English

Lawrenceville Campus - Mem Hall

All Departments

All Departments

English

History

Interdisciplinary Studies

Language

Mathematics

Performing Arts

Religion and Philosophy

Science

Visual Arts

Approach

Through the study of great works of literature, students develop their skills in critical analysis and their ability to construct cogent arguments. They are encouraged to approach texts from the perspective of their own stories, applying their lessons to everyday life as members of the School community and citizens of the world.

Focus

A focus on the writing process supports critical analysis and allows students to interpret literature in cultural and historical context. Students identify techniques to build meaning, engage an audience, and thoughtfully structure a work of literature so they can develop their own writing and communication skills.

Experience

Students are empowered not only with the skills they need to analyze writing and create their own work with intention, but to participate confidently and considerately in Harkness discussion, leading to a vibrant and challenging experience for everyone. At the Harkness table, students are an intellectual team, responding to questions with diverse voices, offering wide-ranging perspectives, and making new connections based on input and feedback. Operating initially as a community of learners, each member is eventually able to consider different perspectives and approach material with curiosity as an individual. Fifth Formers can choose from over 40 electives that explore language and literature in all their aspects.

English Beyond the Classroom

As students move through the progression of courses, they have numerous opportunities to exercise their new-found skills: Second Form Shakespeare, Poetry Out Loud, the Public Speaking Competition, The Lit literary magazine, The Lawrence student newspaper, and the Merrill Scholars in Literary Research and Creative Writing, as well as other student publications and clubs.