Sandia Prep Curriculum Guide 2018 - 2019

Heritage Spanish (Grades 8-9)
NEW CLASS
This course is for students that have been
raised in a Spanish speaking community or
have several years of experience in a dual
language program in elementary school
and have completed Heritage Language
for 6th and 7th graders. Thematic units
will explore Latino Identity in a variety
of contexts. Class activities will involve
exploring and researching primary sources
from different genres such as literature,
popular music, poetry, visual culture, and
performance arts. This class will extend
students’ abilities in speaking, listening,
reading, and writing. The students will
interview and showcase the lives of
local Latino leaders. Activities will
include poetry writing, essay writing, and
performing self-created skits.
UPPER SCHOOL LANGUAGE
French 1-5
Grades 9-12
From the beginning level of study, learning
basic vocabulary and verb conjugations,
to our advanced classes that include
the study of French literature, each level
of instruction offers a continued, everdeepening
study of the language and
culture of francophone countries. Students
work together to write dialogue and
stories, build fictional cities, and cook
French meals. French is primarily spoken
in an immersion environment, even in the
beginning levels, so our students’ listening
proficiency is highly developed. In addition
to the language and culture, students also
examine important aspects of French
history, art, and music.
Spanish 1-3
Grades 9-12
Students learn Spanish through speaking;
through conversations about food, sports,
vacations, movies, and any other topics
students want to engage in. Each level of
Spanish instruction builds on the previous
year, both deepening and broadening
the students’ understanding of grammar,
vocabulary, and culture. Latin American
history, music, art, and food are everpresent
topics. Students develop the
unique skill of understanding spoken
Spanish, and they also become strong,
proficient speakers and capable writers.
Spanish 4 - Advanced Grammar
through Latin American Film
Grade 11
Using Latin American films and
documentaries as a point of departure,
students research and discuss issues
in Latin American history and politics.
Students explore idioms and new
vocabulary connected to films such
as “Maria Full of Grace,” “El Norte,”
and “Motorcycle Diaries.” Students are
introduced to complex issues of grammar
which they apply in writing critical essays
and preparing oral presentations on
contemporary social, cultural, and political
issues such as immigration, the impact of
the economy on different social classes,
and gender differences in Latin American
culture. Students learn critical thinking
skills and deepen their verbal and written
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