Each student has selected a signature Chekhovian move—such as light and dark imagery, the purposeful placement of a “Chekhov’s Gun,” or the use of philosophical monologues—and is using it as the foundation for an original short story. They are drafting, exchanging peer feedback, and revising their work with the option to submit their final pieces to the Upper School literary magazine, PRISM.

 

This year of the International Baccalaureate (IB) English course centers on the themes of power and performance, with particular emphasis on public speaking, oral assessments, and inquiry-based literary analysis. Students engage with a wide range of global literature, examining each text through its historical and cultural context while developing a deep understanding of genre and craft. Throughout the year, they refine their analytical and creative writing skills; practice crafting arguable thesis statements; and prepare for the IB oral assessment by creating and delivering presentations that unpack the literary and persuasive techniques within each work. Students also maintain a yearlong Learner’s Portfolio that gathers their formative, creative, and analytical writing as they build confidence, independence, and voice.