The Spanish and French programs immerse students in the sounds and
images of the target language and help students to develop
communication skills. Units are organized around themes, and grammar is
presented in a contextual setting as a means to convey ideas. Games,
puppets, realia, songs, and cultural materials help to provide
practice, reinforce learning, and develop fluency in speaking and, as
students move up in grade levels, in writing. Latin study takes a
literature-based approach to developing grammar, vocabulary and
translation skills. Students also learn about Roman culture and history
and make connections to topics common to other disciplines whenever
possible.
The Middle School foreign language program accommodates those students
who began their study of French or Spanish at the Primary School, while
providing entry-level courses in fourth and seventh grades. A one-year
Introduction to language course is offered for new sixth grade students who have had no prior language experience, and an entry level of Latin is offered in the seventh grade.
All of these language classes prepare students to enter the second year of high school language study in ninth grade. New eighth grade students may take beginning Latin as an introduction to foreign language study in preparation for a Level 1 language course at the Upper School.
