English Language Learning

The Comprehensive Language Program consists of three courses:

CLP Language - In this course students begin with establishing the basics. Themes covered are grammar basics, paragraph writing, newspaper reading and writing skills, American short stories, and an introduction to scientific writing skills. While all macro-skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) are covered, the focus in the language course is toward writing and reading with the goal of stepping closer to managing work in mainstream classes.

CLP Culture - This course provides students with skills to cope in the U.S. high school system here in New England. The themes covered are campus life at Brewster Academy, math word problems, New England states, American holidays, food, and an introduction to U.S. history. Reading and oral presentation skills are practiced in this course as well.

CLP Communication - As students at this level have little experience or practice with speaking English, this course begins with a focus on speaking and listening. Practical themes such as introductions, directions, interviewing, and presenting speeches are covered. As the year progresses, students move toward a writing focus with themes such as letter writing and travel.

The Language Assistance Program (LAP) consists of two courses:

LAP Language - This course provides a bridge to mainstream English courses. The themes are essay writing skills, a study of the Civil Rights Movement, biographical research and essay writing, fairytales, and analytical reading of the American novel, The Outsiders. Throughout the year, reading and writing skills are central to the content covered.

LAP Culture - This course is designed to increase the students’ exposure to topics relating to American culture. The themes of the course are American values, geography, global issues, mass media, and the U.S. education system. Students work on reading for research, writing reports, and creating presentations using a variety of media.

Students following the 10th grade curriculum for mainstream English and history are enrolled in the LSS course, which meets four lessons a week. The focus of this class is on developing the student’s English language skills further while giving them strategies to increase participation in their mainstream classrooms. Students also begin to learn test-taking skills to prepare them for the TOEFL and entrance into college.