Language Policy

• The learning resources coordinator receives and reviews, in partnership with the consulting psychologist, the written report of the evaluation. This report is kept in a separate, confidential file and does not become a part of the student’s permanent record.

• The learning resources coordinator and consulting psychologist prepare a Learning Profile (LP) for the student, based on the information of the report. The LP outlines the student’s learning profile and provides instructional actions for learning needs, as well as, accommodations to support the student at the school. These suggestions are based on test results that identify a documented learning need.

• The learning resources coordinator shares the LP with the student and parent(s) to review its general recommendations, answer questions about the assessment, and receive approval from the parents.

• The learning resources coordinator distributes the LP to the student’s teachers and advisor. Each teacher then meets with the student individually to discuss how instructional actions and accommodations will be implemented in each class setting.

•The school provides feedback on the student’s progress to both the student and parent(s) through regularly scheduled student reports and advisor meetings. In addition, any teacher is available to meet with the student and parent(s) at any time such a meeting may be helpful.

• The IB coordinator, in partnership with the learning resources coordinator, makes requests for special assessment arrangements for students sitting for IB exams, using the appropriate forms and providing the necessary information to IB.

On an annual basis, the school reviews these practices and makes revisions to them as are appropriate.

Through this process, the school seeks to provide students with useful insights into how they learn best as it supports their success in the academic program. In this way, the school prepares its students for success at the university level and beyond.

This policy is published in the Upper School Program of Studies and is reviewed every five years.

Philosophy

Effective use of language is central to a student’s success in every academic discipline. For this reason, all teachers at Wilmington Friends School carry the responsibility for developing their students’ language skills. All students study English all four years of their high school experience. In addition, in order to become effective global citizens, students must gain an understanding of language and culture beyond that of their mother tongue. To this end, the school requires all students to successfully complete the study of a second language through Level 3. For enrollment in IB Language B HL or SL courses, students must complete Level 3 by the end of their sophomore year, or demonstrate equivalent proficiency prior to their IB coursework. Furthermore, the school recognizes that, as language is the primary means for transmitting culture, 1) the study of the mother tongue is essential to developing an understanding of one’s own culture and 2) the study of a second language fosters an understanding of, and appreciation for, other cultures.

Language Profile

• Wilmington Friends School is a selective independent school with an academically rigorous program of studies.

• The school’s graduation requirements include the successful completion of four years of the Study of English and study of a second language through Level 3.

• Virtually all English-speaking students enrolled in the school score at an above-average level on standardized English tests.

• Non-English-speaking students enrolled in the school must have a TOEFL score of at least 100 and demonstrate high proficiency in English .

• Non-English-speaking students may arrange for tutoring support (not part of the school’s academic program). They may also seek extra help as needed from classroom teachers.

• The language of instruction for all non-world language courses is English.

• Each world language course is taught exclusively in the target language.

• The curricula of the pre-IB world language courses include the study of the language (both written and spoken) as well as the culture of peoples who use the particular language.

• Group 1 courses offered: English A Literature SL and HL. Almost all students (Diploma and non-Diploma students) study English A Literature HL. Students choosing English A Literature SL do so in order to study three other subjects as HLs as part of the diploma program.

• Group 2 courses offered: French B SL and HL, Spanish B SL and HL, Chinese B SL.

• All students (grades 5-12) are issued an Apple MacBook Air laptop computer, a resource that enriches the opportunities for teaching and learning in all subjects.

• The school offers summer trips for high school students to China, France, Spain and other Spanish speaking countries.

Mother-Tongue Instruction

Where a student’s mother tongue cannot be supported through a traditionally taught literature class, the school supported selftaught (SSST) option is available for language A: literature SL. The SSST option is for motivated students seeking a bilingual IB diploma through completion of two literature courses: 1) IB Literature: HL or SL English, and 2) SSST Literature: SL mother tongue. The designation “IB Self-Taught Literature SL” will appear on a student’s WFS transcript, but will not be accompanied by a grade or credit. Students will complete all IB assessment components and will receive an IB certificate upon successful completion of the requirements.

Extra-Curricular Language and Culture Opportunities

• Global Connections Club (comprised of and supports students who have lived abroad) • Model Organization of American States • Model UN • Peace and Ecology Club (addresses world human rights, environmental issues) • Prism (publication of student work in the visual and literary arts) • Whittier Miscellany (student newspaper) • World Affairs Club

This policy is published in the Upper School Program of Studies and is reviewed every five years.

Quaker matters. Come see why.

Wilmington Friends School 101 School Road Wilmington, DE 19803 www.wilmingtonfriends.org

Program Highlights

• Preschool – 12th grade, co-ed

• Character education, mindfulness, stewardship, and social justice (including a commitment to diversity and financial aid) are part of founding mission

• Twice nationally recognized 1:1 student device program expanded to include students in every grade: Mac-

Books for grades 4 to 12 and iPads for grades PS to 3.

• Welcoming community for families of all religious and spiritual traditions (95% of families who choose Friends

School are not Quaker.) • Global education curriculum, including International Baccalaureate and

School Year Abroad

• Spanish, grades PK-12; Chinese and

French, grades 6-12 • Programming, STEM curriculum, and robotics, K-12

• Singapore Math approach, grades K-8

• Campus models environmental stewardship, including solar panels, LEED

Gold certified facilities and a “net-zero”

Global Learning Center • Competitive athletics, grades 7-12 • Visual and performing arts through advanced college-prep level • Advanced and independent studies • Individualized, expert college guidance

Lower School Campus Preschool — Grade 5

• STEM and traditional science labs • Computer class lab, After-School Program computer lab • Two gyms • Three outdoor playgrounds, two additional outdoor paved play areas • One turf and one grass athletic field (also used by school sports teams) • Library Media Center with computer lab, open every school day • Meeting Room/auditorium • Facilities architecturally designed for music (including practice rooms) and art (including ceramics studio) • Approximately 30 acres, including wooded areas and a Natural Classroom • Two buildings totaling 68,000 square feet

Middle/Upper School Campus Grades 6-12

• Five athletic fields, six tennis courts, three full-size gyms, fitness room • Two art studios and kiln room • 500-seat Theater, choir and band classrooms and practice rooms • Library Learning Commons with solo, small and large group areas • Meeting Room • Approximately 25 acres • One connected building, 184,500 square feet

Portrait of a WFS Graduate A committee of faculty and staff collaborated with students, alumni, and parents to articulate the skills and habits of mind of a Friends school graduate. These characteristics are both aspirational and evident at each division. They, in combination with the mission, guide teaching and learning in our daily work with students.

Graduates, whether from lower school, middle school or upper school, are those who: • Seek truth • Value justice and peace with a conscious responsibility for the good of all • Model creative, independent thinking • Exercise self awareness and intentionality • Skillfully communicate and collaborate

For more information, contact:

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid 302.576.2930 admissions@wilmingtonfriends.org