Critical Writing (9-12)
Class Overview
This high school writing course is designed to equip students with the skills to develop a strong, authentic writer's voice while mastering the craft of academic and reflective writing. Using the Help for High School curriculum from Brave Writer, students will engage in a self-directed yet supportive program that emphasizes rhetorical thinking, critical analysis, and genuine expression.
Throughout the year, we will blend the art of writing with rigorous critical thinking, encouraging students to not only communicate effectively through writing but also to think deeply and critically about subjects, ideas, and the world around them. Learning extends beyond rote formulas—students will explore topics through observation, research, discussion, and personal reflection, building confidence in their ability to articulate original thoughts.
The course culminates in major writing projects that showcase growth in voice and analytical depth:
A self-reflection essay (exploring personal experiences and insights),
An exploratory essay (investigating a question or idea without a fixed position, fostering open-ended inquiry),
Two expository essays (presenting clear, evidence-based explanations and arguments).
Assessments will include these projects, along with shorter writing exercises, peer discussions, and reflective checkpoints. The focus remains on meaningful growth rather than high-stakes testing, with feedback provided in a constructive, encouraging manner to nurture independence and creativity.
Coursework + Coursework at Home (Homework):
This class follows a hybrid model at Ethos Academy, combining in-class instruction and discussion with essential weekly independent work at home.
Plan for an average of 60–90 minutes per week of homework, though some weeks may be lighter (around 30 minutes) or heavier (up to 3 hrs) depending on project stages.
Homework is completed in a dedicated writing notebook or digital portfolio, including reading modules from Help for High School, drafting, revising, and reflecting on assignments.
A cautionary note: It has been my experience that students underestimate the effort it can take to write a longer essay or to research relevant primary sources to add to their discussion. On the weeks dedicated to research and writing the essay projects I encourage parents and students to plan for 6-8 hours of work, minimum for each project. Projects are always given more than one week to write.
This doesn’t lend itself to working up against the due date. Many students with two weeks to research and prepare their essay, wait to sit down the weekend before its due and found themselves unable to do their best work. This is a frustrating experience for them as writers. I very much encourage students and parents to work hard at allocating time each day/week to diligently build up to completing the project with the view of avoiding the panicked ‘all nighter’ essay.
Understanding the Curriculum
Help for High School (by Brave Writer) is written directly to students, empowering them to take ownership of their learning. It moves from foundational skills—like keen observation, developing a thesis with tension, research techniques, and rhetorical strategies—to practical essay formats. The curriculum values process over perfection, teaching students how to generate ideas, incorporate evidence, and revise thoughtfully.
This curriculum starts out slow. Each module assigns an activity that requires the students to read the module thoroughly and be able to understand instructions embedded in the texts for activities. These exercises build on one another, cumulating to each larger project. Students who avoid completing the weekly assignments in sequence during the week often sit down to the larger projects and find them difficult to complete. It is important that students do each exercise the week it is due and to not rush or get behind.
Students may encounter challenging concepts (such as crafting nuanced theses or balancing personal voice with academic rigor), and that's expected—struggling productively builds deeper understanding and prepares them for college-level work.
Classroom Supplies
Please bring the following to class:
Composition book or dedicated notebook (for in-class drafting, notes, and reflections)
Loose-leaf paper in a 3-ring binder (for printed drafts and handouts)
Pens/pencils and highlighters
Access to a computer or tablet for research and typing final drafts (optional but recommended)
Sticky notes for marking texts or ideas
Required Curriculum
· Help for High School (Brave Writer) – PDF manual is no longer available to purchase anywhere. Please reach out and I will send you a digital version that you can use or print as desired.
Do not purchase the Highschool online program from the Brave Writer site, it will not include the text required for this class.
· Optional: Printed version or additional Brave Writer resources as recommended during class
·
Payment Information
This one-hour course tuition is $240 per semester, plus a $15 materials fee. The material fee is to cover printing of supplementals and research.
· The materials fee is collected during registration.
· The materials fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Parent Partnership, Student Expectations & Classroom Culture
High school is a pivotal time for developing independence, analytical thinking, and intellectual maturity. This course supports those goals while recognizing the continued importance of parent involvement.
Parent Partnership
Parents are key allies in encouraging consistent effort, providing a quiet space for writing, and offering constructive and positive feedback. Please check in regularly with your student about assignments and feel free to reach out with questions or observations. Your positive support helps reinforce habits of responsibility and reflection.
Student Responsibility Students are expected to:
Actively participate in class discussions and activities
Complete reading and writing assignments thoughtfully and on time
Track due dates and requirements via Ethos LMS and in-class notes
Revise work based on feedback and self-reflection There will always be clear communication about expectations—no guesswork required!
Classroom Culture & Expectations
We cultivate a respectful, intellectually stimulating environment where ideas are explored openly and everyone’s voice matters. Students are expected to listen attentively, engage thoughtfully, and offer constructive feedback to peers. Side conversations or distractions during instruction diminish the shared learning experience—focus during teaching time and enjoy collaborative moments when appropriate.
Together, we create a space that is challenging yet supportive, where students can take risks in their thinking and writing, grow in confidence, and discover the power of their own voice.
Contact Information
I am thrilled to partner with you and your student in developing their writer's voice and critical thinking skills. Please contact me anytime via text, phone, or email with questions, concerns, or celebrations. It is an honor to support your family’s growth—I look forward to a year of meaningful writing, deeper thinking, and authentic expression!
Mrs. Charissa McCune
208-286-8173