Academics at Saint Mary High School

World Languages Department

Faculty:

Mrs. Suzanne Salvas, chair
ssalvas@stmaryhs.com

Mr. Pat Allen
pallen@stmaryhs.com

The goal of the World Languages Department is to develop students’ basic proficiency in the target language. Strong emphasis is placed on reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension. We strive to foster an appreciation and understanding of other cultures and prepare our students for study and use beyond the high school level.

The world languages program challenges each student to reach their highest potential. Saint Mary students are required to take a minimum of two consecutive years of a foreign language. The faculty strongly encourages students to go beyond the requirement by providing a third, fourth, and even a fifth year of foreign language study. Many students take advantage of this opportunity and some even take on a second foreign language. Independent programs of study are also made available for students with scheduling conflicts. Through our study of a foreign language and its culture, politics, and economics, we encourage students to grow in global and historical awareness and challenge them to mature into responsible young adults, who are capable of interacting intellectually, socially, and spiritually as members of a global community.

501 – Spanish I / 511 – French I
Spanish I / French I courses are introductions to the Spanish and French worlds. They are interactive courses with emphasis placed on developing the four areas of language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will be encouraged to build and gain confidence in grammar and vocabulary, so as to gradually build up accurate language habits.

502 – Spanish II / 512 – French II
Spanish II / French II students review the beginning concepts of grammar and concentrate on further mastering grammar. Vocabulary is greatly expanded and students learn to use more complex grammatical structures in speaking and writing. Opportunities are also given for further development of listening and reading skills in addition to the further study of Hispanic / French life and culture.

503 – Spanish III / 513 – French III
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish II / French II and a final grade of C or above.
Spanish III / French III involve an intensive review of the grammar learned in the first two years. During the year, students concentrate especially on refining their grammatical skills. With the expansion of the vocabulary and the verb structures, students are ale to speak and write the language using more complex terms. Students will write original compositions and dialogues and also give oral reports. Life and culture are taught through specific readings and literature as well as through projects.

506 – Spanish IV (Honors) / 514 – French IV (Honors)
Prerequisite: B+ in Spanish III / French III, teacher recommendation and approval
Spanish IV / French IV students will review the grammar o the past three years as well as learn the more technical aspects of the language. Greater emphasis is placed on the correct use of grammar and vocabulary in speaking and writing through the means of extemporaneous speaking, dialogues and original compositions. Reading skills are further developed through the reading of short stories, some of which are used as a basis for projects that include an oral presentation and written reports. Throughout the year, students further explore the cultures of the Hispanic / French worlds.