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Gene Vachon

Andy Graham

Dawn Robinson

Mark Geriak

Barbara Haig

Alex Westcott

Helena Avery

Ryan Bowden

Tom Holmes

Nancy Ortiz

Laura Powell

Alejandra Santos

Tommy Tessier

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Humanities | STEM |Foreign Languages | Fine and Performing Arts | Links to AP Course Descriptions

 

 

The humanities department encompasses both the English and history curricula.  The study of English at Dunn consists of a four-year sequential program that is designed to develop students' abilities in reading, writing, speaking and listening to the English language. At all four grade levels (9 through 12) the students read fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry of an appropriately increasing sophistication and intellectual challenge. Likewise, the integrated writing program leads students through the stages of the writing process (pre-writing, drafting, revising and editing) in a manner commensurate with their maturity and potential, exploring a wide range of genres.

 

The main goal of the study of history at Dunn is to close the gap between the work of historians and what takes place in the history classroom. Teachers engage students in historical inquiry, rather than the memorization of names, dates, and events. Through examination and interpretation of primary source materials students see history as a process, rather than a set of agreed upon facts. Writing plays a critical role in helping students to both critique and construct historical narratives. This approach to history helps students develop a greater understanding of the issues and arguments of history, giving them a better sense of their place in the world and their ability to effect change.

 

English Courses
 

 

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Science Courses

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The foreign language department favors a communicative approach, with an emphasis on listening comprehension and speaking. The goal is to make students independent users of foreign language and, at the same time, heighten their understanding of cultural differences. The honors classes place an additional emphasis on reading and writing in order to guide interested students towards the Advanced Placement Exam. While completion of two years of the same foreign language is required, study of foriegn language through the fourth year is strongly recommended.

 

In the 2010-2011 school year, the foreign language department will make a transition from teaching French to teaching Chinese.  Students who have aready begun the study of French may continue to do so through the 2011-2012 school year.

 

* French courses are open only to students who have previously studied French

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Fine and Performing Arts

 

All Dunn students are encouraged to discover and develop their interests and talents in music, art, and drama. To ensure that each student has an opportunity to explore this aspect of their education, the Fine and Performing Arts Program at Dunn offers students a broad spectrum of artistic experiences and opportunities from saxophone to ceramics to multimedia. A selection of beginning, intermediate, and AP courses are offered in each discipline to accommodate and encourage all levels. Classroom instruction is designed to build intellectual, perceptual, and technical skills through inquiry, observation, problem solving, performance, and analysis. Courses are structured to create a deeper understanding of the visual and performing arts and to develop critical thinking skills. Students may take electives in the arts every year. One year of fine arts, music or visual, is required for graduation.