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). Convocation 2024-81 (Medium) (1)

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 teaches “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 

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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: Theology I & II, and a Senior Capstone.

History and Literature course are integrated within a theme/time period and include American History and Classical Literature.

The capstone course trains students to see modern and contemporary ideas through a Biblical lens. 

Math

Rhetoric school students continue their math sequences from the Logic school, which include Geometry, Algebra II, pre-Calculus, and the opportunity to take Calculus as a Senior.

Greek

The study of Greek is essential to classical, Christian education. The study of Biblical Greek in the Rhetoric School provides the tools to understand, delight in, and more faithfully interpret the New Testament.

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 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 elective courses in choir and fine art. 

Convocation 2024-33 (Medium)
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