To become an engaged, active participant in society, one must first be able to communicate effectively. Webb's English program trains students to read insightfully, speak with conviction, and write eloquently, whether about their own experiences or the world around them.
Our curriculum, coordinated with the History and Fine Arts departments, draws on a diverse array of material from different eras and cultures, linking the canonical with the contemporary and exploring key themes from multiple perspectives. Throughout, we challenge students to tie literary ideas to their own lives, whether it's analyzing classical allusions in pop songs, or applying creative nonfiction techniques to their own observations of the local community.
Webb English classes are student-centric, emphasizing discussion and individual participation over lecture and drill. Ninth and tenth students also benefit from single-gender classes, with teaching strategies tailored for each sex -- freeing both boys and girls to find their voices. All students gain a rich appreciation for literature and formidable powers of self-expression that will prepare them for whatever fields they choose.