In the English Department at St. Andrew’s College, we believe that advanced literacy is the key to lifelong success.

Our primary objective is to help our students demonstrate a mastery of the curriculum expectations identified in the Ontario Curriculum. We endeavor to help students read strategically, write effectively, speak with confidence, listen to others with an open mind, and think critically.

 The development of critical thinking skills is a priority for the English teachers at St. Andrew’s. Close reading and careful analysis of a variety of literary and media texts empowers our students to decode and make meaning out of the variety of messages they will encounter in their daily lives.

 In addition to fostering skill development, we want our boys to have experienced literary works of consequence—that’s why we integrate works from the canon of international literature into the curriculum alongside significant contemporary works of fiction and non-fiction. Our teachers work as a team to select texts that are age and grade appropriate, culturally relevant and thoroughly appealing.

 Creativity is celebrated in the English classroom at St. Andrew’s. Students write short stories, experiment with poetry, or try their hand at script writing. Whenever possible, we also encourage students to take calculated risks with analytical work and essay writing, knowing that thinking beyond the box and scratching beneath the surface will provide them with the tools to produce more complex and engaging writing.

  We believe that a process-based approach to writing is more effective than a product-based one. Students are frequently provided with the opportunity to have their work assessed by both their peers and teachers. The final stage of the writing process involves sharing polished work with others; students are encouraged to have their writing published in the school’s literary magazine and are frequently provided with opportunities to enter national and international writing competitions.

 Our students shine on the national and international stage. Most recently, our department hosted the International Independent School Public Speaking Competition, where one of our students earned the right to participate in the World Championships in South Africa.

 It is the goal of the English Department to foster in students a love for the written word so that they will carry on reading and writing and viewing well beyond their high school years. We know that how boys feel about reading, writing and viewing is equally important to what they know about these things.

Michael Paluch
Head of English