PORTSMOUTH - Drawing upon its strong English and Humanities program, Portsmouth Abbey School has announced that it will offer a Summer English Program in July for students entering Grades 7-10.
The inaugural program, which reflects the school's Benedictine tradition of dedication to the spoken and written word, will offer intensive introductory and advanced classes, taught in small groups by Abbey faculty. Students may study composition, creative writing, public speaking, study skills, Latin for English, ESL, literature, writing and more.
The students will also have ample time for leisurely pursuits. Afternoon activities will include studio art, soccer, tennis, basketball, squash and swimming. "Down time" will allow students the chance to read, attend evening "coffeehouse" readings and performances and make excursions to downtown Newport and area beaches.
Dr. Michael Bonin, Portsmouth Abbey English Department head and director of the Summer English Program, said, "Now, more than ever, strong verbal skills matter. Students who attend our Summer English Program will leave with a thorough grounding in the use of the English language - how to plan, write and revise strong essays; how to read analytically; how to speak to an audience; how to find their own voices and draw upon their own imagination. They will learn that a command of English can be the crucial academic advantage for them.
The 2007 Portsmouth Abbey Summer English Program will be held on the school's 500-acre campus along Narragansett Bay in two, two-week sessions, July 1-14 and July 15-29. Students may enroll for one or two sessions, and both day and boarding students are welcome. To download an application, or for more information, visit the school Web site: www.portsmouthabbey.org; or e-mail the school at summer@portsmouthabbey.org or call 643-1225.
(This article originally appeared in The Providence Journal)
