Philosophy

Student-Parent Handbook [pdf]

The classical approach to education, which has served to educate many people from medieval culture up to the present century, was revisited and revived by the English writer Dorothy Sayers in her 1947 essay, “The Lost Tools of Learning.” Ms. Sayers was concerned about the effectiveness of modern educational methods, "Although we often succeed in teaching our pupils ‘subjects’ we fail lamentably on the whole in teaching them how to think. They learn everything except the art of learning.” She suggested returning to the classical method of education called the Trivium, which consists of the following three stages.

Grammar, the First Stage (K - 6) - At this stage, elementary school children are adept at memorizing and learning facts. Thus, teaching methods at Trinity School focus on the “grammar” or fundamental facts and rules of each subject. Latin instruction begins at grade 4. Since so much of our English vocabulary is based on Latin and Greek, a knowledge of Latin will enable students to use English prose with precision and insight. It also gives students a foundation for understanding our culture and civilization.

Logic, the Second Stage (6 - 8) - At this stage, curious middle school students are naturally argumentative. Thus, teaching methods focus on instructing students in the art of formal logic and on teaching them how to question, analyze, and reason well through the teaching of subjects.

Rhetoric, the Third Stage (9 - 12) - At this stage, high school students begin to develop their own sense of identity. Thus, teaching methods focus on instructing students how to express what they know and what they are learning with grace and clarity through essay writing, speech, and debate. At this stage students begin to relate one subject to another.

The Trivium is not so much the study of “subjects” as it is a strategy for approaching and mastering any subject. As students learn a few subjects well, through the three stages of learning, they also learn how to approach other subjects they will encounter in college, in graduate school, and in their vocations.

Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill
4011 Pickett Road, Durham, NC 27705
919.402.8262 voice + 919.402.0762 fax