English Department

English Philosophy

The English Department at Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School is committed to developing thoughtful readers, effective writers, critical thinkers, and confident communicators. Through the study of literature, language, and composition, students learn to interpret complex ideas, support their thinking with relevant evidence, communicate with clarity, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Our curriculum emphasizes the connection between reading, writing, discussion, and critical analysis. Students explore a diverse range of literary works, genres, and perspectives while developing the skills necessary to understand an author’s purpose, analyze literary techniques, evaluate arguments, and form independent interpretations. Through purposeful instruction, consistent practice, and increasingly rigorous expectations, students build the academic foundation needed for success in college and beyond.

The English Department recognizes that strong literacy skills extend beyond the English classroom. We strive to help students become adaptable learners who can communicate effectively across disciplines, engage respectfully with differing perspectives, and apply their knowledge to new challenges. By fostering curiosity, intellectual independence, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we prepare our students to become capable communicators and lifelong learners.

English Department Objectives

The English Department aims to ensure that students:

• Develop strong reading comprehension and analytical skills by interpreting complex texts, identifying central ideas, examining literary devices, and evaluating an author’s purpose and choices.
• Write with clarity, purpose, and precision through the development of focused claims, effective thesis statements, relevant textual evidence, thoughtful analysis, and logical organization.
• Strengthen academic writing and argumentation by constructing evidence-based arguments, evaluating competing perspectives, and distinguishing between summary, analysis, and interpretation.
• Expand vocabulary and language proficiency through close reading, purposeful word choice, varied sentence structures, and an understanding of denotation, connotation, tone, and rhetorical effect.
• Develop effective communication skills through class discussions, presentations, collaborative learning, and the clear expression of ideas in both written and spoken formats.
• Engage in close reading and critical thinking by examining characterization, structure, symbolism, imagery, figurative language, point of view, and theme.
• Build independent thinking and intellectual curiosity by questioning assumptions, considering multiple interpretations, making connections across texts, and supporting conclusions with evidence.
• Develop research and information literacy skills by evaluating sources, incorporating evidence responsibly, and practicing appropriate citation and academic integrity.
• Prepare for college-level work and lifelong learning by developing the literacy, analytical, organizational, and communication skills necessary for success across academic disciplines and professional settings.

Course Offerings

Grade 9

• English I
• Honors English I

Grade 10

• English II
• Honors English II

Grade 11

• English III
• Honors English III
• Advanced Placement English

Grade 12

• English IV
• Honors English IV
• Honors English IV (College Credit)

Current electives:

• Mythology and Marvel 
• Speculative Fiction 
• Creative Writing 
• Poetry 

Courses

*Students will take the New York State Regents Exam in English/Language Arts