The World Languages program provides learning experiences to promote language and intercultural competencies. Working with proficiency levels outlined by The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), our goal is for our learners to actively participate in the global community by
- Developing functional proficiency in a world language
- Promoting respect for and appreciation of cultural practices, products, and perspectives
- Strengthening literacy skills in both their native language and in the language being studied
- Knowing how, when and why to say what to whom.
The World Languages program offers language study in French, German and Spanish through the IB and AP levels.
The diagram below demonstrates the paths students can take in French, German, and Spanish.
Course levels I, II and III and all electives are considered college preparatory in nature and are weighted as such (1.0). The academic progression includes more significant rigor and consequently those courses are weighted 1.05 or 1.1.
Ongoing success in learning a second language requires continual achievement. Students must earn a minimum of 70% in a course to move on to the subsequent course. Students who fail to meet that requirement must receive special permission from the instructor to continue in the program.
french
French 1
Grades 9/10/11/12, #WLA021, 1 credit, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Scheduling Restriction: Freshman students may not select this course if they earned a 75% or higher in French in the middle school.
In this introductory course, students will learn to communicate at the novice-low to novice-mid level using simple sentences and learned vocabulary about topics such as likes and dislikes, school & leisure activities, foods and clothing, global cultures, and family and friends.
French 2
Grades 9/10/11/12, #WLA022, 1 credit, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: successful completion of French 1 with a minimum grade of 70%.
In this second course, students will learn to communicate at the novice-mid to novice-high level, expanding on learned vocabulary and structures to personalize their communication. Students will communicate about topics such as home, travel and shopping, school and leisure activities, global cultures, health, storytelling, and special occasions.
French 3
Grades 10/11/12, #WLA023, 1 credit, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: successful completion of French 2 with a minimum grade of 70%.
In this third course, students will learn to communicate at the novice-high to intermediate-low level, using increasingly complex vocabulary and structures. Speaking and writing will become more fluid and natural. Students will communicate about topics such as personal and social responsibilities, family relationships, health and fitness, television and media, global cultures, and future plans.
IB French Language B Year 1
Grades 11/12, #IBO121, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
IB French Language B Year 2
Grade 12, #IBO122, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: successful completion of French 3 with a minimum grade of 70%.
Students participating in the International Baccalaureate Program during their Junior and Senior year will satisfy their world language requirements through the completion of these two courses. Year 1 of the course is also appropriate for any junior or senior wishing to pursue a fourth year of academic language preparation. Year 2 represents the fifth year of study. The full course descriptions can be found in the International Baccalaureate section of the planning guide. These courses follow ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines for achievement to the intermediate-low to intermediate-high levels.
AP French Language and Culture
Grade 12, #WLA025, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: successful completion of IB French Year 1 with a minimum grade of 70%.
The AP French Language and Culture course utilizes a thematic approach to explore contemporary issues, incorporate interdisciplinary topics, draw linguistic and cultural comparisons between native and target language and cultures, and use the target language in real-life settings and situations. Learning objectives include increased fluidity in spoken and written interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. This course follows ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines for achievement to the intermediate-low to intermediate-high levels.
German
German 1
Grades 9/10/11/12, #WLA031, 1 credit, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Scheduling Restriction: Freshman students may not select this course if they earned an 75% or higher in German in the middle school.
In this introductory course, students will learn to communicate at the novice-low to novice-mid level using simple sentences and learned vocabulary about topics such as basic personal information, family and youth activities, school and weather, food and dining customs, clothing and shopping traditions, global cultures, and home and special occasions.
German 2
Grades 9/10/11/12, #WLA032, 1 credit, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: successful completion of German 1 with a minimum grade of 70%.
In this second course, students will learn to communicate at the novice-mid to novice-high level, expanding on learned vocabulary and structures to personalize their communication. Students will communicate about topics such as body parts and sports, travel and transportation, outdoor activities and vacations, urban and rural lifestyles, global cultures, and food and dining customs.
German 3
Grades 10/11/12, #WLA033, 1 credit, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: successful completion of German 2 with a minimum grade of 70%.
In this third course, students will learn to communicate at the novice-high to intermediate-low level, using increasingly complex vocabulary and structures. Speaking and writing will become more fluid and natural. Students will communicate about topics such as shopping and commerce, adventure sports, hobbies and interests, festivals and holidays, media and communication, health and wellness, and travel and transportation.
IB German Language B Year 1
Grades 11/12, #IBO131, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
IB German Language B Year 2
Grade 12, #IBO132, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: successful completion of German 3 with a minimum grade of 70%.
Students participating in the International Baccalaureate Program during their junior and senior year will satisfy their world language requirements through the completion of these two courses. Year 1 of the course is also appropriate for any junior or senior wishing to pursue a fourth year of academic language preparation. Year 2 represents the fifth year of study. The full course descriptions can be found in the International Baccalaureate section of the planning guide. These courses follow ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines for achievement to the intermediate-low to intermediate-high levels.
AP German Language and Culture
Grade 12, #WLA035, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: successful completion of IB German Year 1 with a minimum grade of 70%.
The AP German Language and Culture course utilizes a thematic approach to explore contemporary issues, incorporate interdisciplinary topics, draw linguistic and cultural comparisons between native and target language and cultures, and use the target language in real-life settings and situations. Learning objectives include increased fluidity in spoken and written interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. This course follows ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines for achievement to the intermediate-low to intermediate-high levels.
Spanish
Spanish 1
Grades 9/10/11/12, #WLA041, 1 credit, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Scheduling Restriction: Freshman students may not select this course if they earned an 75% or higher in Spanish in the middle school.
In this introductory course, students will learn to communicate at the novice-low to novice-mid level using simple sentences and learned vocabulary about topics such as school, family and house, foods and clothing, cultures of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, and Ecuador.
Spanish 2
Grades 9/10/11/12, #WLA042, 1 credit, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: successful completion of Spanish 1 with a minimum grade of 70%.
In this second course, students will learn to communicate at the novice-mid to novice-high level, expanding on learned vocabulary and structures to personalize their communication. Students will communicate about topics such as travel and vacation, sports and fitness, shopping customs, cultures of Costa Rica, Argentina, and Puerto Rico.
Spanish 3
Grades 10/11/12, #WLA043, 1 credit, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: successful completion of Spanish 2 with a minimum grade of 70%.
In this third course, students will learn to communicate at the novice-mid to intermediate-low level, using increasingly complex vocabulary and structures. Speaking and writing will become more fluid and natural. Students will communicate about topics such as Latino/Spanish culture and traditions, family relationships, personal and social responsibilities, future goals and professional plans, and social networking.
Spanish 4
Grades 10 Immersion/11/12, #WLA044A, 1 credit, weight 1.05, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: successful completion of Spanish 3 with a minimum grade of 70%. Tenth grade Immersion students may also elect this course.
This course uses a thematic approach to explore contemporary issues, global perspective sand Spanish language literature. Emphasis will be placed on a more natural writing and speaking style and using the target language in real-life settings and situations. This course follows ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines for achievement to the intermediate-low to intermediate-high levels.
Hispanic Culture and Civilization
Grades 10 Immersion/11/12, #WLA044A, 1 credit, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: successful completion of Spanish 3 with a minimum grade of 70%. Tenth grade Immersion students may also elect this course.
In this course, students will study the main indigenous Latin American cultures and civilizations. Students will analyze and investigate the origins and contributions that Latin Americans have offered to global civilization. In addition, the course will cover various topics of Hispanic theatre, art and modern cultural events. Course objective is to present an authentic cultural connection with the Latino world from past to present day. This course will be offered in the 2022-23 school year.
IB Spanish Language B Year 1
Grades 11/12, #IBO141, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
IB Spanish Language B Year 2
Grade 12, #IBO142, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: successful completion of Spanish 3 with a minimum grade of 70%.
Students participating in the International Baccalaureate Program during their junior and senior year will satisfy their world language requirements through the completion of these two courses. Year 1 of the course is also appropriate for any junior or senior wishing to pursue a fourth year of academic language preparation. Year 2 represents the fifth year of study. The full course descriptions can be found in the International Baccalaureate section of the planning guide. These courses follow ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines for achievement to the intermediate-low to intermediate-high levels.
AP Spanish Language and Culture
Grades 11 Immersion/12, #WLA045, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: successful completion of Spanish 4 with a minimum grade of 70%. Eleventh grade Immersion students may also elect this course.
The AP Spanish Language and Culture course utilizes a thematic approach to explore contemporary issues, incorporate interdisciplinary topics, draw linguistic and cultural comparisons between native and target language and cultures, and use the target language in real-life settings and situations. Learning objectives include increased fluidity in spoken and written interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. This course follows ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines for achievement to the intermediate-low to intermediate-high levels.