Foreign Language

The courses in modern languages aim to develop all the basic skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing comprehension. These skills provide students with a strong understanding and appreciation of culture other than their own. Students engage in an active learning environment to achieve a strong knowledge of essential grammatical structures. Students learn how to speak and understand the foreign language being studied, developing their skills to the higher levels. Advanced students read, analyze, and discuss literary works to continue to develop communicative competence and engage in intensive practice of all language skills.

The study of Spanish is introduced in the Lower School grades. Upon entering the 8th grade, students select their course of study within Spanish I, French I. or Chinese I. New students may wish to continue studying a language begun at their previous school. Placement will be done by evaluating previous experience in the language and may include a test and/or interview. College-level accelerated courses are offered to students who have successfully completed advanced levels.

First Year Spanish

This course serves as an introduction to spoken and written Spanish. Students are exposed to the different cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Considerable oral practice and written exercises lead students to a mastery of grammar. Through in-class activities, students reinforce their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. In Level One, students will gain a strong foundation of basic language skills and are prepared for a more in-depth study of the language.

Second Year Spanish

Spanish students develop their language skills significantly. This course presents intermediate and advanced grammar, and students are challenged to develop their ability in order to communicate with a native speaker of the target language. In-class activities and skits, as well as short reading assignments, help students to develop the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. After completing their second year of language study, students are prepared for a more in-depth study of advanced grammar, vocabulary, conversational skills, and Spanish literature. This course promotes to Spanish III or Spanish III Honors.

Third Year Spanish

Students broaden vocabulary and develop the skills of speaking, reading, listening, and writing. Spanish literature reinforces reading comprehension and an appreciation for Spanish culture. This course rapidly reviews pronunciation and intermediate to advanced grammar. Students are immersed in numerous activities to develop language skills and journal entries develop writing skills. Students demonstrate their achievement through the study of conversational topics, short stories, poetry, and current events in the target language.

Fourth Year Spanish

This course continues the study of spoken and written language at an accelerated pace. This sequence provides a systematic review of advanced grammar. Students study a variety of literary works and participate actively in discussions. Students are encouraged to analyze critically the form and content of literary works, oral and written. An introduction to Advanced Placement literature prepares students to understand a lecture in Spanish and to engage in the close reading of Hispanic literary texts including such authors as Federico Garcia Lorca, Unamuno, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Ana Maria Matute.

Fifth Year Spanish - Advanced Placement

This is an advanced level course specifically designed for students intending to take the College Board Spanish Language Advanced Placement Exam. Within reading comprehension, students will deal with a variety of materials, including literary works and journalism. There will be frequent in-class essays typical of those given on the AP exam. Oral exercises, spontaneous expression, conversation, advanced grammar and vocabulary review will also improve skills necessary for the exam. Students will take practice tests containing material directly applicable to the AP exam.

French I

This is a beginning course for students with little or no experience in the study of French. Basic grammar and vocabulary will be taught; oral practice and communication activities will be emphasized at this level. Course goals and objectives include reading comprehension, writing, speaking and listening skills.

French II

Prerequisite: French I

This course continues the exploration of the four major communicative skills started in French I: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Basic grammatical concepts will be reviewed and developed and oral communication will continue to be stressed. Students will participate in activities emphasizing the French culture.

French III

Prerequisite: French II

The major objectives of this class are to develop the student's confidence and ability to communicate in French orally and in writing; to develop reading comprehension and to write with a higher level of proficiency. Reading selections may include short novels or stories, poetry, plays and/or magazine articles.

French IV

Prerequisite: French III

This advanced class is a precursor to the Advanced Placement class and as such will challenge the students in all skill areas. Students will be expected to critically analyze a variety of literature from the French language. In addition, in-depth discussion and compositions stressing useful vocabulary and advanced grammar will be used to develop oral and written fluency.

French V - Advanced Placement

Prerequisite: French IV and teacher recommendation

This is an advanced level course specifically designed for students intending to take the French Language Advanced Placement Exam. To improve reading comprehension, students will deal with a variety of materials, including literary works and journalism. There will be frequent in-class essays typical of those given on the AP exam. Oral/aural exercises, spontaneous expression, conversation, grammar and vocabulary review will also improve skills necessary for the test. Students will take practice tests containing material directly applicable to the AP exam.

Chinese I

This course introduces the fundamental structures of Chinese (Mandarin), which focuses on basic communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Upon completion, students will be able to write and recognize about 150 Chinese characters. However, students will develop reading and writing skills mainly in Pinyin, which is the official romanized transcription system in mainland China. The course also aims to increase students' awareness and understanding of Chinese-speaking cultures.

Chinese II

This course is a continuation of the Chinese Mandarin Level I. Students review basic skills within listening and speaking skills. Writing skills are introduced to encourage correct formation of the written language. Cultural activities encourage goals within listening, speaking and identifying the Chinese Alphabet. Daily cooperative learning activities encourage language usage. Projects are created to study Chinese history and culture from ancient times to current events.