SJCS Writing Handbook

The Progression of Writing Instruction at St. Joseph’s

The progression of writing instruction at St. Joseph’s is structured to ensure that students are given multiple opportunities to understand, master, and deepen their understanding of the three primary modes of writing over the course of the curriculum. Each year, one mode of writing is emphasized and culminates in a significant summative writing assignment in the English course Students are provided with opportunities to work in other modes throughout each year, though these are not the primary focus of the curriculum for that level. Students will also be introduced to various forms of creative writing. As students return to the dierent modes of writing over their time at St. Joseph’s, they will become better able to utilize this form of writing in deeper and more sophisticated ways.

The chart below indicates the types of writing introduced and emphasized each year in the English and History departments:

All teachers who require extensive writing assignments will use the language of modes when issuing assignments and constructing rubrics for assessment The fact that creative writing is not included in the chart above does not mean that it is not valued. Indeed, we hope to instill a deep appreciation for beautiful and personally expressive writing. This is at the heart of the St. Joseph’s Way.