Curriculum Guide 2020-2021

MODERN LANGUAGE
That our students learn a second
language well is evident all over
campus: middle schoolers jumping
from their cars at morning drop-off
to proclaim “Buenos días” to their
Spanish teacher who happens to be
on duty; upper schoolers sitting on
the grass having lunch, practicing
the poetry recitation due in French.
Advanced students are comfortable
discussing novels and giving
presentations in their second language.
We want every one of our students to
go into life comfortable with the global
perspective speaking another language
offers. But this study is more than just
about the language. To truly become
global citizens, our students must also
be comfortable with other cultures, to
not only know but also appreciate the
ways other cultures are different from
ours. In language classes, students
study that aspect of language just as
closely. Our language classes create a
new awareness, an expansive vision,
that includes not only what it means
to be different, but what it means to be
the same.
The mission of the Language Department is
to provide experiences that cultivate a love
for language learning through a rigorous
and dynamic program. Students improve
their communication skills in Spanish or
French in a developmental process. Our
faculty dedicates themselves to nurturing
students’ progress in the following four
skill areas: reading, writing, speaking,
and listening comprehension. Upon the
completion of 8th-grade Spanish or French,
teachers will make a recommendation as to
the best placement for each student in 9th
grade language. There will be two options:
• Spanish 2 or French 2 - These courses
are more accelerated and challenging,
and dependent on retention of material
from the middle school program.
• Spanish 1 or French 1 - The focus is on
reviewing foundational concepts and
is more accommodating to support any
gaps in previous learning
The department highly recommends
abiding by this process to ensure student
success and achievement in developing
their language proficiency.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE
Heritage Spanish (Grades 6-7)
This class is offered to 6th- and 7th-grade
students with strong proficiency in Spanish.
This advanced language instruction is
typically for students who speak Spanish
at home or who come from dual language
programs. Students explore such themes as
Latina women in history and the idea of the
hero in reading, conversation, essays, and
multimedia presentations. While this is a
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