World Languages

Courses

French 1 (Year), German 1 (Year), Spanish 1 (Year), Spanish for Fluent Speakers* 1 -Beginning Level (Year), IBMYP Spanish for Fluent Speakers* 1 -Beginning Level (Year)

In level 1 world language courses, students use the language authentically, communicating in real-life situations from the beginning of the course. They learn the sound system and basic grammar and vocabulary, primarily through use of the language in meaningful contexts. All basic skills of the language are learned: understanding, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis is on communication in interpersonal situations. Culture is an integral part of the course.

*Spanish for Fluent Speakers is designed for Spanish-speaking students. It recognizes the natural skill of native/heritage speakers who were born in the U.S. and never had formal education in a Spanish-speaking country and due to many circumstances may not have had the opportunity to receive formal education yet are proficient in their understanding and speaking of Spanish for interpersonal purposes. The course will build on these existing listening and speaking skills, and develop basic reading and writing skills, with an emphasis on grammatical concepts. The course will try to tap the natural potential of native/heritage speakers to focus on enhancement of skill acquisition in general, especially emerging literacy, instill pride in a rich heritage, and allow students to succeed to their full potential. 

French 1A Gr (Year), IBMYP French 1A (Year), German 1A (Year), Spanish 1A (Year), IBMYP Spanish 1A (Year), Spanish for Fluent Speakers* 1A (Year), IBMYP Spanish for Fluent Speakers* 1A (Year)

See Level 1 description. At schools with World Language Specialty Programs, students can begin the study of World Language in grade 6. At schools with International Baccalaureate MYP Specialty Programs, students can begin the study of World Language in grade 7. Level 1A represents the first half of the curriculum for high school credit level 1 language course. Students must successfully complete both 1A and 1B to earn the level 1 credit.

*Spanish for Fluent Speakers is designed for Spanish-speaking students. It recognizes the natural skill of native/heritage speakers who were born in the U.S. and never had formal education in a Spanish-speaking country, or students who may have come from a Spanish-speaking country and due to many circumstances may not have had the opportunity to receive formal education yet are proficient in their understanding and speaking of Spanish for interpersonal purposes. The course will build on these existing listening and speaking skills, and develop basic reading and writing skills, with an emphasis on grammatical concepts. The course will try to tap the natural potential of native/heritage speakers to focus on enhancement of skill acquisition in general, especially emerging literacy, instill pride in a rich heritage, and allow students to succeed to their full potential.

French 1B (Year), IBMYP French 1B (Year), German 1B (Year), Spanish 1B (Year), IBMYP Spanish 1B (Year), Spanish for Fluent Speakers* 1B (Year), IBMYP Spanish for Fluent Speakers* 1B (Year)

See Level 1 description. At schools with World Language Specialty Programs, students can begin the study of World Language in grade 6. At schools with International Baccalaureate MYP Specialty Programs, students can begin the study of World Language in grade 7. Level 1B represents the second half of the curriculum for high school credit level 1 language course. Students must successfully complete both 1A and 1B to earn the level 1 credit.

*Spanish for Fluent Speakers is designed for Spanish-speaking students. It recognizes the natural skill of native/heritage speakers who were born in the U.S. and never had formal education in a Spanish-speaking country, or students who may have come from a Spanish-speaking country and due to many circumstances may not have had the opportunity to receive formal education yet are proficient in their understanding and speaking of Spanish for interpersonal purposes. The course will build on these existing listening and speaking skills, and develop basic reading and writing skills, with an emphasis on grammatical concepts. The course will try to tap the natural potential of native/heritage speakers to focus on enhancement of skill acquisition in general, especially emerging literacy, instill pride in a rich heritage, and allow students to succeed to their full potential.

French 2 (Year), IBMYP French 2 (Year), German 2 (Year), Spanish 2 (Year), IBMYP Spanish 2 (Year), Spanish for Fluent Speakers* 2 -Intermediate (Year)

In level 2 language world language courses, students continue to learn the language through its use in realistic contexts with more complex grammatical structures. Additional listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills are acquired through practice with authentic materials and in real-life situations. The study of customs and culture is an integral part of the course.

*Spanish for Fluent Speakers is designed for Spanish-speaking students. This level is for Spanish-speaking native/heritage speakers who have some proficiency in all skills, to include listening, speaking, reading, and writing, but at a level commensurate with students who have had interrupted or limited formal schooling in a Spanish-speaking school. It also recognizes the natural skill of native/heritage speakers and emphasizes expansion and not replacement of the student's existing language skills. The course will continue to tap the natural potential of native/heritage speakers to focus on enhancement of skill acquisition, instill pride in a rich heritage, and allow students to succeed to their full potential. The course will also continue to build on existing listening and speaking skills, and especially continue to develop reading and writing skills.

Introduction to Foreign Languages Gr 6-7 (Semester, Quarter), IBMYP Intro to Foreign Languages 6-7 (Year), Introduction to Foreign Languages Gr 8 (Year)

The Introduction to World Languages course will provide students the knowledge and skills through exploration of a variety of languages and cultures to enable them to actively participate in today’s 21st Century global community in positive and productive ways. Students will explore the study of several languages to include Latin, French, Spanish, one non-Roman alphabet language such as Japanese, and one other language such as German or Italian if time allows and as aligned with the courses offered in feeder high schools. Emphasis is on providing students the foundations and connections of languages of the world, basic interpersonal communication skills, and cross-cultural perspectives of the speakers of each language and where they live. Students will “travel” to different corners of the world and learn how to be positive global ambassadors of their schools and understand how language study enhances their English skills, reinforces interdisciplinary knowledge, and sets the foundation for them to be lifelong learners of languages. The overarching goal is to provide students opportunities to explore languages prior to selecting one language to formally study for high school credit.

Introduction to Spanish for Fluent Speakers (Year)

This course would provide students identified as heritage or native speakers of Spanish (by identification procedures such as the Home Language Survey, transcripts, and/or student interviews or questionnaires) with an opportunity to learn & build upon skills of interpersonal listening and speaking in Spanish, with an emphasis on reading and writing (to include grammatical concepts), all while instilling pride in a rich heritage. The goal is for native or heritage speakers of Spanish to prepare for Spanish for Fluent Speakers I by building on their existing listening and speaking skills, and to develop reading and writing skills with an emphasis on grammatical concepts.