Foreign Language

Opportunities

Values

Achievement

Foreign Language


Philosophy: The Foreign Language Department at AOA embraces the school mission and educates students to be self-reliant in another language. We work to develop the various skills of language and communication while analyzing other cultures and perspectives that help in the language learning process. Our classes are designed to aid in the development of the skills of communication: speaking, listening, writing and reading while building vocabulary, grammatical structure and cultural understanding. 

Since one of the main reasons for learning a second language is to communicate with others, we feel it is imperative that students are proficient in the various communication skills mentioned above. Although learning a list of vocabulary words will teach one the building blocks of a language, if they cannot use it in a context, it is not valuable information. Our lessons are designed to teach language functions that model real-life situations while working toward the goal of self-reliance in another language. 

We expect that our students are actively engaged in both the roles of input and output in their second language because the acquisition of a language is not a passive process but rather one where practice makes perfect. The importance of learning a second language embodies the essence of our AOA Community: a global environment that embraces diversity and respect.  While learning about another culture, a student can analyze his or her own culture with the added advantage of being part of a truly international experience. An AOA student should be able to take what they have learned about their second language linguistically, culturally and analytically and be self-reliant in our changing global society.

 

Spanish I (9-12)
Full year - 1 credit
Spanish I is an introduction to essential Spanish vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and culture.  Students will demonstrate their language skills through skits, simple conversations, short reading selections, and directed writing.  Cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries, as well as history and geography, will be introduced.  Computer and CD programs, tapes, and videos will be used to develop all skills and further the appreciation of the language and people. 

 

Spanish II (9-12)
Full year - 1 credit ~ Prerequisite: Spanish I
Spanish II develops communication skills through vocabulary expansion, grammar studies, creative writing, and impromptu dialogues.  Computer programs, CD’s, and videos are used to increase writing and speaking fluency.  Short stories and poetry are introduced to enhance literacy and cultural appreciation. 

 

Spanish III (9-12)
Full year - 1 credit ~ Prerequisite: Spanish II
Spanish III students continue their study of advanced grammar, vocabulary, and idioms to improve ability in writing, reading comprehension, and speaking.   Students will deepen their knowledge of Spanish-speaking areas through a study of history, culture, and civilizations.  Magazines, cultural reports, literature CD’s, computer programs, and videos supplement classroom materials. 

 

Spanish IV
Full year - 1 credit ~ Prerequisite: Spanish III
Spanish IV students continue their study of advanced grammar in order to refine the necessary skills needed for both written and oral communication.  Spanish and Latin American literature is read, discussed, and looked at from historical, social, and cultural perspectives.  Students will also study the history and development of Spanish-speaking people in Spain and Latin America.  Students participate in classroom discussions, make presentations, and write frequent compositions including one research paper. 

 

Spanish Language AP
Full year - 1 credit ~ Prerequisite: Departmental Approval
The Spanish Language AP course focuses on the mastery of communicative language skills rather on the content of specific texts.  The objectives of the course include:

  1. developing the ability to understand spoken Spanish in various contexts
  2. developing a Spanish vocabulary sufficient for reading newspaper and magazine articles, literary texts, and other non technical writings without dependence of a dictionary
  3. developing the ability to express oneself in Spanish (both orally and in writing) coherently, resourcefully, and with reasonable fluency and accuracy.

 

French I (9-12)
Full year - 1 credit
French I is an introduction to essential French vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and culture.  Students will demonstrate their language skills through skits, simple conversations, short reading selections, and directed writing.  Cultural aspects of French-speaking countries, as well as history and geography, will be introduces.  Computer and CD programs, tapes, and videos will be used to develop all skills and further the appreciation of the language and people. 

 

French II (9-12)
Full year - 1 credit ~ Prerequisite: French I
French II develops communication skills though vocabulary expansion, grammar studies, creative writing, and impromptu dialogues.  Computer programs, CD’s, and videos are used to increase listening skills and speaking fluency.  Short stories and poetry are introduces to enhance literacy and cultural appreciation. 

 

French III (9-12)
Full year - 1 credit ~ Prerequisite: French II
French III students continue their study of advanced grammar, vocabulary, and idioms to improve ability in writing, reading comprehension, and speaking.   Students will deepen their knowledge of French-speaking areas through a study of history, culture, and civilizations.  Magazines, cultural reports, literature CD’s, computer programs, and videos supplement classroom materials. 

 

French IV (9-12)
Full year - 1 credit ~ Prerequisite: French III
French IV students continue their study of advanced grammar in order to refine the necessary skills needed for both written and oral communication.  French and Francophone literature is read, discussed, and looked at from historical, social, and cultural perspectives.  Students will also study the history and development of French-speaking people in France and in other Francophone countries.  Students participate in classroom discussions, make presentations, and write frequent compositions including one research paper. 

 

French Language AP
Full year - 1 credit ~ Prerequisite: Departmental Approval
The French Language AP course focuses on the mastery of communicative language skills rather on the content of specific texts.  The objectives of the course include:

  1. developing the ability to understand spoken French in various contexts
  2. developing a French vocabulary sufficient for reading newspaper and magazine articles, literary texts, and other non technical writings without dependence of a dictionary
  3. developing the ability to express oneself in French (both orally and in writing) coherently, resourcefully, and with reasonable fluency and accuracy.