Bienvenus
Bienvenidos Willkommen
Department of Foreign Languages
Students at Thurston High School are
offered the opportunity to study up to four years of French and German, and
five years of Spanish.
General Information:
Advanced Placement Classes Foreign Language Clubs Foreign Exchange Programs
|
Requirements
Graduation requirements: Beginning with the graduating class of 2005, students are recommended to take a minimum of two years of a single foreign language.
PASS requirements: PASS is an acronym for the college entrance requirement for the Oregon State University System. Currently, students must complete two years of a second language (with a grade of C or better) OR demonstrate proficiency at Benchmark Level IV. Beginning with the graduating class of 2005, students must demonstrate proficiency at Benchmark Level IV. Seat time will not be considered.
CIM requirements: Beginning with the graduating class of 2005, students will be required to demonstrate oral proficiency in the second language. The recommendation to the Springfield Board of Education is to adopt Benchmark Level III for the CIM.
Benchmark Descriptions:
Benchmark Level I: At this level one is non-functional in a second language. Knowledge of a limited number of words (15-25). Cannot communicate.
Benchmark Level II: At this level, one can respond with single words and short memorized phrases to questions about topics that are familiar to the students. Required content includes Self and Family; Pets;Calendar; Colors; Friends; School; Time; Seasons and Weather; Activities and Interests; the House; Food and Drink, and Clothing. Students must demonstrate proficiency in a face-to-face interview with an instructor other than the classroom teacher.
Benchmark Level III: At this level, one can respond with complete sentences more than 50% of the time on familiar topics, but cannot maintain this level 100% of the time. In addition to the content at Benchmark Level 2, students must be familiar with Places in the community (stores/shopping; restaurants); Modes of Transportation; Geography, and Personal Interests. Students will demonstrate proficiency in a face-to-face interview with a teacher used to working with non-native speakers.
Benchmark Level IV: At this level, one can maintain a conversation, using complete sentences and contributing additional information to the conversation through the use of appropriate questions and statements. In addition to the content at Benchmark Level 3, students are responsible for the following topics:
Course Descriptions
French 1: French 1 students will learn the basic vocabulary and language functions necessary to achieve proficiency at the Novice High level. This includes identificatgion, simple sentences, and short conversations based on everyday topics. French cultural topics will be an integral part of the curriculum as well.
French 2: French 2 students will expand vocabulary and language functions to create with the language in a variety of simple situations. In addition, the ability to ask and answer simple questions within an interview format will place students at the Intermediate Low Proficiency level. Students will continue to explore the culture of France and other French-speaking countries.
French 3 or 4: French 3 or 4 students continue to build the skills necessary to reach Intermediate Mid proficiency levels. The French 3/4 student can successfully maintain a face to face conversation in a restricted manner with limited accuracy. The Intermdiate Mid speaker can communicate about self, family, and a variety of task oriented and socially related topics. Projects which include research on Netscape-Internet will broaden the student's appreciation of French culture and civilization.
Spanish 1: This course emphasizes oral proficiency as a means of self-expression and communication with others. Students will use basic vocabulary words and simple sentences in creative, hands-on activities. Cultural and geographical learning is an integral part of the curriculum.
Spanish 1.5: For students who completed Spanish 1 with a grade below a C and who need additional help before entering Spanish 2. The course will review basic structures introduced in Spanish 1 with emphasis on practicing both oral and written skills.
Spanish 2: Second year students put their basic knowledge to the test in communicative situations, especially short conversations, interviews, and skits. Special emphasis is placed on oral proficiency through working in pairs and small groups. The culture and geography of the many Spanish speaking countries is explored in more detail.
Spanish 3: Students at this level can converse about a variety of everyday topics with few unnatural pauses. Class communication is primarily in Spanish. Literature in Spanish is read and discussed. Cultural studies continue as well as an investigation of career possibilities. Special projects, including foreign travel/study, encourage students to put their skills to use with native speakers.
Spanish 4 or 5: This advanced course gives students a very detailed look at the Spanish language and culture. Authentic materials such as literature, films, and music provide a model for continued oral and written practice. Students may choose to take the Advanced Placement exam for college credit.
German 1: German 1 students learn to understand, speak, read, and write in the simple language necessary to reach the Novice High Proficiency level. This includes the use of short sentences and questions in everyday converstions, as well as a study of German-speaking countries.
German 2: German 2 students communicate more using the language within the classroom and by practicing other practical situations. Students also apply the language to learn more about the German-speaking countries from authentic sources (exchange students, travel brochures, music, etc.) In addition, the ability to ask and answer simple questions during an interview will place students at the Intermediate Low Proficiency level.
German 3 or 4: Advanced students work toward a higher level of oral and written proficiency. Grammatical concepts are expanded. Discussions and readings include poetry, fairy tlaes, and modern German youth literature.
Tips for studying a Foreign Language
Vocabulary
- Make flashcards of vocabulary and review them daily for short periods of time.
- Review work that you have already mastered to refresh your memory.
- Write difficult words several times over and over. Say it outloud. Use it in a sentence.
- Use mneumonic divices (games or tricks) to help you remember certain words.
- Most texts have a vocabulary list or teachers provide them. Work with your son or daughter by saying the English and they can say the word in the other language.
Grammar
- Drill and practice on websites such as www.studyspanish.com
- Make flashcards with verbs on one side and endings on the other. Choose a certain verb tense and practice the various forms.
- Use the verbs in sentences and say them outloud.
- Work with your teacher before or after school or lunchtime.
- Make sure your son or daughter has a designated time or amount of time for homework.
- Check the Thurston Web site for homework assignments.