CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Language Arts: Literature, Grammar, Spelling and Vocabulary
Biblical Mandate and Student Responsibility
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; Ec. 9:10a
This verse defines how a student should approach this course and the overall expectation or student participation and responsibility. A student who chooses to do his work with all his might offers honest emotional and social responses that demonstrate a concerted effort to express an attitude of gratitude to God by showing Christian respect and compassion for classmates, peers and faculty.
He will participate daily in creating a positive environment in the school that emphasizes a spirit of encouragement and cooperation. This verse shows us that our lives should give God glory and honor. Therefore a student who chooses to study and properly learn the English language will give his best academic ability in this course. The student will recognize the importance of giving his best effort academically through the talents and gifts he has been given in order to further God’s purpose and plan for his life.
English 11 is a compilation of English literature, Grammar 11, and Spelling, Vocabulary & Poetry V. The literature portion, English Literature, explores the various literary themes and genre that exist in classical literature and poetry. The mechanics and style portion, Grammar 11 and Spelling, Vocabulary & Poetry V, challenges the student to develop strong writing skills through understanding the mechanics, style, and conventions of the English language. The entire course integrates a Christian perspective on man’s relationship to himself, nature, and society recognizing that all is a result of God’s plan and purpose.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Identify the genre, literary devices, and styles of various literary works and authors
2. Analyze poetry by rhyme, meter and meaning
3. Develop spelling and vocabulary strategies to improve written expression
4. Demonstrate grammatical constructs appropriately
5. Participation in oral expression with confidence
6. Express adequately in writing, personal opinion of literary content
7. Understand how God uses literature for His purpose
Students will arrive on time for class with all necessary texts, equipment, supplies and homework. Students will demonstrate spelling strategies through weekly quizzes and exercises. Students will build vocabulary through weekly exercises, quizzes, ad periodic tests. Students will participate actively in classroom discussion of literature providing opinions and arguments that demonstrate adequate preparation, Students will complete homework, group work, projects, and assignments on time and in the manner defined. Students will participate in oration and dramatic readings as well as observe such presentations with respect for classmates. Students will put forth their best effort.
Assessments, Tests and Grades:
It is important to understand the difference between an assessment and a test or quiz. An assessment is an instrument used to determine what needs to be presented and if material presented is being understood. Assessments are not part of the student’s overall grade though they may be graded. A test is an instrument used to determine if a student is able to apply previously presented material appropriately. Test and quizzes reflect what the student has chosen to learn and remember. Test taking is not a strength for everyone so other instruments of measurement will be used to determine the student’s overall grades. See the ‘policies’ section for a grading breakdown.
Homework: Expect homework on a nightly basis. It will be a variety of literature, vocabulary, grammar and spelling.
Tests: Students will have weekly vocabulary and spelling quizzes. Review tests and quarterly exams will also be given. Students will have literature and grammar quizzes and tests as well.
Projects: Student projects/papers will be assigned on a monthly basis. Deadlines will be explained and published on the website.
Writing: Students will complete daily and weekly writing assignments in class focusing on style development, grammatical construct, and appropriate spelling and vocabulary usage.
Major Papers/Projects 40%
A rubric, which is a scoring guide, will be used to aid students in defining the expectations of various assignments. Students will receive a rubric as part if the assignment. This should clarify what is to be included in the assignment and how it will be graded.
The work you do in this class must be your own. This means that you must be aware when you are building on someone else’s ideas and acknowledge when you do so. This includes the ideas of your classmates, your instructor, and the authors you read. Feel free to build on, react to, criticize, and analyze the ideas of others, but when you do, make it known whose ideas you are using. If you ever have questions about drawing the line between the work of others and your own work, ask me ad I will give you clear guidance. Remember to hold yourself to a high standard of academic integrity. Remember, your work should build on the class discussions, readings, lectures, remarks, etc., but the paper you write must be your own work.
You cannot learn if you are absent. Some absences cannot be helped. If you know you will be absent you may have the opportunity to take quizzes, tests, and exams prior to your absence. Also, homework may be completed prior to an absence. If your absence is unexpected all missing work must be completed within two days of the first date of your return to school. For example, if you are absent Monday and Tuesday, missing work must also be turned in by Friday of the same week. All quizzes, tests and exams must be made up within two days of the first date of your return to school. This ensures a timely return of all work and helps the student to quickly get caught up.
Late and Missing Work
Late work will be reduced by one grade for each day late. So an ‘A’ will become a ‘B’ after one day, a ‘C’ after two days, a ‘D’ after three days and an ‘F’ on the fourth day. On the fifth day the late work becomes a missing assignment and receives a zero. All missing assignments will be listed on the ‘DR’ report. If nightly homework which is due the next day is not completed the student will receive an automatic zero. Normally this work is checked in class and the student cannot turn it in for credit once the answers have been given during class.
It is the student’s responsibility to complete work assignments in a timely manner or notify the instructor of any difficulties he or she is having in completing the work. Help is available for any student that seeks it. Remember Matthew 7:7.
Instructions will be given in class and on the website as to how to turn in assignments. No work will be accepted via email unless I give specific permission. All major papers will be typed. This allows the instructor to make corrections that the student can see and then apply to his other work.
The website schedule will reflect the homework and course work currently being covered. Students are highly encouraged to keep close personal notes of any lectures or instructions given in class in case of delays in updating the website.
Acknowledgement of Receipt of Syllabus
Course: English 11
I have read the syllabus for this course. I agree to abide by the policies and procedures listed in the syllabus.
Student Signature/ Date
Acknowledgement date due : September 2,2015
Calvary Christian School 2012
4345 Inn St. Triangle, VA 22172 (703)441-6868