Curriculum

English

The English Department has designed enriching and creative approaches to reading, language skills, and written expression. The primary goal of the department is the introduction of meaningful literary experiences. The aim is to awaken students to the depth and variety of experiences available to them through literature, then stimulate and strengthen their capacity to understand and build imaginatively upon what they have read.

There is a high degree of emphasis on written expression. English courses give students a clear understanding of the structure and uses of English, especially as they relate to composition. Grammar skills are also an important ingredient in these courses. There is a thesis requirement for advancement to the next grade level and graduation.

Literature courses cover American, British, and world literature. Among the authors and poets studied are Shakespeare, Chaucer, Poe, Hemingway, Ibsen, Emerson, Steinbeck, Angelou, Milton, Keats, Molière, Whitman, Huxley, Sinclair, and Orwell.

The central focus of the Mathematics Department is to prepare young people for college-level math through a traditional college preparatory math sequence, while strengthening their capacities in thinking, logic and imaginative problem-solving. The traditional course sequence is Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Math (Precalculus, Trigonometry).

Basic and Intermediate courses are available to build the skill and confidence of students who are not yet ready to fully participate in the regular college preparatory math sequence. Business Math is also offered.

For those students who are particularly talented, accelerated courses in Precalculus, Calculus, and Trigonometry are also offered.

The Science Department is firmly convinced that before a young person can be successful at any science, it is vital that laboratory procedures be mastered. It is expected that these procedures have been learned in the 7th and 8th grades. For those students who have not received this as part of their prior education, laboratory skills are reviewed in 9th grade.

Barnstable Academy requires three years of Science. Students in 9th grade begin their science experience with either Earth Space Science or Biology. After Biology, students take Chemistry. Although Physics is not required, many seniors elect to take it, and will be allowed to do so only if they have acquired the necessary mathematical prerequisites.

History Classes

Our History Department enables students to develop their knowledge of the world in a broad historical context. We provide a strong base in United States history. Classroom study is enriched and enlivened with the creative use of film, videos, and trips to historic sites in cities such as Washington, D.C.; Trenton, NJ; Salem, MA; Boston, MA; and Gettysburg, PA. Additional courses offered through the History Department are World History/Geography, American Cultural History, Contemporary Issues, Economics, and American Government. Courses in Art History can further enhance one's understanding of world culture through a historical perspective.

The objectives of the World Languages Department are to teach students to communicate in the foreign language and to develop an appreciation of that culture. Many students begin studying the languages as early as 5th grade. For those who have not done so, the first year of a language is offered in the 9th grade. Students often begin with the study of Latin. It provides an excellent starting point for language development, structure, and grammar while broadening one's English vocabulary.

Barnstable's extensive program of study in languages such as French, Spanish,and  Latin allows students to learn language as a living conversational construct. This, when combined with the development of basic grammar skills, leads to a well-rounded mastery of the language.

In addition to the regular curriculum, an optional trip to Europe is conducted each year.