The English Department is dedicated to nurturing empathy and preparing Edsmen for college with a four-year curriculum that intensively focuses on writing and critical thought.
Central to the program are contemporary texts written during the students' lifetimes, intentionally diversifying the voices and perspectives represented, which aligns with the school’s commitment to inclusivity.
The department has also expanded the definition of a text to include graphic novels, blog posts, and other modern forms of expression, enhancing student engagement and broadening the scope of study. Our electives offer something for everyone, with classes like Creative Writing, Film Studies, African American Literature, and Voices of the Other. These courses allow students to explore different genres and perspectives, helping them gain insight into themselves and the world around them.
The faculty believe in giving learners choices in the classroom. This includes letting students choose texts within courses, and providing different ways to demonstrate what they’ve learned. The goal is to empower students to take ownership of their learning, fostering better outcomes and a deeper connection to the material.
Throughout all of this, the English Department emphasizes careful reading, effective writing, articulate speaking, attentive listening, and cogent thinking—all of which align with IB ideals and Holy Cross values.
Classroom Highlight
Interdisciplinary learning is a key component in English. Last year, sophomores enrolled in Honors English II were abuzz with excitement about the captivating novel The Ardent Swarm by Yamen Manai. They took their literary adventure to a whole new level by visiting our campus bee colony. Inspired by the story, they delved deeper into how a hive—with its roles, dynamics, and vulnerabilities—served as an allegory of democracy. This unique apiary experience fueled their ongoing analysis as they researched a foreign democracy and applied the same concepts.
