Spanish

SPANISH 1 - In first year Spanish you will learn the foundations of the language that include understanding, speaking, questioning, reading, and writing in a culturally and language rich environment. This course encourages grammatical correctness by modeling correct grammar through listening and conversation. Topics covered are greetings, everyday  activities, places, common items (e.g., school supplies, clothes), and present and present progressive tenses. The course will be assessed through a variety of methods such as dialogues, skits, short presentations, tests and quizzes, daily assignments, and projects. First year language is likely not the best placement for Native and Heritage Speakers. For appropriate placement, please see the instructor before registering.

SPANISH 2 - In second year Spanish you will build upon the foundations of language acquisition. You will enrich your vocabulary, reading, writing and speaking skills. You will also add the preterite, imperfect, present perfect, past, and imperative tenses to your language repertoire. Your participation will continue to be a major component of your learning. Topics include everyday situations, travel, hobbies, family, and descriptions of people and places. The course will be assessed through a variety of methods such as dialogues, skits, short presentations, tests and quizzes, daily assignments, and projects.

IB SPANISH 3 - In third year Spanish you will continue to build upon the foundational skills from Spanish 1 & 2 by holding a conversation, reading authentic materials, understanding song lyrics, and delving into cultural and social issues. Language topics include complex expressions of events in the past, present, and future. Students will learn the subjunctive mood, as well as compound and conditional tenses. The course offers an overview of current issues and events in the Spanish-speaking world and further cultural exploration. Activities will include lots of dialogue, presentations, impromptu responses, in class emersion experiences and composition. There will be both written and oral exams.

IB SPANISH 4 - During this fourth year of study, students continue to develop advanced skills in the language and pursue fluency. The course focuses on using the language to explore current events, social issues, literature, cultural relationships and more as we develop written and oral fluency. A student who completes this course will be able to sit for the IB Standard level exam and earn college credit. The tasks will emphasize higher-level thinking skills including literary analysis, cultural comparisons, and giving evidence to back up your ideas. In addition to typically formatted IB exams, the student will participate in presentations, debates, panel discussions, essays, and sustained impromptu oral expression.

IB SPANISH 5 - Students who complete this course will be able to sit for the IB Higher Level exam. The course will be conducted entirely in Spanish with an emphasis on extended conversation and discussion. Students will gain fluency through researching, reading, writing, and discussing various themes, which include student-generated controversial topics, social issues, technology, and personal and professional goals. Within this thematic approach, critical thinking skills will be emphasized in a variety of written and oral assessments.

IB SPANISH 6 - See your counselor for details.