Foreign Language

The Foreign Language program offers five languages: French, German, Italian, Latin, and Spanish. It provides language learning for students with academic, vocational, and career needs and interests. The program contains levels of instruction so that a student may progress at a pace compatible with his/her language aptitude and motivation.

The involvement of the United States in a world economy has increased the need for foreign language competence. Many occupations in business, industry, public service, and government prefer people with knowledge in more than one language. Therefore, the focus of this program is to develop proficiency in oral communication, reading, writing, and cultural understanding in order to prepare students for more advanced language study and to emphasize the usefulness of language skills.

The curriculum of the Foreign Language Department is completely aligned with both the Massachusetts Frameworks and the National Standards in Foreign Languages. Students are required to do written and oral assignments prescribed by the teacher and to review each day the material presented in class. Though each individual has one's own pattern of learning behavior, the development of language skills requires disciplined learning, a positive attitude, and motivation to achieve proficiency. Instructional materials include print, videos, audio and software to complement each language program. The department also benefits from a newly installed multimedia laboratory.

Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in the first year in order to proceed to the second year of study in any language. Students who received less than a "C" may either repeat or make up deficiencies in summer school to be able to pass a placement test in order to be admitted to the second year. Students who fail the first year of a language twice should consider starting a new language.

Students who begin German in grades 7 or 9 have the distinct advantage of participating in the GAPP Study Abroad Program with Hamburg, Germany. An exchange program with Bologna, Italy is also available for students of Italian. Both German and Italian students are able through these experiences abroad to apply the communication skills already acquired by coming in direct contact with the people and culture of the country. Students of French, Spanish and Latin may also participate in cultural tours of France, Spain and Rome/Pompeii.

Students who excel in the fourth year honors program in French, Spanish, German, or Latin are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Test of the College Entrance Examination Board, upon the teacher's recommendation.