WORLD LANGUAGES
Becoming proficient in another language and learning about other cultures are vital in today’s global community and the Porter-Gaud World Language program. Our curriculum provides students with the opportunity to participate in a multilingual and multicultural environment and to learn to connect and communicate with speakers of other languages. In addition to working toward acquiring the languages, students will be introduced to the practices and perspectives of these global cultures. In all languages - Spanish, French, Latin, and Mandarin Chinese - our department faculty utilize engaging resources including developmentally appropriate content, rich stories, authentic texts, computer applications and audio and video resources to facilitate learning to communicate, interpret the language and bring the targeted cultures to life. Course Offerings: Chinese I, II, III, IV, V Honors French II, III, IV AP Latin Honors Chinese II, III, IV AP French Language Spanish I, II, III, IV, V AP Chinese Honors Advanced French Studies Honors Spanish II, III, IV Independent Study in Chinese Latin I, II, III, IV AP Spanish Language French I, II, III, IV, V Honors Latin II, III, IV Honors Advanced Spanish Studies *Course offerings may vary from year-to-year and are dependent upon student enrollment. World Language Department Honors/AP Admissions Criteria Honors Level II Languages Classes +An average of 93 or better in level I and the recommendation of the teacher are required. Honors Level III Language Classes +An average of 90 or better in honors level II and the recommendation of the teacher are required. Honors Level IV Language Classes +An average of 90 or better in honors level III and the recommendation of the teacher are required. AP Language Classes +An average of 90 or better in honors level IV and the recommendation of the teacher are required. In certain cases for students with proficiency scores above the class average, an average of 90 or better in honors level III and teacher recommendation will be considered for promotion directly to the AP level. Honors Advanced French Studies +An average of 88 or better in AP French and the recommendation of the teacher are required. Honors Advanced Spanish Studies- An average of 88 or better in AP Spanish Language and the recommendation of the teacher are required. *If an honors level course was not offered in a particular language, then an average of 93 or better in the standard course and the recommendation of the teacher are required for promotion to the next level honors course. *Each student’s proficiency level will also be taken into consideration for placement purposes. Because of the sequential nature of language learning and in an effort to ensure that our students have the best foundation for success in their chosen language, the World Languages Department will use the following guidelines in student placement: If at the end of the year a student’s final average falls between 65 and 69, it is strongly recommended that the student either seek remediation before advancing to the next level or repeat the course. If at the end of the year a student’s final average falls between 60 and 64, it is required that the student repeat the course.
