World Languages

The main purpose of language is communication. The Leffell School’s world language classes help students attain a level of proficiency—first in comprehension and speaking, and later in reading and writing. It is important for students to appreciate the cultures of the people who speak the language. The Leffell School creates an atmosphere in which students are not afraid to participate, even if their answers are not perfect. They are encouraged to get as much exposure to the language as possible outside of school by partaking in such activities as reading newspapers, listening to radio programs, and watching shows on television in the target language.

French 9

This course is designed for students who may have been introduced to French in middle school as well as students who are ready to begin studying French as ninth or tenth graders. Through the use of storytelling, story reading, and dramatizations all in French the course is designed to integrate students who are complete beginners with students who may have a novice level ability in French. Various topics include meeting people, discussing a typical school day, describing family members and friends, going places, and planning weekend activities. Students study the present tense of regular and irregular verbs as well as the past tense. French culture, especially as it relates to teenagers, is integrated into the curriculum. Students learn about the geography and customs of the French-speaking world, comparing them to their own.

French 10

French 10 is for students who have completed the first year of French. It begins with a review of vocabulary and grammar learned the previous year. The study of grammar is more intense in French II. While expanding their vocabulary, students will study different tenses so they can communicate more effectively. Students will expand their knowledge of France and other French-speaking nations through readings. They will conduct research on some of France’s renowned artists, musicians, and writers. Communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing are further emphasized at this level.

Spanish I

Spanish I will emphasize how to learn a foreign language. Students will begin by learning the basic regular and irregular conjugations of simple present- and past-tense verbs. The vocabulary presents cognates, family members, numbers, academic subjects, days of the week, months of the year, clothing, seasons, and descriptive adjectives. Students are also exposed to common idiomatic expressions and learn about the cultures of the countries they study. Spanish I will focus on the people of Central America, South America, and Spain. Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the various countries studied through comparisons between Hispanic culture and their own. The history, geography, art, customs, famous personalities, and other important topics of each nation are important aspects of this course.

Spanish II

In the first part of Spanish II, students will review grammar from Spanish I. They will then proceed to new verb tenses, including the imperfect, future, and present perfect. They will also study irregular verb forms and idiomatic expressions. Students will be asked to improve their skills in understanding and expressing their points of view appropriate to the second-year level. Practical vocabulary will be emphasized in the four communicative skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will continue to encounter the cultures of different Spanish-speaking countries. They will deepen their knowledge of the similarities and differences between American and Hispanic cultures.

Spanish III

Level III begins with a rapid review of the previous two years’ grammar and vocabulary, after which it focuses on the present and pluperfect tenses, commands, and double-object pronouns. The main grammatical unit is the subjunctive mood, both present and past, with many of its uses. The vocabulary studied is diverse—some of it centered on travel, geography, daily activities, cooking, pastimes, life events, and health. There is a constant review of previous vocabulary and grammar. Additional idiomatic expressions are introduced and students begin to do more oral presentations and advanced readings in Spanish.

Spanish IV

This course provides students with numerous opportunities to continue to discover, learn, and use Spanish in meaningful, creative, and engaging contexts. Authentic reading materials are used to further develop proficiency in the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Grammar is reviewed and used not as an end in itself, but rather as a necessary tool for communication. Students focus on “putting it all together” by integrating all skills. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish.

Spanish V

This advanced-level course will further hone and develop students’ writing and speaking skills. Critical-thinking skills will be utilized to analyze literary selections, films, and different readings. Personal reflection will be incorporated in the form of a journal. Students will be encouraged to question, interpret, synthesize, and integrate the Spanish language into their present and future lives while acquiring lifelong skills. This course is conducted almost entirely in Spanish.