enables students to communicate more effectively and to think both critically and creatively in English through speaking, writing, listening, reading, and viewing.
• the Middle Years Program and Diploma Program of the International Baccalaureate Organization will prepare students to engage in fluent and responsible social interaction, to be more discerning when analyzing and evaluating information, and to raise their levels of consciousness and curiosity about the world.

Our Faculty

Mike East – Department Head, MYP, DP English
Paul McCann – MYP, DP English
Philip McCormick – MYP English

Course Descriptions

English 6, Philip McCormick
The course strives to enhance the six areas of literacy: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and presenting) through a variety of methods. Students focus on the elements of story and literary terms and techniques. They explore a variety of genres and styles using these terms and techniques. Independent reading is encouraged through integration with the library, reading responses, and book projects.

English 7, Mike East
This class further develops English skills. The course will focus on the six general areas of communication: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and presenting. Students should expect to be thoroughly challenged in: written assignments, oral presentations, vocabulary, exercises in grammar and mechanics, cross-curricular projects (through the Middle Years Program), and many forms of literature: short story, novel, poetry, and drama.

English 8, Paul McCann
The course is based on the study of literature and language. Plays, novels, and short stories form the literary heart of the course, to raise the awareness of the students in terms of their understanding of a work of literary art. It is with this goal in mind that the class focuses on the harmonious conjunction of matter and manner; the hallmark of the literary use of language. The other major components of the course are vocabulary study and oral and written expression. These parts of the course focus on vocabulary building, on academic and creative writing, and on forms of oral expression.

English 9, Paul McCann
The course is based on the study of literature and language. Plays, novels, and short stories form the literary heart of the course, to raise the awareness of the students in terms of their understanding of a work of literary art. It is with this goal in mind that the class focuses on the harmonious conjunction of matter and manner; the hallmark of the literary use of language. The other major components of the course are vocabulary study and oral and written expression. These parts of the course focus on vocabulary building, on academic and creative writing, and on forms of oral expression.

English 10, Mike East
The purpose of this class is to prepare students for the rigors of the IB Diploma Program. The course will continue to focus on six general areas of communication: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and presenting. The written assignments and oral presentations will focus on developing a wide literary vocabulary, creative, persuasive, and essay writing as well as the close reading of texts. Many forms of literature will be studied including: short story, novel, poetry, and drama.

English 11 and 12 A1, Mike East and Paul McCann
This course emphasizes developing and practicing analytical skills when approaching literature. These skills include close critical reading; writing commentaries and presenting them orally; identifying and analyzing authors’ purposes in using certain literary techniques; writing essays, and diverse oral presentations (ex. debates, mock trials, role-playing, panel discussions, dramatic renderings, Socratic seminars, etc.). The course culminates in external examinations as part of the IB Diploma.

English 11 and 12 A2, Mike East and Paul McCann
This course will help students develop a variety of linguistic skills through the study of a wide range of “texts” (literary, business, political, documentary-style, cartoons, editorials, etc.) to promote an appreciation of the wealth and complexities of English. Students in this course are given opportunities to write for a wide range of audiences, to develop stronger competence in English, and to explore cultures where English is a primary language of public and private interaction. The course culminates in external examinations as part of the IB Diploma.