WORLD LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT The world language department offers instruction in Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish. In all of our languages the objectives of instruction are to develop proficiency in the four primary skills of language—listening, speaking, reading and writing—as well as to develop cultural competencies. In order to facilitate language proficiency, our modern language courses are taught in the target language. In addition, each of our courses seeks to build on the communicative skills of language learning to enhance critical thinking, global understanding, and cultural empathy. In each level, students develop and practice using themes and content related to the six themes on the AP exams: Families and Communities, Global Challenges, Personal and Public Identities, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, and Beauty and Aesthetics. Students are placed in their language level based upon their ability, experience, performance, and maturity. Incoming students with previous language experience will be placed at the appropriate level based on placement testing prior to the beginning of the school year. Placement in Honors and Advanced Placement courses is by invitation of the department and is based on previous performance in world language classes. The department encourages students to develop language skills and cultural understanding through summer study, especially in programs abroad. A student who wishes to advance a level during the summer should enroll in an approved language program. A formal transcript or equivalent that demonstrates proficiency level is required for advancement. In addition, the student will need to take an oral and/or written assessment prior to the beginning of the school year. All courses in the world language department ( Level 1-V and AP) meet the “e” and “g” requirements for admission to the University of California.
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