Academics

Explore Curriculum

Explore Our Curriculum

English

The Sage Hill English curriculum emphasizes the crucial value of the spoken and the written word, and the study of the human condition. In a seminar environment, each grade level focuses on one essential question that helps students discover who they are becoming as readers, writers, and speakers and empowers them to be change agents in their own world. In the freshman year, students explore who they are as readers and writers. In the sophomore year, students question who they are in relation to the world around them. Juniors examine their relationship to the American experience, and seniors reflect on the authors whose works have shaped their understanding of themselves.

At all grade levels, students examine literature of many genres that represent a broad range of historical and cultural perspectives, and the department meets annually to review text selections for each course. Student writing–both critical and creative–emerges from coursework and student interests, providing each student with a means of genuine inquiry. Each year culminates in a department-wide portfolio project, in which students compile much of their writing, analyze its rhetoric, and reflect upon the merits and meanings of their work in connection to that year’s essential question.

English I

Freshman year qualifies as a rite of passage, and throughout this course students reflect upon the overarching theme of coming of age. Close, annotated readings and class discussions encourage students to appreciate and analyze >the elements of numerous literary genres: the classical and the contemporary Bildungsroman, autobiography, Shakespearean drama and poetry. While learning to read, write, think and speak critically and communicate persuasively, students gain knowledge of essential grammar, vocabulary and writing skills in the context of their work.
English II: World Literature

The sophomore English course expands the scope of self-examination that began in the freshman year to include the world around us. Who are we, as readers, writers and thinkers in relationship to the world? Students read seminal examples of world literature, and they continue to develop analytic and creative writing skills through a thorough study of rhetoric, usage, vocabulary and composition. Students also connect their readings and writing with Service Learning work, where they mentor elementary students and help teach literacy skills. This is a Sage Center Designated Course, which includes an attached Spring at Sage or Service Learning experience.
Honors English III: American Literature

This course is designed for students who have performed at a high level in English II and wish to deepen their critical thinking, reading and writing skills. The course

moves at a significantly faster pace than English III American Literature. In addition

to the English III curriculum, students read additional texts and complete additional

assignments that require students to develop cogent, coherent arguments, write with richness of expression and demonstrate advanced critical reading and writing abilities.
English III: American Literature

In this course, students explore the nature of the American identity as well as how the American ethos has evolved and continues to evolve over time. This course complements the United States history courses and historical, intellectual and philosophical contexts inform our study. Students continue to build reading, writing and oral skills through a variety of projects, presentations and writings, as they strive to define the uniquely American experience, the American dream and the role that the American ethos plays in our lives. Students explore multiple literary genres, including essays, speeches, poetry, plays, short stories and novels.
English IV: Brave New Worlds

Imagine that the world we live in was suddenly destroyed by disease or war or natural disaster, and a new world had to be created. Would it be a utopian paradise, with no poverty, disease or war? Or would it disintegrate into dystopian, totalitarian regimes that stripped us of our rights until we were prisoners in our own country? In this course, we will investigate the concept of the future by examining a wide range of literary and cinematic works in the science-fiction/ speculative-fiction realm of utopian and dystopian societies. We will discuss how speculations of the future have evolved over time, and address how classic works, such as the ones we read, speak to contemporary concerns of the relationship between nature and culture, gender and sexual identities, individual and community, and the impact of scientific and technological advances on our imagining of the future.
English IV: Music and Memory

Why do we look back on our lives and remember some events with crystalline precision while other moments slip quickly into oblivion? What are memories? What function do they play in our lives? What makes a memory worth holding onto? “Music and Memory” is a creative writing elective with an emphasis on poetry and personal stories. Through the examination of music, film and literature we will explore our own memories and consider the value of reading about the memories of others. Students will create works about their own experiences that will have lasting importance for themselves and others. Students will draw from the powerful sources of music, memory and imagery to discover meaning in their lives and help others to do the same.
AP English Literature and Composition

AP English Literature and Composition is a 12th grade, college-level course open to academically motivated students who intend to take the culminating AP examination. In this course, students experience, interpret, and evaluate diverse works of literature. Students develop an understanding of the writers’ use of language to provide meaning and pleasure to readers, examine and explicate structural complexity in poetry and fiction and investigate themes and symbols found in works from the theatre. Students also cultivate critical thinking and formal writing skills. In the process, students hone their effective use of rhetoric, including style and tone via collegiate- level vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and literary language. Ultimately, students in this course learn to “read like a writer” and “write like a reader.
English IV: Adventure Literature (Sage Connected)
English IV: Storytellers’ Workshop

For years we have entertained ourselves with stories. Stories transport us to other worlds. They allow us to have experiences we might not otherwise have. Stories help connect us to other times, to other people. They help us to understand ourselves. Storytellers’ Workshop is an elective for students who want to explore the art of creative writing. The class is geared toward understanding and appreciating the possibility and power of stories. Throughout the year, students critically examine a variety of published stories, as well as craft their own original pieces, increasing their knowledge of the essential elements of storytelling. The workshop provides members regular opportunities to submit their own work to the class for valuable feedback from their instructor and peers. As they engage in a series of creative projects and exercises designed to enrich their understanding of craft and form, students will strengthen their ability to clearly and powerfully communicate their own stories.

Clayton Hatfield

English Department Chair

HatfieldC@sagehillschool.org
Bio
Mr. Hatfield joined Sage Hill School in 2012 after four years at Fairmont Preparatory Academy in Anaheim, where he served as the Chair of the English Department and taught AP English, IB English, and a seminar entitled Literature to Film. Prior to Fairmont, Mr. Hatfield taught at Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, where he taught tenth and eleventh grade English. He also taught at Desert Christian Academy in Bermuda Dunes, where he served as an English teacher, college counselor, and academic dean. Mr. Hatfield earned his bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Southern California, with an emphasis on creative writing. He is currently the Chair of the Sage Hill English Department.
Elizabeth Anauld

English Teacher, Ninth Grade Dean

anaulde@sagehillschool.org
Bio
Elizabeth Anauld joined Sage Hill as an English teacher in 2014 after eight years at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano. During her tenure at JSerra, she served as English Department Chair, initiated revisions to the English curriculum, and developed writing standards for the school. She was also the academic advisor to at-risk students from lower socio-economic areas, helping them develop study skills and achieve academic success. Ms. Anauld also teaches courses in Freshmen Composition and Critical Thinking and Rhetoric at Orange Coast College. Prior to JSerra, Ms. Anauld taught at Bishop Amat High School in La Puente. Ms. Anauld holds a master’s degree in English from UCI. She also earned two bachelors degrees, in English and journalism, from Rutgers University. An accomplished swimmer, Ms. Anauld was a Big East All American and NCAA runner-up while at Rutgers, and she also competed in the 2000 Olympic trials.
Ashlie Berg

History and Social Studies Teacher

BergA@sagehillschool.org
Bio
Ashlie Berg joined Sage Hill in 2021 as a long-term substitute for the History & Social Studies Department. She comes to us from Santa Margarita Catholic High School, where she has been a Social Studies teacher since 2013. She previously has worked at numerous schools in Utah and Massachusetts. She received her bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from Brigham Young University, and her Masters of Education from Boston University.
Elizabeth Chung

English Teacher, 11th Grade Lead Class Advisor

ChungE@sagehillschool.org
Bio
Elizabeth Chung joined Sage Hill in 2021 as an English teacher. She has over 20 years of experience teaching in both the private and public school sectors. Most recently, she worked as a 9th and 11th grade English teacher at Foothill High School in Tustin. She is fluent in Korean and some French. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from University of Pennsylvania and master’s degree in teaching from Tufts University. She also holds a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential from Hope International University. She currently serves as 11th Grade Lead Class Advisor.
Sara Graham

Assistant Director of the Sage Center for Global Education and Inclusion, English Teacher

GrahamS@sagehillschool.org
Bio
Sara Graham joined Sage Hill in 2021 as the Sage Center Assistant Director for Global Outreach. Most recently, she was the Director of International Programs and an academic advisor at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, Maryland. At St. Andrew’s, she also taught and developed curriculum for the Global History and Mandarin Chinese programs. She has worked on numerous educational research projects and was a Teacher Research Fellow for the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning in 2018. Ms. Graham received her bachelor’s degree in East Asian language and culture from Lawrence University. She also holds a master of arts in teaching a foreign language (Mandarin Chinese) from Middlebury Institute of International Studies and is working on a master’s certificate in instructional systems development from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. In addition to her work with the Sage Center and leading Spring at Sage, she also teaches two sections of English.
Boyd Jorden

Department of English

jordenb@sagehillschool.org
Bio
Mr. Jorden came to Sage Hill School in 2006 after spending five years at Archmere Academy in Wilmington Delaware, where he taught Honors English and Creative Writing and coached the forensics and cross country teams. Mr. Jorden received his MFA in fiction from Arizona State University and earned a dual bachelor’s in English and communication from the University of Southern California. He has been involved in many facets of school life since joining the Sage Hill faculty. During his years at Sage Hill, he has headed up the school’s sophomore Service Learning program, and served as an assistant cross country coach, advisor for the school’s Christian Club, and staff member for the Academic Resource Center. Mr. Jorden was also previously the Chair of the English Department.
Laura Lyons

English Teacher

LyonsL@sagehillschool.org
Bio
Laura Lyons joined Sage Hill in 2017 as an English teacher. She comes to Sage Hill from the Schools of the Sacred Heart in San Francisco, where she was the English Department Chair, developed the IB English curriculum, and taught all levels of English, including AP English Literature. Previously, she was an English teacher at Sacred Heart High School in Los Angeles. She also has experience coaching cross country, track, and girls’ basketball. Mrs. Lyons holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and Spanish, with a minor in secondary education, and a master’s degree in child and adolescent literacy from Loyola Marymount University.
Arlie Parker

English Teacher

ParkerA@sagehillschool.org
Bio
Mr. Parker joined the Sage Hill faculty in 2002. He has more than 30 years of experience as an English teacher, writer, and poet. His fiction and poetry have appeared in numerous anthologies and literary magazines. Prior to Sage Hill, Mr. Parker taught at the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Louisiana where he was recognized as Teacher of the Year and was the recipient of the senior class’s yearbook dedication. Some of Mr. Parker's other teaching awards include: Modern Haiku’s Kayfa Roshi Award for Outstanding Haiku Teaching, The Faulkner Society’s Teaching Award for Fiction, and the Academy of American Poets Prize. Mr. Parker’s students regularly win awards in writing contests throughout the U.S. Here at Sage Hill, Mr. Parker has served as a Lead Class Advisor, as the faculty advisor for the literary magazine, and as an assistant cross country coach. He is an avid longboarder. Mr. Parker completed his undergraduate work at Towson State University. He earned his master’s degree and MFA from McNeese State University.
John Paulsen

English Teacher

paulsenj@sagehillschool.org
Bio
Mr. Paulsen joined the Sage Hill English department in 2007 after teaching at Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand and Century High School in Sykesville, Maryland. After he completed his bachelor’s degree in both English and European cultural studies at Brandeis University, he earned his master’s degree in English at Northeastern University. For two years, he was Sage Hill's Service Learning Coordinator, overseeing all grade level and independent public purpose programs and projects. He has coached JV soccer and chaperoned Spring at Sage trips to England, Russia, France, Germany, Austria, and Belgium during his tenure at Sage Hill School.
Jennifer Scott

English Teacher

scottj@sagehillschool.org
Bio
Jennifer Scott joined Sage Hill as an English teacher in 2019. She also serves as adviser to the Storm Yearbook. Scott previously spent 18 years as an English teacher at the Tatnall School in Wilmington, Delaware. In addition to teaching multiple levels of English, she also was the Drama Club director, led student exchange trips to Italy and Denmark, and developed the school’s Independent Scholars Program. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of New Hampshire and a master’s degree in English Literature/Writing from Simmons College. She also completed an advanced writing seminar at Charles University in Prague in 2010.

Sage Hill School

20402 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, CA 92657
Phone: 949.219.0100 | Fax: 949.219.1399

Sage Hill School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and athletic and other School administered programs.

List of 1 items.

Learn About

List of 1 items.

Start Your

List of 1 items.

Inspiring a

List of 1 items.

Go Beyond

List of 1 items.

Opportunity

List of 1 items.

Empowering

Explore Our Curriculum

English

English I

English II: World Literature

Honors English III: American Literature

English III: American Literature

English IV: Brave New Worlds

English IV: Music and Memory

AP English Literature and Composition

English IV: Adventure Literature (Sage Connected)

English IV: Storytellers’ Workshop

Sage Hill School