Trivium - Rhetoric Stage

Rhetoric Stage - 9th Grade through 12th Grade

Rhetoric is the art of communicating well. Once a student has obtained knowledge of the facts and developed the skills necessary to arrange those facts into arguments, he must develop the skill of communicating those arguments to others.

During the high school years, students become concerned with what others think of them. Classical education helps students develop their minds to think and articulate concepts to others. Writing papers, researching, and orating ideas are skills required in all subjects.

While each component has its "sweet spot" during a particular stage, all skills are developed during all levels. A second grader will develop certain logic and rhetoric skills. A high school student will still acquire extensive knowledge in specific subjects. Emphasis is simply placed on different phases during different ages.