World Language

The World Language Department encourages all students to study another language in order to:

• develop marketable skills in an increasingly global economy
• enrich their academic preparation
• foster appreciation of cultural differences 
• hone critical thinking and problem-solving abilities

In order for students to meet college entrance requirements, the World Language Department recommends three or more years of study in a single world language. Most colleges and universities look for applicants to have completed three or four consecutive high school years of the target language. Many institutions offer waiver exams for their world language credit requirements to those students having reached an intermediate level of proficiency in high school programs. 

 The Middle Years Program (MYP) requires continued studies in Language Acquisition as an integral part of a globally-focused curriculum. MYP Language Acquisition classes are inquiry based and centered on student activities. Cooperative learning, online explorations and audio-visual activities are everyday learning experiences. Courses align with National Standards for World Language learning. Students communicate in a language other than English, learn cultures of the target language, make connections with other subject areas, compare languages as well as cultural practices and products and use the language in the community, including exploration of career options. 

In college preparatory courses, students complete daily assignments and participate actively in each class session. Additionally, courses that carry honors weighting require students to take initiative and show independent motivation to complete supplementary projects and use target language across a wide variety of expansion and enrichment activities. 

Students of World Languages are encouraged to earn the Connecticut State Seal of Biliteracy award which will appear on their high school transcript and diploma. Teachers and counselors can provide information about exams that qualify and other testing options.