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The Big Goal: Why We Teach What We Teach

These are our goals for all our OCS graduates (in no particular order):

  • Read well for a variety of purposes with an attention to style, argument, and subtlety.
  • Write a sustained argument in a readable style (application of CEW and Informal Logic).
  • Speak with clarity and effect, with confidence, purpose, winsomeness.
  • Listen with respect and for understanding.
  • Be well-versed in cultural, philosophical, and ideological influences in order to weigh all expression and argument against the Truth of Scripture.
To accomplish these goals, our streamlined course sequence allows concentrated study in specific language areas. The courses are not linked to any particular grade level; instead, they follow a natural progression beginning with the foundation of reading well and ending with the capstone of evaluation and synthesis of ideas from multiple sources. College requirements indicate that every student must take four years of English, but they do not dictate that a certain level (e.g., honors or AP) be reached. To push through classes only to have them listed on a resume—without thought to whether or not students have engaged in ideas that deepen their ability to think—sidesteps the purpose of education. At Oaks Christian, we desire to move away from utilitarian and pragmatic thinking that drives students to “take classes” and instead concern ourselves and our students with language study that enriches the mind and enlivens the soul.

Additional Course Offerings

Advanced Placement Offerings

Required Course Offerings

Meet the English Faculty

Sally Gordon
English Department Chair
818.575.9314
sgordin@oakschristian.org

Mike Zirretta
818.575.9173
mzirretta@oakschristian.org

Kevin Wilkinson
818.575.9210
kwilkinson@oakschristian.org

Kelly Van Atta
818.575.9197
kvanatta@oakschristian.org

David Quinn
818.575.9169
dquinn@oakschristian.org

Timothy Veltkamp
818.575.9183
tveltkamp@oakschristian.org

Kyle Garza
818.575.9141
kgarza@oakschristian.org

Timothy Bagdanov
818.575.9107
tbagdanov@oakschristian.org

Kelly Pippin
818.575.9193
kpippin@oakschristian.org

Jackson Kelly
818.575.9114
jkelly@oakschristian.org

Benjamin Trammell
818.575.9131
btrammell@oakschristian.org

Tyler Secor
818.575.9164
tsecor@oakschristian.org

Rachel Secor
818-575-9155
rsecor@oakschristian.org

Carolyn Krause
818.575.9104
ckrause@oakschristian.org