World Languages
French, Spanish
Mission: The World Language courses at Trinity Hall facilitate a class structure built around the four main skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) and six main themes (global challenges, science and technology, contemporary life, identity, family and community, beauty and aesthetics). The classes aim for target language instruction only. Cultural comparisons, connections, and global outreach are a priority throughout the scope and sequence of the students’ language learning journey. There is a three-year language requirement; however, a fourth year is highly recommended.
Core Values:
- Development of Trinity Hall students as global citizens
- Innovative and high-quality instruction and academic support
- Meaningful connections among languages, cultures, daily life and different
world views - Collaboration, integrity, foresight, creativity and enthusiasm in learners
Reading:
- Guided readings of Spanish / French texts: news, magazine and internet articles
- Literary analysis of texts: short stories, novel excerpts, and poems
- Peer editing of essay writing
- Reading comprehension exercises
- Speaking
- Exclusive use of Spanish / French
- Daily question-and-answer practice as class warm-up / introduction or closure to a topic, which is prompted by pictures, quotes, expressions, short news clips (written and audible)
- Class discussions and debates
- Extemporaneous speaking, simulations
- Brief current events class presentations via technology
- Paired and guided conversations, which imitate a phone or in-person conversation
Listening:
- Class conducted in Spanish / French
- Spanish / French -language authentic sources: videos, tapes, music, audio news clips
- Guided lectures and listening comprehensions
Writing:
- Introduction writing
- Argumentative writing
- Expository writing
- Conclusion writing
- Short, personal, creative compositions (100 words or more)
- Written summaries or reaction papers
- Essay writing (350 words or more)
- Journal writing
GRADE 9: Spanish I / French I
- Prerequisite: None
Spanish I / French I is a beginning course in the foreign language and culture. In this course students will learn basic communication skills that are useful for daily life conversations (including greetings; telling the time, date and weather; expressing likes and dislikes; describing people, places and things; etc.). Students will be introduced to the six themes and develop basic proficiency in the four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course also introduces the diverse cultures of the Spanish / French-speaking world.
GRADES 9 and 10: Spanish II / French II
- Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish I / French I or by teacher placement.
Spanish II / French II is a beginning/intermediate course in foreign language and culture. In this course students will expand on the six main themes and their proficiency in the four skills. There is a strong emphasis on grammar and verb tenses in this course. In addition students will broaden their knowledge of Spanish / French-speaking countries and cultures.
GRADES 9, 10 and 11: Spanish III / French III
- Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish II / French II or by teacher placement.
Spanish III / French III is designed to bring the students to a level where they are able to satisfy most survival needs and many social demands. They should be able to show increased spontaneity in speaking. Accuracy is stressed. Students will also begin to think critically about the six themes and make cultural connections through their continued development of the four skills.
GRADES 10, 11 and 12: Spanish IV / French IV
- Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish III / French III or by teacher placement.
Spanish IV / French IV is an advanced course in Spanish / French language and culture. This course has a strong focus on Spanish / French literature, history and culture, and expands on all of the themes and skills students have learned. Grammar and writing skills will be reviewed and refined in context.
GRADES 11 and 12: AP Spanish Language & Culture / AP French Language & Culture
- Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish III or IV / French III or IV.
This is a university-level Spanish / French course. Grammar and vocabulary review is extensive, and students will communicate using more complex language and colloquialisms. At this level, students are expected to master all four skills with analysis and synthesis of the six main themes. Supplementary materials for students include textbooks, authentic written texts, internet sources, radio edits, and music. Podcast and voice-recording technology is used frequently for auditory input and oral assessment. Students also prepare for success on the AP exams in their target language.
GRADES 12: AP Spanish Literature & Culture
- Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Spanish Language & Culture.