|
Ninth Grade |
Tenth Grade |
Eleventh Grade |
Twelfth Grade |
|
French I |
French I, II |
French I, II, III |
French I, II, III, IV |
|
German I |
German I, II |
German I, II, III |
German I, II, III, IV |
|
Spanish I, II |
Spanish I, II, III |
Spanish I, II, III, IV |
Spanish I, II, III, IV/AP, V |
|
Chinese I |
Chinese I, II |
Chinese I, II, III |
Chinese I, II, III, IV |
Our world has become smaller due to expanded communications and increased global travel and business opportunities. As a society, we need to realize that knowledge of a second language and an understanding of other cultures are vital in today’s world. Students need to be prepared to become active citizens of the global community. Learning languages provides a valuable business and educational tool, practical advantages and the lifelong value of understanding a second language and its cultures. Students may have the opportunity to travel abroad.
Since students who learn a world language are college-bound, we believe in equipping them with the language skills necessary to succeed in intermediate or upper-level college courses or to fulfill their world language requirement by passing a proficiency test. Therefore, we recommend that a student take two to three years, preferably four years, of a language.
Students will:
Students who have good reading and spelling skills in English are strongly advised to begin a world language sequence freshman year. Language students must receive a passing grade at each level in order to continue the language course the following trimester. Students earning “F” grades will be required to repeat the course for an audit before moving on to the next level. Students earning “D” grades will work with their language teachers and guidance counselor on a contract for enrollment in subsequent courses.
Freshmen with previous language experience must pass a proficiency test and an oral interview to be placed in a higher level course.
Transfer, heritage, and immersion students are required to meet with a World Languages Department teacher before registering for their language class.
Students who are successful in their study of a second language are encouraged to begin the study of a third language.
Students are required to buy their workbooks (approximately $30).
Travel experience to French, German, and Spanish-speaking countries is offered during spring and summer breaks, depending on student interest and program availability. Students in Level II or above and who show enthusiasm for language study may apply.
The World Language Certificates & Seals description can be found in Special Academic Programs.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Advantages: Acquire a firm foundation in the basics of a language
The Level I World Language classes are for students in any grade level who are interested in learning a second language and the culture of the people who speak it.
Level I provides students with the tools to communicate about themselves, their hobbies and interests, school life, family life, shopping and foods.
Students will:
3 credits
Prerequisites: Level I with a minimum recommended grade of C-
Advantages: Continuation of building a firm foundation in the basics of a language. Colleges generally require a minimum of two to three years of the same language for admission.
The Level II classes are for students in any grade who are interested in continuing to learn a second language and its culture.
Level II provides students with the tools to expand their communication about themselves, their hobbies and interests, school life, family life, shopping and foods.
Students will:
3 credits
Prerequisites: Level II with a minimum recommended grade of C-
Advantages: Students will be prepared to succeed in intermediate level college courses, satisfy their world language requirement for admission to some colleges, or in the case of others, completely fulfill the language requirement.
Level III classes are for students who truly enjoy the language, are interested in acquiring more advanced language skills, and have successfully completed Level II.
Level III provides students with the tools to communicate in a variety of real life situations (i.e., asking for and giving information about travel, movies, theater, health issues, personal appearance, current events, etc.). Students will read short stories and plays in the target language.
Students will:
*Chinese III and IV will be offered as a combined course.
*German III and IV will be offered as a combined course.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Level III with a minimum recommended grade of C-
Advantages: Weighted grade. Students solidify and strengthen their ability to understand, speak, read, and write the language. Students can enhance their college application by demonstrating four years of language study. Students feel a sense of satisfaction in reaching a higher level of ability in the language.
Level IV classes are for students who truly enjoy the language and are interested in more advanced language skills and have successfully completed Level III.
Level IV provides students with the tools to communicate at an intermediate level in a variety of real life situations (i.e., leisure, communication, family, music, multicultural society, environmental concerns).
Level IV classes are conducted primarily in the target language and students are expected to communicate in that language.
The AP test is available to students in Level IV. The Spanish IV/AP course prepares the students for the exam.
Students enrolled in AP classes will prepare for and may take the AP exam in May.
Spanish IV/AP course is approved through the University of St. Mary’s PACC Program.
Students will:
*Chinese III and IV will be offered as a combined course.
*German III and IV will be offered as a combined course.
Prerequisites: Level IV with a minimum recommended grade of C-.
Advantages: Weighted grade. Students solidify what they have already learned in previous years. Students deepen their cultural understanding, preparing them for intermediate and advanced coursework at the university level. Students feel a sense of pride for having achieved a high level of proficiency.
Level V classes are for students who wish to enrich their written, spoken and oral aspects of the Spanish language at the advanced level.
Level V classes are conducted entirely in Spanish. Students are expected to already have acquired a solid command of the language because grammar is only taught or reviewed as remedial work.
Students will:
