Academics
Academic Departments

English

The Right Words

The Department of English is designed to develop and strengthen each Cadet’s skills in communication. Curriculum focus is on composition, grammar, and literature. SAT preparation is integrated into the curriculum. Beginning with 7th grade English and continuing through Advanced English, students are given a solid foundation of grammar as applied to written and oral expression. They are guided through studies of literature and taught to appreciate reading material. They learn about human reactions and ethics through literature. They are taught to express themselves fluently through creative writing and oral interpretation.

List of 7 items.

  • 7th Grade English

    This course emphasizes effective communication skills. These skills will be achieved through the use of regular written work which focuses on composition, grammar and oral presentations. In addition, students will read and analyze a variety of literary works including novels and short stories.

  • 8th Grade English

    This course emphasizes the eight parts of speech, building of vocabulary, and involved sentence structure. Students are introduced to short theme composition and public speaking. A survey of literature includes selected novels and short stories.

  • Freshman English

    Basic grammar, parts of speech, punctuation, and sentence structure are reviewed thoroughly. An introduction to essay writing as well as an examination of the essay forms: expository, descriptive, narrative, and argumentative. Students will read and analyze a variety of works, all tied to an essential overlying theme—journey narratives. Examples of works included in the course are The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, the Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, as well as various selected poems and short stories.

  • Sophomore English

    Formal themes and an introduction of research techniques are studied after a refresher of applied grammar. An emphasis is placed on formal essay writing techniques following the guidelines of the MLA (Modern Language Association) style. In addition, students will read and analyze a variety of works, all tied to an essential overlying theme: leadership and justice. Works included are Qualities of the Prince, Civil Disobedience, Macbeth, and Richard II.

  • Junior English

    The foundation for this course is a thorough examination of American Literature from the founding of the United States to the present day. Students examine literary themes and trends of thought in their theme papers. They are encouraged to develop their own ideas. Emphasis is placed on correct, clear, and concise written and oral expression. Weekly vocabulary tests are considered crucial. Two current novels are discussed during the year. SAT preparation is emphasized.

  • Advanced English \ Composition and Literature (Dual Enrollment)

    In-depth reading and extensive writing are the basis for this college preparatory course. Weekly themes of no less than 500 words include discussions of novels, plays, poetry, and short stories as selected by the instructor. The class studies approximately 5 novels and plays, and each student writes a term paper. The course includes an introduction to linguistics and a history of the American English language and grammar. The course is open only to seniors with the recommendation of the junior English instructor. This is a dual enrollment course in which the student earns both high school and college credit.

  • Senior English

    Beginning with the origin and development of the English language, the course covers the history of English Literature with emphasis on the Anglo-Saxon Period, Shakespeare, the Eighteenth Century, and the Modern Age.

    A Shakespearean play is covered in detail. Student themes emphasize student thought and interpretation as based on careful research of the subject matter. A special research paper is prepared during the second semester. Outside readings parallel the assigned material.
225 South Wayne Avenue
Waynesboro, VA 22980
FISHBURNE.ORG
admissions@fishburne.org

Our Mission

To innovate and create the military school for the twenty first century. One that redefines what it means to graduate young men with the skills to move forward wherever their lives take them with CHARACTER \ KINSHIP \ AGENCY.
Fishburne Military School has earned the US Army’s highest level of accreditation and maintained its designation as a JROTC Honor Unit With Distinction for over 40 years. We may also nominate qualified candidates to the United States Service Academies and host one of only four Summer JROTC programs in the nation, accredited by US Army Cadet Command.