World Languages

PRIMARY SCHOOL

The study of Spanish in the Primary School is designed to complement learning in Language and Literacy, Mathematics, and Science.

Spanish students in the Primary School:

• Are introduced to the culture and language of all 21 Spanish-speaking countries.
• Explore the biographies of noteworthy Hispanic influencers.
• Examine the traditions of Hispanic holidays and festivals.
• Strengthen their understanding of what they are learning across the curriculum by using Spanish as the medium of communication.

LOWER SCHOOL

By creating a supportive and nurturing classroom atmosphere, students experience the joy and excitement of learning a new language. They learn to take risks and participate energetically in the activities.

The Lower School Spanish curriculum:

• Meets students where they are and expands their facility with the Spanish language.
• Builds on a foundation formed from previous study.
• Reinforces learning across the curriculum by teaching related content in the Spanish language.
• Inspires an appreciation of Spanish cultures and an understanding of cultural differences.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

In the Walker Middle School, we believe that learning a world language and acquiring knowledge of other cultures are crucial to promoting understanding among the nations of the world. Our goals in the World Language Department are to equip students with lifelong skills that will enable them to communicate effectively, not only linguistically but also culturally in the global community, and to instill a greater awareness and appreciation of other cultures and languages as well as a deeper understanding of their own.

Students in sixth grade take one quarter each of French, Latin and Spanish. These exploratory language classes are a fun and engaging introduction to each of the languages. At the conclusion of the 6th grade year, students choose which language they wish to study in-depth beginning in the 7th grade. Students in 7th and 8th grade begin a comprehensive study of the language and culture and by the end of 8th grade, students will have completed 1 departmental language credit. The course is taught according to the standards established by The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

UPPER SCHOOL

Walker’s Upper School World Language department’s philosophy aligns with that of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), which states that language and communication are at the heart of the human experience. We envision a future in which ALL students will develop and maintain proficiency in English and at least one other language, modern or classical, in order to communicate successfully in a pluralistic American society and abroad.

We believe that learning a world language and acquiring knowledge of other cultures are crucial to promoting understanding among the nations of the world.

The goals of the Walker Upper School World Language curriculum:

• To equip students with lifelong skills that will enable them to communicate effectively in the global community and marketplace
• To instill a greater awareness of other cultures and languages as well as better understanding of their own
• To enrich students’ lives by growing their appreciation for language and culture.

Students must complete three units of French, Latin or Spanish to earn a Walker diploma.

WORLD LANGUAGE CLUBS