View the Middle School Curriculum (Grades 6-8)

View the Upper School Curriculum (Grades 9-12)

US World Languages

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In World Language, students can choose to study French, Spanish or Chinese. The department teaches through the TPRS (Total Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) methodology, which aligns with our mission of students acquiring language skills within a larger social and cultural context. Our Chinese teachers join us through a partnership with the Confucius Institute of China, which brings highly trained and qualified Chinese teachers from China. The World Language department has facilitated project-based learning with international organizations like Aumazo, an organization that builds schools for girls in Cameroon, and a private school in Martinique, who we have hosted or who visited us in recent ESW programs. In addition to core courses, language electives have included Education, Economics, and Community: Aumazo in Cameroon, Connections with Martinique: Collaborative Projects with the Lycée de Bellevue, and Francophone Cinema.

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency guidelines inform curriculum and student outcomes for each level. The curriculum is written using the ACTFL Can-Do statements, which define student proficiency expectations.

Guiding Principles

Driven by our mission and values, world language learning provides authentic experiences for students to develop 21st Century Learning Capacities. We specifically focus on deeply developing:

Collaboration and Teamwork
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Complex Communication
Cultural Responsiveness

All language classes are designed around the six AP Language and Culture themes as the organizing vehicle to develop knowledge:

Families and Communities
Contemporary Life
Personal and Public Identities
Global Challenges
Beauty and Aesthetics
Science and Technology

A seventh theme, Grace and Courtesy, is a continuation of the Montessori principle and is woven throughout the curriculum. Students develop language skills through the modes of interpersonal communication, presentational speaking, presentational writing, interpretive listening, and interpretive writing.

French Levels I and II

ACTFL proficiency level: Novice Low to Novice High

French I/II is an Upper School class for French students whose skills at the beginning of the year range from absolute beginners to Novice High. We use the TPRS methodology (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) to teach fundamental grammatical structures, vocabulary, and pronunciation with a focus on comprehension. Emphasis is placed on the most frequently used words in the French language, poising students to become conversationally proficient as quickly as possible. Stories introduce new words and sentence structures, and special attention is paid to the present and past tenses (passé composé and imperfect). Students will practice speaking and demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills by shaping stories together and acting out various character roles. Global perspective is encouraged through exposure to Francophone cultures, their values, and traditions. Trimester projects and presentations ask you to demonstrate creative thinking and initiative by using digital technologies to communicate ideas and tell stories in French, focused on three trimester themes (drawn from the AP French Language and Culture themes): Family and Community; Contemporary Life; and Personal Identity.

Sample Book List:

Pauvre Anne - Blaine Ray publishing by Lisa Ray Turner, Blaine Ray
Le vol des oiseaux TPRS Publishing by Kristy Placido
Bien dit II (Print textbook) by Holt McDougal or
Bien dit III (Print textbook) by Holt McDougal

French Levels Ill and IV

ACTFL proficiency level: Intermediate Low

In French III/ IV, students will focus more on comprehension of the French language and culture as well as on speaking ability using French vocabulary and linguistic functions acquired in previous years. Students are encouraged to exhibit adaptability, initiative, and a positive attitude towards risk-taking by exploring more complex concepts in an immersion environment. The TPRS methodology (Total Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) continues to play an integral role in teaching linguistic functions and vocabulary in context. Global perspective, integrity, and empathy are taught through more authentic encounters with Francophone cultures all over the world. This is done using primary source materials such as film, music, television, newspapers, and magazines. Reading several full-length mini-novels develops literacy. End-of-trimester and short research projects encourage the use of digital technologies and analytical and creative thinking.

Advanced Topics in French and Francophone Cultures

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French III and/or French IV (75% or higher), and recommendation of the instructor.

ACTFL proficiency level: Intermediate Mid.

The Advanced Topics in French course is offered as the first course in a two-year cycle covering the six AP Language and Culture themes. This course can be taken a more than once, as precise topics within the AP themes change from year to year. In this course, students build on their knowledge of the French language, significantly expand their French vocabulary, and deepen their understanding of the cultures and social issues encompassed by the French-speaking world. While covering a variety of themes, the course for year A delves particularly into the 9th and 10th grade theme of Invention and Discovery while year B delves particularly into the 11th and 12th grade theme of Global Issues and Diplomacy. In both years, the course emphasizes adaptability, initiative, and risk-taking. In order to expose students to as much authentic speech as possible, classes are conducted entirely in French. Through the use of French in class, and through engaging activities that emphasize meaningful communication and cultural exchange, students develop increasingly sophisticated language skills. Class-related activities incorporate grammar practice (mostly through writing and editing), literary and other written authentic resources, authentic listening exercises, in-class writing exercises, journals, formal essays, presentations, music, multi-media, cinema, and project-based learning. Work in this class encourages the use of digital technologies, as well as analytical and creative thinking. In addition to sharpening proficiency in the French language and increasing awareness of the French-speaking world and cultures, this course will prepare students for the AP French Language and Culture Examination (a course requirement for the students enrolled in AP). Year A concentrates on the first three of the six AP Language and Culture Themes: Family and Community; Contemporary Life; and Science and Technology. Year B concentrates on the second three of the six AP Language and Culture Themes: Personal and Public Identities; Global Challenges; and Beauty and Aesthetics.

Sample Book List:

Thèmes: AP French Language and Culture by Geneviève Delfosse et al- Vista Higher Learning

AP French Language and Culture

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Advanced Topics in French, and recommendation of the instructor.

ACTFL proficiency level: Intermediate High.

The AP French Language and Culture course is offered as the second course in a two-year cycle covering the six AP Language and Culture themes. In this course, students build on their knowledge of the French language, significantly expand their French vocabulary, and deepen your understanding of the cultures and social issues encompassed by the French-speaking world. Year B delves particularly into the 11th and 12th grade theme of Global Issues and Diplomacy. The course emphasizes adaptability, initiative and risk-taking. In order to expose students to as much authentic speech as possible, classes are conducted entirely in French. Through the use of French in class, and through engaging activities that emphasize meaningful communication and cultural exchange, you will develop increasingly sophisticated language skills. Class-related activities incorporate grammar practice (mostly through writing and editing), literary and other written authentic resources, authentic listening exercises, in-class writing exercises, journals, formal essays, presentations, music, multi-media, cinema, and project-based learning. Work in this class encourages the use of digital technologies, as well as analytical and creative thinking. In addition to sharpening proficiency in the French language and increasing awareness of the French-speaking world and cultures, this course will prepare students for the AP French Language and Culture Examination (a course requirement for students enrolled in AP). Year B concentrates on the second three of the six AP Language and Culture Themes: Personal and Public Identities; Global Challenges; and Beauty and Aesthetics.

Spanish Levels I and II

ACTFL proficiency level: Novice Low to Novice High

Spanish I/II is an Upper School class for Spanish students whose skills at the beginning of the year range from absolute beginners to Novice High. We use the TPRS methodology (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) to teach fundamental grammatical structures, vocabulary, and pronunciation with a focus on comprehension. Emphasis is placed on the most frequently used words in the Spanish language, poising students to become conversationally proficient as quickly as possible. Stories introduce new words and sentence structures, and special attention is paid to the present and past tenses (preterit and imperfect). Students will practice speaking and demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills by shaping stories together and acting out various character roles. Global perspective is encouraged through exposure to Spanish-speaking cultures, their values, and traditions. Trimester projects and presentations ask students to demonstrate creative thinking and initiative by using digital technologies to communicate ideas and tell stories in Spanish focused on three trimester themes (drawn from the AP Spanish Language and Culture themes): Family and Community; Contemporary Life; and Personal Identity.

Sample Book List:

Tumba by Mira Canion
Agentes secretos y el mural de Picasso by Mira Canion
Pobre Ana by Blaine Ray publisher
Berto y sus buenas ideas by Magaly Rodriguez by Nivel Elemental
La Vampirata by Mira Canion
Amigos detectives - Nivel 1 by by Patricia Verano

Spanish Levels III and IV

ACTFL proficiency level: Intermediate Low

In Spanish III/IV, students are encouraged to exhibit adaptability, initiative, and a positive attitude towards risk-taking by exploring more complex concepts in an immersion environment. Global perspective, integrity, and empathy are taught through more authentic encounters with Spanish-speaking cultures with a particular focus on the themes Diplomacy and Global Issues. This is done using primary source materials such as film, music, television, newspapers, and magazines. Reading several full length mini-novels develops literacy. End-of-trimester and short research projects encourage the use of digital technologies and analytical and creative thinking.

Sample Book List:

Felipe Alou by Carol Gaab
Ojos de Carmen by Veronica Mocoso
Viviana y su gran aventura mexicana by Abby Kanter

Advanced Topics in Spanish (Level IV and above)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish III and/or Spanish IV (75% or higher), and recommendation of the instructor.

ACTFL proficiency level: Intermediate Mid.

The Advanced Topics in Spanish course is offered as the first course in a two-year cycle covering the six AP Language and Culture themes. This course can be taken a more than once, as precise topics within the AP themes change from year to year. In this course, students build on their knowledge of the Spanish language, significantly expand their Spanish vocabulary, and deepen their understanding of the cultures and social issues encompassed by the Spanish-speaking world. While covering a variety of themes, the course for year A delves particularly into the 9th and 10th grade theme of Invention and Discovery while year B delves particularly into the 11th and 12th grade theme of Global Issues and Diplomacy. The course emphasizes adaptability, initiative and risk-taking in both years. In order to expose students to as much authentic speech as possible, classes are conducted entirely in Spanish. Through the use of Spanish in class, and through engaging activities that emphasize meaningful communication and cultural exchange, students develop increasingly sophisticated language skills. Class-related activities incorporate grammar practice (mostly through writing and editing), literary and other written authentic resources, authentic listening exercises, in-class writing exercises, journals, formal essays, presentations, music, multi-media, cinema, and project-based learning. Work in this class encourages the use of digital technologies, as well as analytical and creative thinking. In addition to sharpening proficiency in the Spanish language and increasing awareness of the Spanish-speaking world and cultures, this course will prepare students for the AP Spanish Language and Culture Examination (a course requirement for students enrolled in AP). Year A concentrates on the first three of the six AP Language and Culture Themes: Family and Community; Contemporary Life; and Science and Technology. Year B concentrates on the second three of the six AP Language and Culture Themes: Personal and Public Identities; Global Challenges; and Beauty and Aesthetics.

Sample Book List:

Temas AP Spanish Language by Vista Higher Learning

AP Spanish Language and Culture

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Advanced Topics in Spanish , and recommendation of the instructor.

ACTFL proficiency level: Intermediate High.

The AP Spanish Language and Culture course is offered as the second course in a two-year cycle covering the six AP Language and Culture themes. This course can be taken a more than once, as precise topics within the AP themes change from year to year. In this course, students build on their knowledge of the Spanish language, significantly expand their Spanish vocabulary, and deepen their understanding of the cultures and social issues encompassed by the Spanish-speaking world. Year B delves particularly into the 11th and 12th grade theme of Global Issues and Diplomacy. The course emphasizes adaptability, initiative and risk-taking. In order to expose students to as much authentic speech as possible, classes are conducted entirely in Spanish. Through the use of Spanish in class, and through engaging activities that emphasize meaningful communication and cultural exchange, students develop increasingly sophisticated language skills. Class-related activities incorporate grammar practice (mostly through writing and editing), literary and other written authentic resources, authentic listening exercises, in-class writing exercises, journals, formal essays, presentations, music, multi-media, cinema, and project-based learning. Work in this class encourages the use of digital technologies, as well as analytical and creative thinking. In addition to sharpening proficiency in the Spanish language and increasing awareness of the Spanish-speaking world and cultures, this course will prepare students for the AP Spanish Language and Culture Examination (a course requirement for students enrolled in AP). Year B concentrates on the second three of the six AP Language and Culture Themes: Personal and Public Identities; Global Challenges; and Beauty and Aesthetics.

Sample Book List:

Temas AP Spanish Language by Vista Higher Learning

Chinese Levels I and lI

ACTFL Proficiency Level: Novice Low to Novice High

Chinese I/II is an Upper School class for Chinese students whose skills at the beginning of the year range from absolute beginners to Novice High. Depending on the year, the class may be offered as one mixed-level class or two separate classes. Students will focus more on comprehension of the Chinese language and culture as well as on speaking ability using Chinese vocabulary and linguistic functions acquired in previous years. Students are encouraged to exhibit adaptability, initiative, and a positive attitude towards risk-taking by exploring more complex concepts in an immersion environment. The TPRS methodology (Total Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) continues to play an integral role in teaching linguistic functions and vocabulary in context. Global perspective, integrity, and empathy are taught through more authentic encounters with Chinese culture. This is done using primary source materials such as film, music, television, newspapers, and magazines. End-of-trimester and short research projects encourage the use of digital technologies and analytical and creative thinking.

Sample Book List:

Ni Wo Ta: Developing Chinese Fluency: An Introductory Course Simplified, Volume 1 (World Languages) by Phyllis Zhang

WORLD LANGUAGE ELECTIVES

Elective classes are based upon student interest/emollment and may vary from year to year. Here is a sample of recent World Language electives.

Education, Economics, and Community: Aumazo in Cameroon

In this course, students learn about the history of Cameroon and about its current economic, educational, and political realities. Students work to develop real-life projects in collaboration with Aumazo, Inc., Barrie’s partner in Cameroon. Jacqueline Audigé, CEO of Aumazo, is a regular guest teacher. The course is taught in English, and all students are welcome.

Connections with Martinique: Collaborative Projects with the Lycée de Bellevue

In this course, students delve into the history and geography of Martinique and its relationship to mainland France. Barrie students then work with students at our partner school in Fort de France, the Lycée de Bellevue, to develop collaborative, cross-cultural projects according to their own interests. This course is taught in English, and all students are invited and encouraged to participate.

Francophone Cinema

In this course students study a variety of French-language films from different parts of the French-speaking world. Films are explored for their cultural, historical, and artistic value. Students learn to pay attention to the different elements that make up a film (from the storyline and acting to the camera angle and the length of the shots) in order to understand more fully a film’s effect on the viewer.