English Department

Belize is a diversified country with many of the students entering the classroom with a first language that is not English. Consequently, the English course is frequently a challenge to pupils. However, as globalization expands its reach and the Internet continues to expose our students to people across the word, the demand for the use of English is mandatory since it is the language of communication. Hence, to adequately prepare students for a world outside of Pallotti High School, it is compulsory for all students at all levels to be exposed to an intensive course in the English language.

At the lower level, that is, the freshman and sophomore years, the learning is more interactive as students are prodded to use the language and become comfortable with the vernacular. To do this, students are placed in a learning environment that is student-centered. They are required to use Standard English in both writing and speech. Yet this is done through discussion, dramatization and other activities that attempt to create a bridge between their realities and the classroom environment. It is at these lower forms that the love for reading is instilled and nurtured since comprehension and enjoyment of the language is at the core of all these efforts.

It is important then for students to become active in the learning process. Therefore, students at the higher forms, junior and senior, are not predisposed to grueling work but at the same time they too are able to capitalize on the richness of the language. Thus the teacher at this level becomes the facilitator.  It is at their senior year, that students take the Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate Examination in English A (English language usage) and English B (English Literature). In English A, students are graded based on their content, expression and organizational skills. Yet, since expression exercises and mechanics are done more intensely at the lower forms in a stress free environment, the learning is more of a revision. Students at these higher levels do more extensive reading and critical analysis of their set texts.

Therefore, when students walk through the doors of Pallotti High School in their final year, they are capable of meeting the expectations of the society and the world outside of Belize.