Course Outline

The Spanish program offered at the grades 10–12 level is a three-year program. Although it deals with the fundamentals of Spanish grammar and syntax, the main emphasis is on learning to understand and to speak Spanish. Students spend much time practising the basic patterns of Spanish speech. Students also gain some insight into the cultural achievements of Spain and Latin America: they have opportunities to listen to and sing Spanish songs, read simple Spanish stories and poems, listen to Spanish radio programs, and watch Spanish films. Students are also encouraged to correspond with penpals in Spain and/or Latin America.

In Spanish 11, a continuation of Spanish 10, students become familiar with more complex patterns of speech and writing. More emphasis is placed on reading stories, anecdotes, newspaper articles, and magazines. Video presentations are offered when available. 

The further use of basic language patterns helps students acquire the ability to manipulate structure and vocabulary. As students become familiar with the structures, they are taught to read the material and adapt it to their own situations. By the end of the year, some students should be able to participate in basic conversations with native speakers of Spanish.