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World Languages

The World Language Department at Vermont Commons believes that speaking is not only the best way to acquire language, but is also the primary goal of language study. Thus, our curricula place heavy emphasis on constant speaking of the language studied through games, skits, presentations and dialogues. We also recognize that immersion in all forms of language is essential to comprehension and fluency, and all of our classes engage students with the language in a variety of ways, from listening to music and watching movies to reading and writing short stories in the language of study. We believe that fluency in more than one language is a tremendous asset no matter where one’s interests lie, and our students are expected to study a World Language every year they attend VCS.

Spanish

With our geographical connection to Latin American countries, as well as the growing number of Spanish speaking people in the United States, fluency in Spanish has become essential for interaction within the Americas. The benefits and challenges that arise from a growing Latino immigrant population in the U.S. are central to the culture, economy and politics of this country. In studying Spanish, Vermont Commons School prepares students to read literature in Spanish and converse with native Spanish speakers using correct grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary. In addition to stressing student skills in oral expression, the Spanish curriculum expects students to express themselves fluently in writing. An integral part of Spanish instruction addresses the linguistic, cultural, economic, political and social development of South and Central America before and since the Spanish Conquest, as well as the modern day socio-political interaction between the American countries. Spanish IV students typically complete the year with a semester-long study of legal and illegal immigration, immigration reform bills currently debated in the U.S., and the issues that face documented and undocumented immigrants, employers, consumers and lawmakers in the U.S.

Mandarin Chinese

Globalization is changing the terms of how students will need to think about their future career paths. With China now just a mouse-click away, a basic oral and written fluency in Chinese will provide an advantage to a college entrance application and/or future career. Learning Mandarin will also help students gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, which has an increasing impact on our economy and global position.

Vermont Commons School is pleased to have added Mandarin Chinese to our World Language offerings. We began in 2006 with a trial offering of Chinese I, and due to the positive response we are developing a four-year Mandarin curriculum. Our native speaking teachers help students build strong oral and listening skills the first year, while also introducing Chinese character reading and writing. The Pinyin Romanization system is used as the basis for learning proper pronunciation of the standard Mandarin dialect. Chinese I covers basic but familiar topics such as introductions, home and family, visiting friends, making appointments, shopping, eating, asking for directions, and discussing likes, dislikes and preferences. Students also explore current affairs, political history, current social trends and day-to-day behavior, and the cultural traditions of Chinese society. New Internet technology such as video blogs, Flash, podcasts and Voice over Internet Protocol also makes studying Chinese more engaging, relevant and fun for high school students.

Requirements

Vermont Commons School students are required to complete a 4-year course of study* in either Spanish or Mandarin and are expected to study a World Language every year they attend VCS. By completing level IV of either language, students are able to understand and communicate competently and have achieved a meaningful understanding of Latin American or Chinese cultures, politics and economics. By graduating high school with 4 years of World Language, students are prepared to continue their language study by entering upper level university courses and/or studying abroad. Those students who choose not to further their World Language study after they graduate are still able to draw on their high school language skills to understand and speak on a meaningful conversational level whenever the opportunity arises. Based on demand, the World Language Department has frequently offered AP Spanish Language and occasionally, AP Spanish Literature. Similarly, we will offer AP Mandarin when and if the demand arises.

• * Students who begin VCS in 10th or 11th grade without sufficient prior study in Spanish or Mandarin may be waived from this requirement but will be required to study a World Language every year they attend VCS.