WORLD LANGUAGES Learning a foreign language is an inherently global experience, therefore it forms an essential part of our curriculum as The Global School®. Through language, students appreciate ideas, art and cultural differences and discover that culture is globally contextual. Moreover, learning a language encourages students to engage in public speaking and to share ideas collaboratively. The result is curriculum that nurtures global citizens and leaders. The World Languages Department offers instruction in two modern languages, Spanish and French, and one classic language, Latin. The four components of language instruction – reading, writing, speaking and listening – form the core of the language courses. Students are challenged to engage in these activities on a regular basis. Furthermore, through language, students are exposed to diverse perspectives on art, history, current events and culture. Language study is enhanced by the use of technology such as educational apps, authentic video and audio media, language podcasts and interactive educational websites. Departmental permission is a prerequisite for all language courses beyond the first year of study. Grade 9 Options French 1 French 2 Latin 1 Latin 2 Spanish 1 Spanish 2
Grade 10 Options French 2 Honors French 3 Latin 2 Honors Latin 3 Spanish 2 Spanish 3 Honors Spanish 3
Grade 11 Options Honors French 3 Honors French 4 Honors Latin 3 Honors Latin 4 Spanish 3 Honors Spanish 3 Spanish 4 Honors Spanish 4
Grade 12 & PG Options Honors French 4 Honors French 5 AP French Honors Latin 4 AP Latin Spanish 4 Honors Spanish 4 AP Spanish
French 1 Level: Introductory Prerequisite: None Overview: Students develop the abilities needed for effective participation in everyday situations in a Francophone country through the introduction of the four basic language skills: aural comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. The course emphasizes basic structures of language and a high-utility vocabulary to help students develop competency in the use of basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Students will participate in role-play of everyday situations. The course uses reading selections, film and other authentic materials, in addition to the text. Students earning a C or better may continue to French 2.
French 2 Level: Intermediate Prerequisite: A yearlong grade of C or better in French I, passing the French I final exam, and teacher recommendation Overview: This course fosters students’ knowledge of the cultural variety of the modern Francophone world through readings, film and realia with an emphasis on the four language skills. Increased importance is placed on grammatical instruction and practical vocabulary. Students work to develop competency in more complicated grammatical structures and vocabulary. Reading selections, film and other authentic materials supplement the text. Students will be assessed with grammar and vocabulary quizzes, chapter tests, projects/presentations and a cumulative final exam.
Honors French 3 Level: Accelerated Advanced Prerequisite: A yearlong grade of B- or better in French 2, passing the French 2 final exam and teacher recommendation Overview: Through enriching vocabulary, increasing usage of advanced grammatical concepts, listening comprehension practice and the study of French literature and films, students gain knowledge of the cultural variety of the modern Francophone world while developing facility in spoken and written French. Reading selections, film and other authentic materials are utilized in addition to the text.
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