The World Language Department facilitates language learning opportunities for students of all levels helping them to build target language skills across reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Through interdisciplinary coursework that incorporates history, science, literature, and the arts, we support students to develop cross-cultural understandings and critical thinking skills. We aim to create a supportive and respectful environment where students can achieve academic excellence by integrating classwork with community connection as we work to prepare students to be global citizens.
Languages of Study
French: Grades 7 - 12
Spanish: Grades 7 - 12
Latin: Grades 9 - 12
Proficiency
Proficiency in language learning refers to developing practical communication skills that can be used in real-life situations and within authentic cultural contexts.
For French and Spanish, classes and curriculum prioritize developing students’ ability to communicate effectively in the target language, rather than merely emphasizing grammar and vocabulary memorization. This holistic, proficiency-based approach fosters real-world communication skills and cross-cultural understandings through the integration of authentic resources.
For Latin, emphasis is placed on reading comprehension and interpretation. Proficiency-based instruction encourages students to engage with authentic materials, and the history, literature, and culture of the texts situate the language in relevant historical context. This approach enables students to learn how to derive meaning from texts, moving beyond traditional translation methods to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of the language.
In all languages, students’ target language ability is evaluated through real-world tasks such as engaging in conversations, writing emails, or interpreting texts.
Placement
The World Language Department offers courses aligned to the Massachusetts World Language Curriculum Framework. Course names reflect the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Performance Guidelines and terminology.
Our courses at Lawrence School and Falmouth High School follow a sequence that reflects a student’s ability with the language. As proficiency increases, students move from Novice to Intermediate to Advanced. All language courses will have a mix of abilities, and through differentiated instruction, all students aim for the same proficiency benchmark by the end of the year.
Students will not necessarily follow a linear sequence, as placement is based on their proficiency testing results on an approved World Language assessment in conjunction with teacher recommendation. This means that students have the opportunity to jump to higher levels based on their language ability starting in their second full year of language study. For example, a student in Novice High may skip the Intermediate Low course and jump to Intermediate Mid their second year of study.