Upper-Grammar Class Descriptions and Supply Lists

Upper-Grammar

Humanities

This two-hour block is an integrated humanities course driven by great books focusing on stories from the Middle Ages. Students will dive deep into the literature while exploring history, geography, composition, poetry, art, music, and church history.

In-Class Curriculum: Literature selections from the Middle Ages, IEW Medieval History, and Famous Men of The Middle Ages (Just the text is required, however, parents may also purchase the student workbook and answer key for home use.)

At Home Recommendations: Students will complete weekly literature assignments, IEW writing assignments, selections from Famous Men of The Middle Ages. Parents may wish to purchase a Middle Ages resource for further Bible and History studies.

Science

Students will explore God’s creation with the subjects of astronomy and of chemistry and physics.. This will include exposure to vocabulary, the scientific method, and hands-on experiments.

Required Curriculum: Apologia Exploring Creation with Astronomy Textbook and Apologia Exploration Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook.

At Home Recommendations: Students will read weekly from their textbooks and complete assignments given by the mentor.

Shakespeare:

In this lively and engaging class, students will dive into the rich language, memorable characters, and timeless stories of William Shakespeare through four of his plays: Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night, and Love’s Labour’s Lost. Together, we will listen to original passages, read through one play throughout the block, and bring scenes to life by reading aloud and acting them out during class time.

This course is carefully tailored for upper grammar students. While Shakespeare’s works sometimes explore heavy and darker themes, Upper Grammar Shakespeare will focus on the noble, humorous, adventurous, and character-building aspects of each play, appropriate to the maturity level of 10–12-year-olds. Darker or more troubling elements will not be emphasized.

Here’s how each play will be approached:

Macbeth
- Themes we will not emphasize: murder, betrayal, madness, and the supernatural.
- Themes we will highlight: the dangers of unchecked ambition, the consequences of choices, and the importance of loyalty and honor.
Julius Caesar
- Themes we will not emphasize: political conspiracy, graphic violence, and betrayal among friends.
- Themes we will highlight: leadership, bravery, loyalty to one's country, and the complexities of friendship and decision-making.
Twelfth Night
- Themes we will not emphasize: elements of romantic deception and the more mature romantic entanglements.
- Themes we will highlight: mistaken identity, the joy of friendship, clever problem-solving, kindness, and the celebration of life's surprises.
Love’s Labour’s Lost
- Themes we will not emphasize: satire of courtly love and the more cynical view of romance.
- Themes we will highlight: wit, learning, friendship, the fun of language, and the joy of youthful promises and endeavors.

Throughout the year, students will build a foundation for appreciating Shakespeare’s works, growing their skills in listening, reading comprehension, dramatic reading, and collaborative performance. They will also begin to understand the beauty of Shakespeare’s storytelling — stories of loyalty, courage, friendship, cleverness, and the human spirit.