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Rhetoric School
Grades 9–12
Rhetoric School
Grades 10 - 12 are known as the “Rhetoric School” because this is the time that students begin to hone their skills in rhetoric (both oral and written).
BCS recognizes that students at this age naturally display traits like:
- Concerned with present events, especially in own life
- Interested in justice, fairness
- Moving toward special interests, topics
- Able to take on responsibility, independent work
- Able to synthesize
- Desires to express feelings, own ideas
- Generally idealistic
Based on the student’s natural aptitude for these things, BCS works “with the grain” of the student by using teaching methods such as:
- Drama, oral presentations
- Guide research in major areas with goal of synthesis of ideas
- Many papers, speeches, debates
- Give responsibilities, e.g., working with younger students, organize activities
- In-depth field trips
- Worldview discussion/written papers
- Socratic Dialogue
Curriculum
BCS utilizes a range of instructional material that has been vetted for excellence in fulfilling the mission of the school and to align with the observations about students this age outlined above. In general, BCS uses primary source materials throughout the humanities so that students may encounter history and literature directly. Textbooks are used sparingly and mostly in the sciences.
Here are some highlights of our curriculum (click the + sign for more information):
Bible and Humanities
Each and every year of our Rhetoric school curriculum contain a formal Bible/Theology course. These include: Hermeneutics, Doctrine, and Apologetics.
History and Literature course are integrated within a theme/time period and include American History and Classical Literature.
The capstone course, Great Ideas, is a two-year, in-depth study of the 6 Great Ideas (Truth, Goodness, Beauty, Justice, Freedom, Equality) that have occupied the Greatest Minds and formed Western Civilization. Each year, students will survey what the Great Books have to say with regard to these ideas, beginning with the Greco-Roman tradition, then the Christian Scriptures, then moving to these ideas in the history of the Church, and finally how these ideas developed in the Modern and Contemporary eras.
Math
Rhetoric school students continue their math sequences from the Logic school, which include Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry, and the opportunity to take Calculus.
Latin
The study of Latin is essential to classical, Christian education for a number of reasons. It the foundation of our own language (mastery of Latin vocabulary drastically increases the knowledge of English vocabulary, especially in sciences). It’s grammatical structure helps us think more clearly and understand the grammar of English. Some of the greatest works of Western literature were written in Latin and students are enabled to encounter these great works directly without the need of translators. Two years of Latin are required for graduation in the Rhetoric School.
Science
BCS firmly believes that God is revealed through his creation. As such, science is approached as an encounter of the wonderful, beautiful world God has created for us to enjoy and know Him. In the Rhetoric School, students will study Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Fine and Performing Arts
The visual (fine) and performing arts are an essential component of classical, Christian education. We are made in the image of God, who is the Master Artist. As such, the creation of and enjoyment of beauty is indispensable to us fulfilling our human nature. In the Rhetoric School, students are given the opportunity to continue to develop their artistic skills and understanding of basic music theory. This includes course in choir, orchestra, drawing, and sculpting (just to name a few).
Wondering if Bloomfield Christian School is right for your child?
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