St. Thomas More requires students to take four years of high school English.  The goal of the English curriculum is to facilitate the development of basic communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Through learning and practicing the basic rules of language, the students develop the skills necessary for communicating accurately and logically.  Students advance their knowledge of literary techniques by reading classical, traditional, and modern selections while simultaneously developing the skills necessary for understanding and appreciating literature.  In terms of writing, students refine vocabulary and advance their knowledge of grammar and composition.  A four-year study of the writing process enables students to develop writing skills in multiple composition styles such as narrative, descriptive, persuasive, analytical, and expository. 

Students will:

• Refine vocabulary and advance their knowledge of grammar, literature, and composition
• Develop the skills necessary for communicating accurately and logically through learning the basic rules of language
• Advance their knowledge of literary techniques and genres through the reading of classical, traditional, and modern selections
• Learn to understand and appreciate literature
• Develop writing skills in all four composition styles: narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository