World Languages Curriculum Progression

French I, German I & Spanish I

These courses involve the elementary acquisition of the four fundamental skills of learning the language: reading, writing, listening and speaking. This goal is met through an intensive study of grammar: verbs and syntax, and vocabulary. Oral and written exercises, simple questions and answer activities, and reading are used to facilitate comprehension and the acquisition of the four skills listed above. The teacher guides students to 80% use of the target language. Level I courses are not open to native or near-native speakers. 

Latin I

This course emphasizes the basics of Latin grammar, level-appropriate readings of culture, geography, and mythology, and basic Latin vocabulary placing emphasis on the Latin roots of English. By beginning to speak in the target language, the students will learn to use the vocabulary and the grammar concepts that they have been taught. This course is also beneficial in increasing the student’s knowledge of English vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, and in the acquisition of any Romance language. On the cultural level, the student will learn about geographical, historical, artistic, and everyday life of ancient Rome and her empire: a Catholic component is also included. 

French II

Grade 9 students are eligible for this course if they have successfully completed a full year of French I in middle school. This course is designed to develop in the students a greater understanding and comprehension of the language by continuing the foundation learned in French I of reading, writing, listening and speaking, with an emphasis on vocabulary, grammatical concepts and oral communication. By speaking in the target language, the students are expected to express the vocabulary and the grammar concepts that they have been taught.  The linguistic level instruction and communication will be more complex and more difficult than Level 1. The emphasis throughout the course is on communication in the target language, advanced verb study, grammar, idioms and vocabulary for everyday situations. By the end of the year, the student is expected to apply the four skills of a world language with complex and accurate form. 

Latin II

Grade 9 students are eligible for Latin II if they have successfully completed a full year of Latin 1 in middle school. Latin II begins with a review of Latin I grammar and syntax. New grammatical and syntactical forms such as the subjunctive mood and its uses will be introduced. By speaking in the target language, the students learn to express the vocabulary and the grammar concepts that they have been taught. Readings will include those adapted from well-known authors from the ancient world.

Advanced Spanish II

Grade 9 students are eligible for this course if they have successfully completed a full year of Spanish I in middle school. This course expands on the grammar and vocabulary foundation laid in Spanish I, continuing to emphasize the comprehension in the four language skill areas: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students are required to have a good command of the language in the present tense. The linguistic level of instruction and communication will be more complex and more difficult than Level 1. The emphasis throughout the course is on communication in the target language, advanced verb study, grammar, idioms and vocabulary for everyday situations. By the end of the year, the student is expected to apply multiple verb tenses to the four skills of a world language with complex and accurate form.