Breck School - Mustang Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

Page 29 text:

Mr. Stockwell Mr. Krcnz Mr. Fronk 23

Page 28 text:

ENGLISH Head Of English Dept. Allhough not substantially different from last year, the Brcck School English Department managed, as always, to be on the alert for new materials and curricula while simultaneously maintaining the high standards that have equipped Breek students for some of the most difficult colleges in the country. Taken in general, the studies offered were not much different from last year. Striving to build a durable foundation for the long years of formal education that await the young students, the department continued to teach the fundamentals of language and literature to the Seventh and Eighth Graders. Grammar and composition were stressed while a general understanding of the various forms of literature was dealt with in preparation for the following. Ninth Grade provided, as indicated, a unique opportunity to closely examine the diverse types of literature found throughout the ages. e.g. the short story, the novel, the essay, and poetry. At higher levels. Sophomores and Juniors again study American and English literature, respectively, while the Seniors pursued representative classics from all cultures and periods. Extracurricular activities and several new methods were useful this year. Many of the classes saw plays at the Tyrone Guthrie Theatre; the Seniors, for instance, attended a presentation of Thomas Dckker’s “Shoemaker’s Holiday”. In addition, many students in the Eighth and Ninth Grades used new programmed learning materials for their grammar studies. This is not to say, however, that the English Department has nothing in mind that could be used in the next few years. Special classes are being tentatively planned, one for the new or lagging students and one for those who wish to do Advanced Placement work in preparation for college. Other proposals include the addition of more of Shakespeare's writings into the curriculum and possibly even more work in composition. Perhaps the most exciting development, however, is an inter-departmental humanities course that is now under consideration. In spite of the flurries of planning, however, the department has not lost sight of its immediate goal -the preparation of students for college - and consequently it is not to be expected that the administration will suddenly abandon a very successful curriculum for new methods or courses without long, arduous examination. 22

Page 30 text:

FINE ARTS Head Of Fine Arts MRS. ELIZABETHTOZER Fine Arts credits are now required for graduation from Breck; and in response to student needs and demands, the activities of the department have been extensive and varied. The Dramatics group presented two plays after spring vacation: the first a farce, “Arsenic and Old Lace , the second a drama, “Submerged . The Glee Club participated in a number of programs and concerts, including a Folk Mass, new and original to the student body; the Christmas Program; and the M.I.S.L. Concert. Art classes were involved in various projects, some of which were displayed throughout the school; these ranged from self-por- traits to musical impressions, from clay sculpture to wood blocks. In Music Appreciation this year students learned to recognize and to understand better the works and sounds of contemporary artists. Band was introduced through the seventh and eighth grade Instrumental Group under Mr. Maud. Debaters displayed their skills both to other schools and to the student body. All Upper School Fine Arts students went to see dress rehearsals of “Funny Girl and “West Side Story . All in all, the hard work by everyone concerned produced an exciting cultural year. 24