INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGES

 The objective for studying a second language should not only be to learn to communicate in that language, but also to acquire an appreciation for the culture of the people whose language is studied.

Second Language skills provide employment and advancement opportunities and a better understanding of the world’s cultures.  The International Languages department at Bishop Grandin offers French, Spanish and Italian.  Wherever possible, the department organizes a language trip during the Easter break to encourage language exposure.

 French 10 (5 credits)

This is an introductory first-year program for those students who have studied the basic concepts of French at the elementary and/or junior high level and have received two or three years of French as a Second Language.

 French 20 (5 credits)

Prerequisite:  50% French 10

This course is designed for students who have received four or five years of F.S.L.  This level is a continuation of the French 10 program based on the skills already acquired in French 10 or an equivalent intermediate program.  This level continues to reinforce student speech and comprehension with greater emphasis on writing and reading skills.

 French 30 (5 credits)

Prerequisite:  50%French 20

This course is designed for students who have received six years of F.S.L.  This level continues to reinforce the skills of comprehension and speech, but increases the dimensions of reading and writing.  This is combined with knowledge of the fundamentals of French grammar and familiarity with French culture.

 Italian

Learning Italian, just as learning any other language, develops thinking skills and listening strategies that are transferable to other learning situations.  Knowledge of Italian is helpful for understanding the development of European culture.  The study of Italian also develops awareness of, and sensitivity to, the cultural and linguistic diversity of Canadian society.

Italian 10 (5 credits)

Italian 10 is a beginner’s course for students with little or no prior subject knowledge, with a gradual increase in learning objectives. The grade 10 Italian program concentrates on giving the student the opportunity to hear, speak, write and read Italian in everyday situations. 

  Italian 20 (5 credits)

Prerequisite:  50% Italian 10

Italian 20 is a continuation of Italian 10 and students will improve their skills already acquired.  Everyday themes will be studied and students will develop a better understanding of the Italian culture.  Italian will be used as the language of instruction as often as possible.

 Italian 30 (5 credits)

Prerequisite:  50% Italian 20

Italian 30 is the continuation of Italian 20.  This level reinforces the skills of comprehension and speech, and increases the dimensions of reading and writing.  There is also a greater emphasis on cultural activities and individual projects.  Most lessons will be taught in Italian.

 Spanish

Over 350 million people in the world speak Spanish.  It is the official language of many countries. The value of learning the Spanish language is enormous for Alberta society as a whole.  Apart from the common advantages related to the learning of an international language, it permits an insight into the rich and varied cultures developed in the Spanish-speaking world and bestows more opportunities to communicate directly with Spanish-speaking people.

 Spanish 10 (5 credits)

In this introductory course, students will learn basic vocabulary and expressions.  Using this knowledge, they will be able to participate in conversations and to write fundamental paragraphs.  Some areas of study include: personal interests, family and friends, sports, food and travel.  Most conversations will be in the present and future tenses.  Some information will be given using Spanish as the language of instruction.

 Spanish 20 (5 credits)

Prerequisite:  50% Spanish 10

Students will improve their writing and speaking skills and will advance their comprehension of written and spoken Spanish.  Other themes will be studied.  The past tenses will be introduced.  Students will also develop a better understanding of Spanish culture.  Most lessons will be taught using Spanish.

 Spanish 20AP (5 credits)

Prerequisite:  75% Spanish 10

Spanish 20AP is intended for students who wish to develop proficiency and integrate their language skills using authentic materials and sources.  Students who enroll should already have a basic knowledge of the language and cultures of Spanish-speaking peoples and should have attained a reasonable proficiency in using the language.  This AP course will permit students to demonstrate their level of Spanish skills across communicative modes:  reading, speaking, listening and writing.  This course is offered in Semester one only.

 Spanish 30 (5 credits)

Prerequisite:  50% Spanish 20

This is a continuation of the Spanish 20 course, with increased emphasis placed on reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.  Different themes will be studied.  Students will continue to learn more about the Spanish culture and most lessons will be taught in Spanish.

 Spanish 30AP

Prerequisite:  75% Spanish 20AP

Spanish 30AP enriched academic instruction will focus on the ability to understand spoken Spanish in various contexts, the development of a strong vocabulary making it possible to gain insight from a variety of written works, the encouragement of the use of Spanish for active communication and the development of the ability to express coherently, resourcefully and fluently in both written and spoken Spanish.  This course is offered in Semester two only.

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