Languages
Foreign Language courses are designed to instill an appreciation of the benefits of studying another language while developing specific language skills. For spoken languages, students are taught to communicate effectively in basic social situations and within the cultural context, developing proficiency and confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. In classical languages, students are giving a strong foundation in both grammar and syntax and as they reach upper levels they begin to read great works of ancient literature within the context of the history and culture of the times. All courses give students an understanding of the target culture’s history, geography, customs, arts, literature, and economic and political realities.
The languages offered at Berkeley Carroll are French, Latin and Spanish. Fifth grade students are introduced French and Spanish language and culture (one semester per language). Students gain a rudimentary understanding about the patterns and rhythms of the languages themselves. Above all, we want students to have a positive learning experience, and to be able to make intelligent selections of the foreign language they wish to pursue. After 5th grade students will select one language to study for 6th, 7th and 8th grades. In the 8th grade, students may elect to study Latin in addition to a modern language or as their primary language.
In the Upper School beginning in grade 9, students are generally placed in their second year of language study. In order to fulfill their language requirement Upper School students must successfully complete three consecutive years of the same language. Upper School students also have the opportunity to study two languages. Therefore students study language at least through level three. Students enrolled in Pre-AP levels are encouraged to make progress and to retain material from one level to the next through an active acquisition process and a well-organized and articulated sequencing of courses. We also encourage students to pursue foreign exchange programs and trips to further their proficiency and extend their familiarity with the cultures they study in class.
