World Languages Department

  Language is our single most important connection to our community and to the world.  Through language we identify the world around us, express our concerns, our dreams, and it allows us to share our experiences and ideas.

     The ability to communicate in a language other than English provides a unique opportunity to gain access to other people and their cultures.  It is through language that each culture leaves an indelible mark on society as a whole. Recent world events bear witness to the importance of communicating in another language and understanding cultures other than our own.  Change is accelerating at a pace that far exceeds our own conceptions.  Our interdependence with other cultures makes it even more crucial for us to acquire skills for communication and cross-cultural understanding.  

    The concept of a global community is very real.  Our involvement in this arena necessitates strong communication and cultural skills. Our students need to be prepared to be part of worldwide connections that are imperative to doing business on a daily basis.  The need for being proficient in a language other than English has never been more critical.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

One High School credit in World Languages is required for students.  An Advanced Designation Regents Diploma requires 3 High School credits and the passing of a Comprehensive Exam in the language of study. The exam has a Regents equivalent.

              COURSE OFFERINGS

COURSE CREDIT LENGTH TYPE OF EXAM 

French 1 1 40 Weeks Local

French  2 1 40 Weeks Local

French 3 1 40 Weeks Regents Equivalent

French 4 1 40 Weeks Local

French 5 1 40 Weeks SUNY Erie

Spanish 1 1 40 Weeks Local Proficiency 

Spanish 2 1 40 Weeks Local

Spanish 3 1 40 Weeks Regents Equivalent

Spanish 4 1 40 Weeks Local

Spanish 5 1 40 Weeks SUNY Erie

German 1 1 40 Weeks Local

German 2 1 40 Weeks Local

Hispanic/French Studies 1 40 Weeks Local

FRENCH, SPANISH, GERMAN LEVEL NEW YORK STATE CHECKPOINT A (FR01, SP01, GE01)                   

Credit: 1   Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 7-12 

Prerequisite for German: Must have completed Level 3 French/Spanish OR be currently enrolled in Level 2 or 3 French/Spanish

This course is a beginning and foundational course that stresses the four language skills:  Listening, speaking, reading and writing -with primary vocabulary and structure dealing with the student, his/her school, activities, family, etc. These topics are integrated into a course by using them in conversation, as well as written structure.  Videos, movies, and various other aids are used to help the student experience Spanish/French/German speaking cultures. Teacher and student target language use will increase throughout the year.

FRENCH, SPANISH, GERMAN LEVEL 2 -  NEW YORK STATE CHECKPOINT B (FR02, SP02, GE02)

Credit: 1   Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite:  Level 1 or French/ Spanish 8

This course is a continuation of the first year course which builds on previously learned material. However, the degree of difficulty of grammatical concepts increases. Training in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing is continued. Students are asked to master new grammatical structures and topics as well as new vocabulary. They are also asked to apply the newly acquired topics in conversations about practical topics. and in their writing. Their acquisition of new concepts and vocabulary, both active and passive, is strengthened. As much as possible, the class will be conducted in the target language on behalf of the teacher as well as the students. Student target language use will continue to be strengthened and assessed through conversations with a classmate, small groups, and/or the teacher. Students continue to be exposed to cultural elements. These may be introduced in discussions as well as in cultural readings, movies, videos, etc. These items will offer students greater insight into the culture of the countries where the language they are studying is spoken.

FRENCH, SPANISH LEVEL 3 - NEW YORK STATE CHECKPOINT B (FR03, SP03)

Credit: 1       Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite:  Level 2

Training in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing is continued in the level 3 course. Students are asked to master new grammatical structures and topics as well as new vocabulary which continue to build upon previously learned material. They are also asked to apply the newly acquired vocabulary and grammar in authentic conversations about practical topics and in their writing. Their acquisition of new concepts and vocabulary, both active and passive, is strengthened. Reading comprehension as well as writing proficiency and speaking proficiency will be emphasized. The class will be conducted in the target language as much as possible. Student target language use will continue to be strengthened and assessed through conversations with a classmate, small groups, and/or the teacher. Students continue to be exposed to cultural elements. These may be introduced in discussions as well as in cultural readings, movies, videos, etc. These items will offer students greater insight into the life and people of the countries where the language they are studying is spoken. In addition, this course has a Regents equivalent as a final evaluation. Because of this, time will be devoted throughout the year to review and prepare students for this examination, which emphasizes reading, writing, listening and speaking.

FRENCH, SPANISH LEVEL 4 - NEW YORK STATE CHECKPOINT C  (FR04, SP04)      

Credit: 1          Length: 40 Weeks   Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite:  Level 3

FRENCH 4:  Training and application in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing continues at this level. Students are asked to review and apply grammatical structures and topics they have learned in the past. Some specific details are added to that prior knowledge. Students greatly expand their knowledge of vocabulary. In Level IV, French is used extensively in the class. Much of the year is focused on helping students to further develop their ability to speak in French and comprehend both the teacher and their classmates during discussions. They are asked to apply acquired vocabulary in conversations about practical topics and in their writing. Their prior knowledge of concepts and vocabulary, both active and passive, is strengthened. They may be asked to write short essays, stories, skits, commercials, etc. in order to apply their knowledge and be creative with it. Reading comprehension will be emphasized through the use of authentic materials. Newspaper and magazine articles will expose students to vocabulary in their interest areas. They will also gain a wealth of knowledge about the cultures of French-speaking countries from readings, class discussions, viewing films, and listening to French music

SPANISH  4:  Training and application in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing continue at this level. Students are asked to review and apply grammatical structures and topics they have learned in the past. Some specific details are added to that prior knowledge. Students do expand their knowledge of vocabulary through readings, discussions and projects. In Level IV, Spanish is used extensively in the class. Much of the year is focused on helping students to further develop their ability to speak in Spanish and comprehend both the teacher and their classmates during extended discussions. They are asked to apply acquired vocabulary in conversations about practical topics, topics of interest, and in their writing. Their prior knowledge of concepts and vocabulary, both active and passive, is strengthened. They may be asked to write and present short essays, short stories, skits, commercials, political slogans, research projects, etc. in small and large groups in order to apply their knowledge and be creative with it. Listening comprehension will be refined through the use of multiple sources such as:  podcasts of native speakers, video clips, music, film, etc. They will also gain a wealth of knowledge about the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries from readings, class discussions, viewing films, and listening to Spanish music. 

FRENCH, SPANISH LEVEL 5 - NEW YORK STATE CHECKPOINT C (FR05, SP05)          

Credit: 1  Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

French 5 is an advanced French course for high school students who have completed 4 high school units of study. As such, the course will emphasize advanced oral communication and listening skills. Students will add to their already extensive vocabulary bank with concentration on those words necessary to enhance the students’ communicative abilities. This new vocabulary will enhance the everyday skills necessary for effective communication. Reading at an advanced level will introduce some literature and stress comprehension. Writing skills are enhanced through essays on cultural/personal topics in today’s world, and short stories and narratives in order to apply their knowledge and be creative with it. Grammar will be an integral part of the course. Previously learned structures will be reviewed and reinforced, while advanced grammatical structures will be introduced for mastery. With today’s emphasis on global interdependence, cultural awareness will be explored through the use of visual media, research projects and presentations and other means that will further the students’ knowledge of the French speaking countries and their people. Students are able to earn SUNY Erie credit  upon completion of this course and taking the final exam. More information regarding the SUNY Erie College credit is available upon request.

Final Exam: Teacher-created SUNY Erie exam (All students take exam regardless of whether or not they pay for the credits.)

 Spanish 5 is an advanced Spanish course for high school students who have completed 4 high school units of study. As such, the course will emphasize advanced oral communication and listening skills. Students will add to their already extensive vocabulary bank with concentration on those words necessary to enhance the students’ communicative abilities. This new vocabulary will improve the everyday skills necessary for effective communication. Reading at an advanced level will introduce some literature and stress comprehension. Writing skills will be practiced and will include personal narrative through journals, persuasive and expository style. Grammar will be an integral part of the course. Previously learned structures will be reviewed and reinforced, while advanced grammatical structures will be introduced for mastery. With today’s emphasis on global interdependence, cultural awareness will be explored through the use of visual media, research projects,  presentations and other means that will further the students’ knowledge of the Spanish speaking countries and their people. Students are able to earn SUNY Erie credit upon completion of this course and taking the final exam. A minimum course average of C is required for SUNY Erie Credit. More information regarding the SUNY Erie College credit is available upon request.

Final Exam: Teacher-created SUNY Erie Exam (All students take exam regardless of whether or not they pay for the credits.)                                   

HISPANIC STUDIES (SP06 )                    

Credit: 1            Length: 40 Weeks   Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Spanish 3

This course will be a virtual tour, covering various cultural aspects of Spanish speaking countries.  Each semester will be dedicated to a new country and will focus on: Foods, History, Holidays/Celebrations, Art, Music, Geography and Family Life.  Please note: this course is not a replacement for Spanish 4.  If a student wishes to take the college level Spanish 5 class, they must take Spanish 4 as a pre-requisite.

FRENCH STUDIES (FR06)                                 

Credit: 1             Length: 40 Weeks    Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite:  French 3

This course is conducted in English and will be a virtual tour, covering various cultural aspects of the many French speaking countries.  Each quarter will be dedicated to a new French speaking region of the world and will focus on: Foods, History, Holidays/Celebrations, Art, Music, Geography and Family Life.  Please note: this course is not a replacement for French 4.  If a student wishes to take the college level French 5 class, they must take French 4 as a prerequisite. This French Studies course can be taken alongside another language course. 

World Languages Award for Academic & Cultural Excellence (Level 4)

&

Frontier World Languages Hall of Fame (Level 5)

REQUIREMENTS:

• 93% average or higher, no quarterly average can drop below 90%

• Must participate in World Language Department/Club activities

• Must have exemplary behavior & good attendance

**Level 4 students receive a certificate for this distinguished honor with a small classroom ceremony.

**Level 5 students receive a certificate, are added to our Hall of Fame Plaque and receive a special cord for graduation.