The International Languages Department currently offers courses in French, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. Courses are designed to develop proficiency in four language skill areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Language courses include the study of the culture and civilization of countries where these languages are spoken. Successful second language learners are highly prized by employers worldwide. Such employers search for employees with high language proficiency, reasoning skills, communication and collaboration, and a sense of multicultural and international mindedness. All languages can be entered at the grade 9 level with no previous knowledge. Students who already have some language proficiency should consult their subject teacher or counselor about advanced placement or challenge opportunities.

French 9 – MFR—09

Textbook: D’Accord 1

This course introduces students to the French language and culture. Students will develop their understanding of the French language through practice and working towards proficiency in the four areas of language acquisition: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will participate in activities such as: preparing conversations with a partner or small group, participating in informal group discussions, writing in a variety of styles, listening activities, reading stories in French about Francophone culture all while learning a breadth and depth of thematic vocabulary and grammar.

Pre-Diploma French 9 – MFR–09IB

Textbook: D’Accord 1

This course is an enriched French 9 curriculum. It will include the study of key French grammar and thematic vocabulary with explorations into Francophone culture. Students will focus on the four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, by participating in a variety of interactive activities. Students will participate in activities such as: preparing conversations, participating in informal group discussions, writing in a variety of styles, and listening activities all while having the opportunity to practice using the target language on a regular basis. They will also begin to enhance their reading comprehension and writing skills, in preparation for IB French 10. Students do not have to be in the Pre-Diploma Program to take this course.

Japanese 9 – MJA–09

Text: Adventures In Japanese 1
This is an introductory course for students with no previous background in the Japanese language. By the end of the term, students will be able to understand, speak, and read simple Japanese. As well, they will learn the hiragana phonetic alphabet with an introduction into the katakana phonetic alphabet. Some kanji (Chinese characters) will be introduced.

Mandarin Chinese 9 – MMAN-09

Text: Chinese Made Easy Book 1
Mandarin 9 is an introductory course designed for students with little or no experience with the spoken and written Mandarin language. It emphasizes all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Conversational Mandarin and simplified characters are introduced continuously through a variety of topics including: greetings & introductions; numbers and counting; the family; occupations; nationalities; time and transportation.

Spanish 9 – MSP–09

Text: En Español 1This course introduces students to the Spanish language and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Students will develop novice level proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. This course is taught using a combination of grammar-based instruction together with TPRS (Teaching Proficiency Through Reading and Storytelling) and CI (Comprehensible Input) methodologies. These methods use a high amount of repetition and comprehensible input needed for language acquisition. This includes reading and listening to comprehensible short stories. Students will be able to communicate about familiar topics using simple sentences and questions. A variety of authentic resources, including songs and music, and will be used throughout. Students will be expected to do home reading and review daily.