ELA-810Required
English Language Arts 8
Eighth graders read challenging texts closely and write with growing independence and purpose.
Grade 8 · Year
ELA-815
Debate and Public Speaking
A semester course that helps students speak up, think on their feet, and listen with respect.
Grade 8SemesterElective
Description
Debate and Public Speaking is a semester elective that turns nervous speakers into confident ones. Students learn to research a topic, build a clear argument, and deliver short speeches and friendly debates to the class. Practice in active listening and respectful disagreement helps students respond thoughtfully to other points of view.
What students learn
- Research a topic and organize ideas into a persuasive argument
- Deliver short speeches with clear structure and eye contact
- Respond to opposing points calmly and with evidence
- Listen actively and summarize what others have said
- Use notes, pacing, and gestures to communicate clearly
Signature project
Students take part in a respectful end-of-term class debate on a school topic of their choice.