High School World Languages
The World Languages Department provides a challenging and comprehensive program. Five levels of study in French and Spanish are offered, from beginning courses to advanced studies. Focus is placed on the acquisition and application of skills needed to capably understand, read, write, and speak in the target language. The program complements the learning process by emphasizing diverse cultural aspects associated with the target language. Students are given the opportunity to develop their knowledge in a supportive and stimulating environment, where individual success and fortitude are recognized.
In order to accentuate perspective and awareness of the target language, the courses are infused with cultural topics and activities. Students are exposed to the views, habits, and traditions of others and make comparisons and connections to their own. Food, films, videos, music, and the Internet are used to give a tangible ethnic experience to the students.
French I and Spanish I
These introductory courses allow students to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to build a solid linguistic foundation. Emphasis is placed on basic grammar, vocabulary, and the development of listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities. Students are encouraged to communicate, to the best of their ability, in the target language. The content is personalized and allows for topical and spontaneous discussions.
French II and Spanish II
These courses allow students to continue to build upon the skills and knowledge developed in level 1. The intent of level 2 is to increase target language proficiency in oral, aural, and written communication. Focus is placed on grammar, emphasizing structural analysis, extensive vocabulary acquisition, self-expressive writing, reading, and speaking for personal enrichment.
French III and Spanish III
These courses are designed to strengthen and elaborate on the language skills acquired in level 1 and level 2. The level 3 curriculum is geared towards increasing the student’s ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal circumstances through the use of literature. Excerpts of well-known works are studied to reveal the language in authentic contexts. Students review the pieces and learn to comment in open discourse, as well as written formats.
French IV and Spanish IV/French IV (H) and Spanish IV (H)
Students who do not choose or are not eligible to take an AP sequence may continue their language study in level 4. These courses are composed of grammar, literature, and conversation. They aim to refine the student’s language capabilities respectively in all areas of communication. Level 4 Honors is for students who have demonstrated high language proficiency and have met all prerequisites. These rigorous immersion classes serve to prepare students for an AP language course and the Advanced Placement examination at the end of the fifth year of study. Emphasis is placed on developing the student’s ability to think abstractly, analyze critically, and compose competently in the target language. A review of classic literary works is the central means used to progress the student’s skill and knowledge scope.
French V (AP) and Spanish V (AP)
The level 5 AP courses aim to strengthen the student’s abilities in reading, writing, understanding, and speaking the target language at an advanced level. The classes are set up as a seminar where students explore, analyze, discuss, and write about topics associated with the target language. Cultural, historical, and modern perspectives are reviewed through literature, film, and print media. An intense review of grammar accompanies this open dialogue format, in order to prepare the students for the Advanced Placement Language examination in the spring of their senior year. Specific training and extensive practice for the exam takes place regularly during the second semester of the courses.