Introduction
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Marking System
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Student Schedules
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Program of Studies
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Graduation Requirements
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Early College Admissions
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Technical Ed.
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Additional Academic Information
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Downloads
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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS — FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Speak a Foreign Language: Say “Hello” to the World! In the small, interdependent world in which you will live and work, the ability to communicate with those with whom you share the globe has become a survival skill.

Marple Newtown’s foreign language curriculum provides the opportunity of developing superior communicative proficiency in French, German, and Spanish. Equipped with second language skills, you will greatly expand your horizons. You will be qualified for enriched career opportunities, will be able to develop new friendships at home and aboard, will acquire deeper understanding of similarities and differences existing among various cultures, and will gain an enhanced appreciation of your own native tongue and cultural heritage. Speak another language: discover this exciting passport to expanded opportunities for profit and pleasure!

In Spanish I, students will broaden their horizons as they learn to speak the language spoken in many parts of the world. Development of basic vocabulary and grammatical proficiency is achieved through varied and relevant classroom learning activities. Song, video, mini-dialogues, small-group practice, teacher-student interaction, and online tutorial and review provide opportunity for growth toward oral proficiency. Students will become aware, informed, and sensitive to the culture and customs of their Hispanic neighbors and those in our country, as they begin to build a foundation toward the mastery of the four language skills.

In Spanish II, students will continue to develop their communicative proficiency through use of paired practice, role-play and student-teacher interaction. Cultural enrichment is provided by means of film, textbook-related web sites and realia. Writing skills are stressed through extensive practice. Both grammar and vocabulary are expanded and practiced in various contexts such as shopping, sports, international travel, pastimes, and ordering food in a restaurant.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in Spanish I and teacher recommendation.

During Spanish III the student continues the development of foreign language skills through a variety of interesting activities. Vocabulary and grammatical concepts are presented and practiced in true-to-life situations, i.e., exploring outdoor leisure-time activities including sports, camping, and picnicking. Also included are the essentials of travel and a unit devoted to safe driving and getting a driver’s license. The reading program includes a variety of materials adapted to the interests of the students, thereby making both historical and contemporary aspects of Spanish culture meaningful and relevant.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in Spanish II and teacher recommendation.

During this year the 9th Grade Spanish Honors student continues the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills within the context of a challenging and enriched curriculum. Both a textbook and a variety of supplementary materials are utilized to heighten interest, enhance cultural understanding, and maximize achievement. Frequent opportunities for role playing as well as individual and group projects are integral parts of this course.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in 8th Grade Spanish Honors and teacher recommendation.

In Spanish IV, students who have achieved excellent proficiency in the Spanish III curriculum continue to develop their active language skills through spoken and written activities. Literary and cultural appreciation is enhanced through supplemental readings, class discussion, and more in depth exposure to the art and music of the Spanish speaking world. Written composition also receives increased emphasis.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in Spanish III and teacher recommendation.

Hablas espanol bien? Por supuesto! During this Spanish Honors course you will continue to develop your conversational skills by participation in discussion, dramatics, and varied enrichment activities. You will also be introduced to Spanish literature through reading selections from contemporary short stories or plays to more classical works. By the end of this year you should enjoy conversing with ease on any general subject, constructing well-written compositions, and reading unedited material of moderate difficulty.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in Spanish IV Honors and teacher recommendation.

This course is an alternative choice for current Spanish IV students who want to continue Spanish studies but who are not planning to prepare for the Advanced Placement examination. Students continue to develop skills through a variety of literary readings, cultural activities, conversational scenarios, and advanced grammar exercises. Communicative proficiency is stressed via role play in contextual situations.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in Spanish IV and teacher recommendation.

Spanish Language AP continues to develop language skills to a college advanced placement level. Conversation and discussion are constantly stimulated through varied activities and frequent readings. Both contemporary and traditional works are analyzed for their linguistic and cultural value. All students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the College Board's Advanced Placement Exam.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in Spanish IV or Spanish V Honors and teacher recommendation.

The Spanish Literature Advanced Placement Program offers to the outstanding Spanish student the opportunity of a fifth or sixth year. Students read and analyze representative works of Spanish literature from the 19th and 20th centuries. All students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the College Board's Advanced Placement Exam.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in Spanish Language AP and teacher recommendation.

Parlez-vous francais? This course will start you well on the way to speak and understand the language that is spoken in many parts of the world. A conversational vocabulary and an understanding of basic grammar are presented through dialogues, role-playing, and the creation of real-life situations. Historical and cultural aspects of everyday French life are included as an integral part of this program. The textbook program offers CD’s and videos to build listening and speaking skills.

In French II the student continues to develop his or her language skills and to learn about life in France and the francophne world. The course uses CD’s and a video program that are coordinated with the textbook to build listening comprehension and teach culture. Students learn to communicate in French in writing and speaking and they read short selections. During the year students enjoy creating and performing dialogues and preparing creative written performance assessments.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in French I and teacher recommendation.

If you plan to travel to a French-speaking country, this course is for you! During French III the student continues the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through a variety of interesting activities that reflect travel situations. Vocabulary and grammatical concepts are presented and practiced in true-to-life situations, i.e., going to a restaurant, shopping in Paris, going on vacation, and public transportation.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in French II and teacher recommendation.

During this year the 9 th Grade French Honors student continues the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills within the context of a challenging and enriched curriculum. Both a textbook and a variety of supplementary materials are utilized to heighten interest, enhance cultural understanding, and maximize achievement. Frequent opportunities for role playing as well as individual and group projects are integral parts of this course.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in 8th Grade French Honors and teacher recomendation.

French IV helps the students make the transition from intermediate language learning into more advanced French proficiency. Listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are increased with the aid of many activities and materials including a core textbook and short literary selections. During the year students improve their writing skills and enhance cultural understanding by exchanging e-mail letters with a class in Normandy.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in French III and teacher recommendation.

In the French V Honors course students develop a more advanced proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing French. The course utilizes a core textbook, literary selections of increasing length and other supplementary materials. Historical and contemporary aspects of French culture are presented. Students have frequent opportunities for individual and group projects. During the year students improve their writing skills and enhance cultural understanding by exchanging e-mail letters with a class in Normandy.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in French IV Honors and teacher recommendation.

This college-level, Advanced Placement French language course seeks to provide maximum opportunities for students to use and further develop their French language skills. The course emphasizes communication in speaking and writing. Students build listening comprehension through activities using a variety of technology. The course also stresses reading through a study of periodicals, francophone literature, and authors selected from the French literary tradition. All students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the College Board's Advanced Placement Exam.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in French IV or French V Honors and teacher recommendation.

The Advanced Placement Program in French Literature offers to the outstanding French student an introductory course in literature on a college level. During the year students read and analyze representative works of French and francophone literature. This course coordinates well with senior English where students study world literature. All students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the College Board's Advanced Placement Exam.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in French Language AP or French IV or V Honors and teacher recommendation.

Learn to speak the language of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. German students act out humorous stories as a way to learn vocabulary and sentence structure. The innovative TPR Storytelling technique helps students develop fluency in German while using their creativity!

The second level of TPR Storytelling expands vocabulary through the use of comical stories and cartoons. There is greater emphasis on sentence structure and new verb tenses are introduced. Stories revolve around travel situations including hotels, restaurants and transportation.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in German I and teacher recommendation.

The third year of TRP Storytelling expands verbal fluency with additional emphasis on reading and writing. Students keep a journal and have opportunities to read authentic short stories with limited vocabulary. There is strong cultural component to the course to prepare the student to handle most every-day situations that a visitor to a German-speaking country may encounter.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in German II and teacher recommendation.

German IV students read a variety of magazine articles, short stories, legends and poetry by German authors. Grammar lessons are taught as needed to improve speaking and writing skills. Students enjoy weekly Sustained Silent Reading with authentic German books of their choice.

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in German III and teacher recommendation.

German V follows the format of German IV with more challenging pieces of classic and contemporary literature. Students write weekly compositions and read authentic German books during Sustained Silent Reading. Students will read typical authentic German writings and discuss them. It’s time to pack a suitcase and travel!

Prerequisite: Grade of "C-" or better in German IV and teacher recommendation.