Level I

Level I language courses stress listening and speaking skills, introduces reading comprehension and writing activities, and covers basic grammatical concepts and vocabulary. Students will learn how to communicate in simple, everyday conversations and become acquainted with the customs and geography of target countries. Depending on the language, various themes will be introduced at different times during the three years of language study. Themes for Level I usually include the following topics: family, friends, education, leisure activities, and sports.

Level II

Level II courses build and expand on language skills acquired in Level I courses. Increased emphasis is placed on higher-level reading and writing skills and greater use of grammar concepts and Latin vocabulary. Students are expected to express themselves with confidence in creating individual or group projects and skits. Students will continue to learn about customs and geography of the target countries. Some themes for Level II are as follows: the house/home, daily activities/routines, town, country, stores, shopping, food, eating, and going out.

Level III

Level III classes are conducted primarily in the target language with an emphasis on higher order thinking and cooperative-learning skills. Students study more complex grammatical structures, including past and future tenses, and idiomatic expressions. Readings, compositions, group projects, and research projects using technology give students the opportunity to build on already mastered vocabulary and grammatical structures. Some themes for Level III are: local, national, and international travel, means of transportation, and health and nutrition. Note: For other advanced Level III courses, refer to IB III offerings.

Level IV

Level IV courses provide students with opportunities to continue perfecting their oral and written communication skills through more varied and complex types of reading and writing assignments, group activities, individual and group projects. Specific topics studied during Level IV are based on the themes of groups, leisure, and change (social/technological). Note: For advanced Level IV courses, refer to IB IV offerings.

International Baccalaureate

World languages are an integral component of the IB program. At McCaskey, we offer IB Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of enrichment programs offered at local universities, such as world language camps or individual tutoring throughout their language study to ensure success in the IB program and on the IB exam. Four language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing – are developed within the context of the themes prescribed in the IB curriculum outline.

PROGRAM COURSES