Languages
Language is a means of self-expression, play, and understanding the world. The Stoneleigh-Burnham School language program guides students as they explore global citizenship and learn to communicate in a safe environment while respecting differences. We embrace how language, culture and identity are inextricable. Literacy and cultural competency grow over a multi-year course of study.
INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGES
Taken in the seventh grade, Introduction to Languages is a foundational language course for Middle School students. Through a variety of experiences in French, Latin, Arabic, linguistics, Spanish, and Polish, students explore some of the world’s many languages, investigate how they work, and learn to be successful students of language. The class takes both a conversational and an analytical approach to language learning. Each language section focuses on different language-learning strategies, conversational topics, and grammar concepts, from Latin roots to buying food in a Polish deli. In the linguistics section, students study phonology, grammar, writing systems, the history of English, language families, endangered languages, and the politics of language. Cultivating a deeper appreciation of the languages of the world is an important goal of the course.
FRENCH AND SPANISH (LEVEL 1, LEVEL 2, & LEVEL 3)
These three courses function as a sequence structured around the Comprehensible Input (CI) approach to language acquisition. We use Notre Histoire/Nuestra Historia from the Voces Digital platform to build students' proficiency through communicative tasks based on authentic resources and real-world scenarios. This interactive resource provides opportunities for independent work that includes listening and speaking exercises. Students read and create stories, they learn and practice small sets of vocabulary used repeatedly, and they delve deeper into the language in a low anxiety and joyful environment. Students learn about other cultures in a dynamic and inclusive way. Through the use of relevant authentic materials they gain global awareness and witness the language used with a purpose. Each course is adapted to the students’ proficiency level. Teachers give considerable input that the learner can understand, being nonetheless challenging. Students then produce output with confidence and accuracy.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) FRENCH AND SPANISH (YEAR 1 AND YEAR 2)
At SBS we offer both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) Language courses in French and Spanish. These two-year courses develop students’ linguistic ability through the enhancement of receptive, productive and interactive skills. Students develop conceptual understandings of how language works and how culture intersects language. Students hone their skills through reading, watching/listening to, analyzing, and discussing poetry and prose, nonfiction articles, music and film. Materials chosen represent authors/speakers from various francophone/hispanophone regions, thereby showcasing different accents, registers and language variation. Materials examine issues of global significance. Activities provide an opportunity to understand and evaluate the written/spoken word, as well as think critically about the message. Discussions and presentations help students to develop critical thinking skills, defend their opinions, organize their thoughts, and question assumptions and cultural bias. International-mindedness is central to the IB philosophy and instrumental in aspiring to a more peaceful world. The goal of this course is not only the development of communication skills, but also fostering intercultural understanding and global engagement.
10 Attributes of the IB Learner Profile
International-mindedness provides opportunities for students to progress in the development of IB Learner Profile traits. Through exposure to, examination of, and reflection on, texts from cultures other than their own, students nurture their curiosity (inquirers), engage with issues and ideas of global significance (knowledgeable), use critical-thinking skills (thinkers) and listen carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups (communicators). They learn to show respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere (principled), critically appreciate the values and traditions of others (open-minded), show empathy, compassion and respect (caring), recognize their interdependence with other people and the world in which they live (balanced), consider the world thoughtfully (reflective) and explore new ideas (risk-takers).
