Academics
High School
Curriculum

English

Nardin's renowned English curriculum encompasses composition, literary analysis, surveys of classic American and British literature, and critical reading of representative modern and world literature.

Our faculty skillfully guides students to become insightful readers, rational thinkers, articulate speakers, and coherent and skilled writers.

List of 11 items.

  • English 9

    A study of world literature. Students read a range of rich texts, build knowledge through discussion, analyze for understanding and interpretive meaning, and communicate thoughtfully and clearly through multi-modal writing. Intense practice in grammar and writing underpin instruction. Summer reading required. 1 Year. Level 1.
  • English 9H

    A study of world literature offered to advanced freshmen. Students read a range of rich texts, build knowledge through discussion, analyze for understanding and interpretive meaning, and communicate thoughtfully and clearly through multi-modal writing. Intense practice in grammar and writing underpin instruction. Summer reading required. 1 Year. Level 3.
  • English 10

    A study of European literature. Students read a range of rich texts, build knowledge through discussion, analyze for understanding and interpretive meaning, and communicate thoughtfully and clearly through multi-modal writing. Continued practice in grammar and writing underpin instruction. Summer reading required. 1 Year. Level 1.
  • English 10H

    A study of European literature offered to advanced sophomores. Students read a range of rich texts, build knowledge through discussion, analyze for understanding and interpretive meaning, and communicate thoughtfully and clearly through multi-modal writing. Continued practice in grammar and writing underpin instruction. Summer reading required. 1 Year. Level 3.
  • English 11

    A study of American literature. Students read a range of rich texts, build knowledge through discussion, analyze for understanding and interpretive meaning, and communicate thoughtfully and clearly through multi-modal writing. Practice in sophisticated grammar and writing underpin instruction. Summer reading required. 1 Year. Level 1.
  • AP English Language and Composition

    Aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing course. Students study rhetorical elements and their effects in non-fiction texts, including graphic images as forms of text, from various disciplines and historical periods, developing evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays, evaluating, synthesizing, and citing research to support their arguments, fostering a personal style through targeted grammatical choices. Summer reading required. AP Exam fee required. 1 Year. Level 4.
  • English 12

    Offered to seniors not taking an AP English course. Semester 1: A study of feminism through literature written by and about women. Semester 2: A study of diversity and equity. Students read a range of rich texts, build knowledge through discussion, analyze for understanding and interpretive meaning, and communicate thoughtfully and clearly through multi-modal writing. Practice in sophisticated grammar and writing underpin instruction. Summer reading required. 1 Year. Level 1.
  • AP English Literature and Composition

    Aligns to an introductory college-level literary analysis course. Students engage in close reading and critical analysis of rich, imaginative literature, deepening their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide meaning: structure, style, themes, figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Expository, analytical, and argumentative writing affords practice in analyzing and interpreting literary works. Summer reading required. AP Exam fee required. 1 Year. Level 4.
  • Journalism

    An introductory study of journalism from print to broadcast to online media. Students publish the school paper and develop a broadcast news team, creating a hands-on newsroom experience. Extensive writing and research underpin instruction. Offered to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. 1 Semester. 4 Days/Cycle. Alpha. Level 1.
  • Creative Writing

    A study of the elements of creative writing with an emphasis on short story and poetic forms. Writing-intensive with daily in-class writing assignments. Required 2-piece minimum submission to Nardin’s literary magazine Rare Patterns. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. 1 Semester. 4 Days/Cycle. Alpha. Level 1.
  • Public Speaking

    The study of unlocking the secrets to becoming an emerging and ultimately confident public speaker. Students read memorable speeches, analyze the techniques used to convey, connect, and persuade, and craft impromptu and rehearsed speeches for a variety of audiences. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. 1 Semester. 4 Days/Cycle. Alpha. Level 1.
A private, independent, Catholic school in Buffalo, NY, with coed Montessori, Lower and Middle Schools and a college preparatory High School for young women.