World Languages

Inspired by the question, “Who am I?”, this special interdisciplinary Latin/religious studies course focuses on the student’s discovery and exploration of the mystery of God in his own life. In response to the profound Catholic Christian faith story of the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, students examine sacred scripture, nurture critical thinking skills, engage in prayerful reflection, and delve into the art of storytelling to inspire their own personal faith exploration. Throughout the course, students will: (1) examine the distinction between “history book history” and “faith history,” and in doing so will be encouraged to recognize and celebrate their own growing faith history; (2) explore the development of ancient languages, most notably as they communicate, and contribute to our understanding of, faith history; (3) examine the diverse social, cultural and religious conditions that gave rise to the historical figure of Jesus of Nazareth; and (4) be challenged to consider and respond to the profound Christian belief in Jesus Christ as the Divine Son of God. Throughout this journey of thought and faith, the diversity of each student’s religious background is celebrated and understood to enhance all religious experience.

In grade 7, students of Latin immerse themselves in the language and culture of Pompeii, rewinding history to the months prior to the eruption of Vesuvius and burial of the city. While experiencing the daily life of citizens and slaves in the cosmopolitan city, students develop their ability to read and compose increasingly complex sentences and paragraphs. As they master the basic structures of Latin grammar, they acquire a deeper facility with English syntax. Special attention is given to the acquisition of Latin vocabulary and the exploration of Latin and Greek roots as the building blocks of virtually all academic and scientific English vocabulary.  Additionally, students come to appreciate the ubiquity of the Latin language in today’s society through the study of commonly used Latin phrases and abbreviations. Although reading and writing are the primary components of classwork, students are exposed to spoken Latin and are expected to communicate orally in the target language, read Latin texts aloud, utter common classroom sentences and questions in Latin, and employ the oral component as an additional linguistic input to deepen a student’s grasp of the language. As the pupils’ mastery of the Latin language evolves, they develop an understanding of the culture and society of the early Roman Empire and are given the opportunity to consider the many areas in which Roman civilization has formed a foundation for Western Civilization and, especially, our own nation. 

Students in grade 8 read more extensive and increasingly elaborate selections of Latin prose. While students in grade 7 focused their attention on the grammar of individual words, short phrases and simple sentences, students in grade 8 read and compose complex sentences with subordinate clauses, stylistic nuance and sophisticated vocabulary.  As students are exposed to a larger corpus of more refined Latin words, their English vocabulary flourishes, preparing them for scholarly and creative communication in high school, college and beyond. The historical setting for the first half of the year is the multicultural city of Alexandria, widening the students’ perspective beyond the Italian peninsula and inviting comparison and contrast with our own society.  From there, students travel to Roman Britain, spurring them to further consider the deep connection between the spread of Roman society and the Latin language throughout Europe and its subsequent prevalence in modern-day America.

In this exploratory language class, students learn topics such as the alphabet, calendar, weather, numbers, cognates, colors, and an understanding of where the language is spoken throughout the world.  Students learn how to exchange greetings and are presented with many opportunities to have dialogues with one another based on their growing vocabulary. Chinese program emphasizes pronunciation and it provides students with the natural acquisition process for meaningful communication. Students learn to use Pinyin transcriptions (the standard Mandarin Romanization system) and correct tones in a simple conversation. Basic Chinese character writing skills which involves strokes in all four directions will be developed and practiced in class. Small classroom sizes allows individual attention and the ability to cover many topics. At the end of this trimester class, students are required to complete a project that is cumulative and shows all that they have learned. In addition, this project provides the chance to compare and make connections to what they learn in German, Spanish and Latin.

The Grade 7 Mandarin Chinese is a course designed to provide students with the natural acquisition process for meaningful communication in Chinese. The program emphasizes pronunciation, vocabulary and a range of grammar patterns in order to develop written and spoken communication. Basic Chinese character writing skills which involves strokes in all four directions will be developed and practiced in class. Students will practice spoken Chinese in various communication activities which are complemented by intensive drills to fine-tune pronunciation, expand vocabulary, and internalize grammatical constructions. Students will focus on language acquisition standards in five areas: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities (the 5 Cs of language learning). Students could become more fluent and confident speakers in expressing themselves in Mandarin Chinese, and develop an appreciation for Chinese culture and people.

The study of Chinese in grade 8 further develops language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing and content of the grade 7 experience. In this course, students are required to comprehend and produce paragraph-level Chinese. Students participate in rigorous practice of spoken and written Chinese in complex communicative activities. Continuing with the 5 Cs of language standards ( communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities ) from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), students will focus on an in-depth study of vocabulary, pronunciation and grammatical structures in order to reach intermediate stages of written and spoken communication. Students also learn a variety of Chinese cultural topics such as: the history of China; Chinese paintings and calligraphy; Chinese customs and traditions; Chinese food, festivals, and other interesting Chinese features of culture and history.

Exploratory German in grade 6 focuses on culture and beginning level German language. Students explore cultural expressions, writing, listening, speaking, and reading in German. The development of a cross-curriculum vocabulary allows students to integrate their German study across the whole school day. Students examine similarities and differences within the following areas: alphabet, calendar, cognates, classroom objects and school setting, commands, numbers, colors and greetings. They also take an introductory look at German daily living. This program also introduces students to the fundamental elements of communicating in another world language.

Grade 7 German begins the development of cross-curriculum vocabulary. Students explore the influence of German culture in other subject areas. Students uncover and incorporate basic language structures into their writing and speaking prompts.  The basic structures of the language are expanded through the use of national standards of language acquisition set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Focus on language acquisition skills in five areas: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities (the 5 Cs of language learning). Emphasis is placed on comprehensive input, pronunciation, and simple grammatical structures. The goal is to develop written and spoken communication. Integrating students’ multiple intelligences and differentiated instruction facilitates how students acquire the language. As students embark on their study of the German language, they gain a deeper understanding of their native language and the necessary skills needed to communicate effectively in any language. Recognition and appreciation of German influence in all areas become strengthened as students engage with reading texts focused on German-speaking countries and their influence on students’ native culture.

The study of German in grade 8 further develops the skills and content of the grade 7 experience. Cross curriculum study expands to the relationship between German culture and the global community - past, present, and future. Continuing with the basic standards of language acquisition set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), students  focus on an in-depth study of thematic vocabulary, pronunciation and grammatical structures in order to reach novice intermediate stages of written and spoken communication, as well as reading comprehension. Continued focus on varied learning styles and multiple intelligences continue to structure and shape daily lessons. Special attention is placed on interpersonal, interpretive, presentational communication (spoken and written), and reading comprehension strategies. By using authentic learning materials, resources and experiences, students continue to connect themselves to the German language and culture.

Proficiency in Spanish, along with an understanding of the values of Spanish-speaking cultures, enables students to participate actively in the global community of the 21st century. The study of Spanish in grades 6, 7 and 8 will develop skills in the five basic competencies of language learning: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural awareness. Through classroom interaction in Spanish, students become prepared for high school level classes. Students learn how to communicate orally and in writing about familiar topics such as self, school, food, pastimes, family, the house, and clothing. Vocabulary and basic grammatical structures are taught within the context of everyday topics. Culture is embedded in the course and related directly to the topics studied.

In this exploratory Spanish class, students learn topics such as the alphabet, calendar, cognates, classroom objects and school subjects, commands, numbers, colors, greetings, and a basic understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures.

The study of Spanish in grade 7 develops a student’s understanding of the basic structures of the language and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Through the use of the basic standards of language acquisition set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), the students focus on the Hispanic world by understanding the 5 Cs of language learning; communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities. The program emphasizes vocabulary, pronunciation, and simple grammatical structures in order to develop the beginning stages of written and spoken communication. Language-specific study skills are introduced to facilitate the learning process. As students embark on their study of the Spanish language, they gain an appreciation of Spanish-speaking countries and their unique cultures and customs.

The study of Spanish in grade 8 further develops the students’ language learning skills and builds upon the grade 7 experience. The students focus on the Hispanic world by understanding the 5 Cs of language learning set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL); communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities. Vocabulary and grammatical structures are introduced by theme, using authentic learning materials. Students are engaged in the language and culture of the Hispanic world by incorporating the practice of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication (spoken and written).