Curriculum

World Languages

French

• French I-A. Students are introduced to French sounds, useful vocabulary and phrases through dialogues and small-group or partner-oriented activities. The major focus will be on learning to use the language to communicate about events and facts related to the students themselves. In addition, attention will be given to the countries and cultures where French is spoken, in order to better understand the language. First semester for grades 8-12.
• French I-B. This course is a continuation of French I-A. Prerequisite: French I-A. Second semester for grades 8-12.
• French II-A. In French II the student builds on previously learned material to develop more complex language. The primary focus is on being able to respond orally to situations which the student might be exposed to in a country where French is spoken. The student will take part in roleplays, communication games, listening exercises and other activities aimed at attaining mastery and eventually proficiency in the spoken language. Prerequisite: French I-B. Recommendation: at least a C average in French I. First semester for grades 9-12.
• French II-B. This course is a continuation of French II-A. Prerequisite: French II-A. Second semester for grades 9-12.
• French III-A. Moving beyond the basic building blocks of French, students continue to improve their accuracy in speaking, listening, reading and writing by learning finer points of grammar, the use of verb tenses, and increasing their French vocabulary. Current magazine and newspaper articles, selections from literature, and articles on history and culture will be used in addition to the textbook. The French III-A course is conducted in conjunction with the French IV-A course, covering different material in alternate years. Prerequisite: French II-B. Recommend: at least a C average in French II. First semester for grades 10-12.
• French III-B. This course is a continuation of French III-A. It is held in conjunction with French IV-B, covering different material in alternate years. Second semester for grades 10-12.
• French IV-A. Students learn finer points of grammar and the use of different tenses in French. Students continue to improve accuracy in speaking, listening, reading and writing and to communicate ideas on a variety of topics with as little hesitation as possible. Current magazine and newspaper articles, selections from literature, and articles on history and culture will be used in addition to the textbook. The French IV-A course is conducted in conjunction with the French III-A course, covering different material in alternate years. First semester for grades 11-12.
• French IV-B. This course is a continuation of French IV-A. It is held in conjunction with French III-B, covering different material in alternate years. Second semester for grades 11-12.

German

• German I-A. Students are introduced to German sounds and useful vocabulary through dialogues and activities based on everyday speech. Though grammar is a part of language study, the main focus is on learning to communicate in German. Students will spend time learning about the Germanspeaking people, their way of life, and the countries from which they come. The language is spoken, written and heard. First semester for grades 8-12.
• German I-B. This course is a continuation of German I-A. Prerequisite: German I-A. Second semester for grades 8-12.
• German II-A. Activities at the second level are directed toward making it possible for students to communicate more accurately in German. Classroom activities are conducted in German when possible. Attention is also given to listening comprehension, reading, writing, and to learning to deal with potential situations in a country where German is spoken. Prerequisite: German I-B. Recommendation: at least a C average in German I. First semester for grades 9-12.
• German II-B. This course is a continuation of German II-A. Prerequisite: German II-A. Second semester for grades 9-12.
• German III-A. Students continue to improve their accuracy in speaking, listening, reading and writing by learning the finer points of grammar and verb tenses in German. In addition to the textbook, other materials such as magazine and newspaper articles, literary selections, videos and articles on history and culture will be used to increase vocabulary and the students’ knowledge of German and world issues. The German III-A course is conducted in conjunction with the German IVA course, covering different material in alternate years. Prerequisite: German II-B. Recommendation: at least a C average in German II. First semester for grades 10-12.
• German III-B. This course is a continuation of German III-A. It is held in conjunction with German IV-B, covering different material in alternate years. Second semester for grades 10-12.
• German IV-A. Students learn finer points of grammar and verb tenses in German. Students continue to improve accuracy in speaking, listening, reading and writing and to communicate ideas on a variety of topics with as little hesitation as possible. Current periodical articles, literacy selections and articles on history and culture will be used in addition to the textbook. The German IV-A course is conducted in conjunction with the German III-A course, covering different material in alternate years. First semester for grades 11-12.
• German IV-B. This course is a continuation of German IV-A. It is held in conjunction with German III-B, covering different material in alternate years. Second semester for grades 11-12.

Spanish

• Spanish I-A. This course is open to students with little or no experience in Spanish. Spanish I is proficiency-oriented, based on an integrative approach to the four basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis is s given to developing communication skills through interaction among students and between students and teacher. Material is also presented to develop an appreciation of Hispanic cultures. First semester for grades 8-12.
• Spanish I-B. Continuation of Spanish I-A Prerequisite: Spanish I-A. Second semester for grades 8-12.
• Spanish II-A. This course builds on the material learned previously by reviewing key grammatical points and adding to basic vocabulary themes presented in first-year Spanish. Communicative activities continue to be an important aspect of learning to use the language for real-life situations within appropriate cultural contexts. Prerequisite: Spanish I-B. Recommendation: At least a “C” average in Spanish I. First semester for grades 9-12.
• Spanish II-B. Continuation of Spanish II-A. Prerequisite: Spanish II-A. Second semester for grades 9-12.
• Spanish III-A. In this course students are encouraged to begin to express their own thoughts without solely relying on memorized material. Key grammatical structures are taught to enhance clear and effective communication. Through short reading selections students will continue to develop greater cultural understanding. Spanish III is an important step to help students enlarge upon the basic material learned in levels 1 and 2. Recommendation: At least a C average in Spanish II. First semester for grades 10-12.
• Spanish III-B. Continuation of Spanish III-A. Second semester for grades 10-12.
• Spanish IV-A. This course is designed to help students add to a strong base of vocabulary learned in previous courses. In addition, students will add to their understanding of basic grammatical structure by learning more complex concepts. Students will continue to develop cultural awareness, especially through the reading of Spanish literature. Prerequisite: Spanish III-B. This course receives credit at Mennonite colleges. First semester.
• Spanish IV-B. Continuation of Spanish IV-A. This course receives credit at Mennonites colleges. Second semester.
• Spanish V-A. In this course there will be a review of advanced grammar and a continued emphasis on building vocabulary through the use of authentic materials including modern Spanish short stories, newspapers, magazines, films and the internet. Student will draw on previously learned skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing with the goal of achieving proficiency in Spanish. Prerequisite: Grade C or better in Level 4, and the recommendation of the Spanish 4 teacher. First Semester
• Spanish V-B. In this course there will be a review of advanced grammar and a continued emphasis on building vocabulary through the use of authentic materials including modern Spanish short stories, newspapers, magazines, films and the internet. Student will draw on previously learned skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing with the goal of achieving proficiency in Spanish. Prerequisite: Grade C or better in Level 4, and the recommendation of the Spanish 4 teacher. Second Semester