Literature, Language, and the Arts

	The primary goal of a Gilmour education is the development of effective communication skills. Gilmour students explore fine arts, literature, writing, and language in a traditional classroom setting but also in a setting that closely mirrors the real world.
Socratic Seminar: Using Elie Weisel's Night, "How is it possible to believe in God when you are staring evil in the face?" Interdisciplinary Learning: After examining the laws of Hammurabi and Moses, students discuss what it means to live in a civilized society. Exhibition: Students assume the roles of war protesters, Vietnam veterans, politicians, or Vietnamese immigrants. In a town meeting, they debate the possible construction of a Vietnam memorial in their town. Independent Study: For students who choose to concentrate on languages, the senior project offers an opportunity to pursue the language of their choice through independent study. One student spent six weeks in China the summer before his senior year, immersing himself in the language and culture. He presented his senior project depicting the lifestyle and work habits of a Chinese factory worker.

For English speaking students, the ability to communicate in world languages has become increasingly important in today's global environment. In addition to the classroom experience, students enhance their knowledge of world languages and other cultures through: visits from native speakers relationships with pen pals excursions to films, plays and museums travel abroad Gilmour's globally reaching residency program Writing skills and literature are stressed at all levels of a Gilmour education as ways for students to understand life and to discover their own emotional reactions to a work of literature and to determine why they respond as they do.

Gilmour students explore fine arts, literature, writing, and language in a traditional classroom setting but also in a setting that closely mirrors the real world. Mock Trial students participate in the current mock trial case developed by the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education. They work with professional trial attorneys, ultimately presenting their cases at the Cleveland Justice Center in front of a panel of practicing judges. Since 1991, Gilmour's varsity squad has not lost a single case on the varsity level in Mock Trial. Print journalism students learn about the power of the press by publishing the school newspaper, The Lance, every three weeks. Even Gilmour's Lower School students contribute articles to each edition of The Lance. Lancer News, Gilmour's student-produced newscast, has won extensive awards from the Radio and Television Council of Greater Cleveland, including several first place awards in local competitions in recent years. Students in the broadcast journalism class work in Gilmour's own TV studio, producing weekly newscasts and specials that are aired in every classroom to the student body. Since 1990, Lancer News has won the top award from the Radio and Television Council. Students in Gilmour's Speech and Debate program learn from one another, practicing with champions. All members of the program compete at the various Ohio Speech League and National Forensic League tournaments. And they win BIG. Gilmour's speech and debate teams consistently garner awards at the district, regional, state, and national levels, competing successfully against some of the largest schools in the country.