MS Program of Studies - Departments

MIDDLE SCHOOL WORLD LANGUAGES

The Middle School World Language program will assist the student in communicating, providing and obtaining information, expressing feelings, thoughts, and exchanging opinions in the target language. The curriculum is anchored in four strands: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Each of these strands is developed throughout the Middle School World Language curriculum. We follow the AERO World Language standards of: Communication which can be characterized in three different purposes:
(1) Interpersonal,
(2) Interpretive, and
(3) Presentational.

Each mode/purpose involves a particular link between language and the underlying culture that is developed gradually over time. Culture is another main focus in the content of the World Language courses, especially the intangible products of the target culture. World Language teachers assist the students to become skilled observers and analysts of other cultures. World Language learning at CAC is founded on the following beliefs:
- Learning a new language positively impacts the understanding of language in general, including one’s own language/s. It equips the student with better language learning skills for additional languages the student may need to learn in the future.

- Learning languages increases brain activity dramatically. Furthermore, language learning incorporates a variety of effective strategies, assessment procedures and technologies that develop and enhance critical thinking skills and learning in other content areas. Therefore language learning is a great catalyst for lifelong learning.

All students can be successful language learners, although all students are individuals who have different learning styles and acquire proficiency at varied rates. Language learning is a lifelong process.

- The study of world languages allows interdisciplinary connections.
- The essence of world language learning is communication. The development of strong linguistic, intercultural and lifelong learning skills empowers students to meet the needs of the interconnected world they will live in and build-up tomorrow.


NOTE: Placement screening is conducted for all students who have previous knowledge or instruction in the language they wish to study in the Middle School. This information allows student placement at the most appropriate level of language development to ensure progress and success in the courses offered at the Middle School level.