http://www.brentwood.bc.ca/curriculum/academics/modern-languages.html

The modern language philosophy and curriculum endorses what is commonly referred to as the communicative-experiential approach. In this approach, the focus of instruction is the purposeful use of the language to perform real-life tasks, share ideas, acquire information, and get things done. Grammar instruction plays a supportive role only—to provide useful strategies to facilitate communication and comprehension. Language-learning strategies are important components of a language program and are an essential part of successful language learning. Examples of such strategies include using visual clues; recognizing cognates; recognizing, using, and adapting language patterns; using a variety of writing processes such as brainstorming, sharing, revising, editing, and publishing; and using context to support and extend language learning. When students apply a range of specific strategies to their language learning, they are better able to understand information, clarify and negotiate meaning, and generally communicate more effectively.

French

In Canada, where one quarter of the population is made up of French speakers, it is important for young people to be given the opportunity to learn French and to be aware of the culture of the francophone world. French thus remains the most common second language choice up to Grade 11, with the majority of students taking French to satisfy the BC universities’ Language 11 credit requirement. Many students with an immersion background will opt to move directly into French 12 where they are also able to challenge the Advanced Placement exam.

All French students will have the opportunity to participate in the French Club where they will enjoy cultural activities from the francophone world. The core texts from Grade 9-12 are the Passages and Voyages series, supplemented by French for Mastery and French for Fluency series.

Spanish

Given our continental location, and the importance of Canada’s relationship with Mexico and other Spanish speaking countries of Central and South America, Spanish is offered in Grades 9 as a beginners course and in 10 , 11 and 12 as an alternative for students who have studied Spanish before.

All Spanish students will have the opportunity to join Club Fiesta, the Spanish club, where they can enjoy the music, culture, cinema, food and dance from the Spanish-speaking world. The core text is ˇDime!, supplemented by Spanish for Mastery.
Other Languages

Native speakers of German, Mandarin, and Japanese may challenge the BC Provincial Grade 12 examinations in these languages under the direction of the Head of Department. Many students distinguish themselves in doing so.

Mandarin

Mandarin is offered at the Beginner 11/ 11, 12 and AP levels. Depending on enrolment, classes are typically very small and geared toward students for whom Mandarin is not a first language. For the most part, classes are be conducted in the evenings, during prep and students are given equivalent prep periods during their morning academic timetable. This helps facilitate accessibility to the right level of Mandarin instruction and to the most qualified instructors available.

Language Facilities

A 24-station computerized language lab, two computer labs, a library computer facility and a web page support our curriculum. A variety of programs, including Rosetta Stone are used as resource materials and are accessible using any computer in the school.

Languages Offered in 09-10

Grade 9: French 9 Advanced, French 9 Year 2, Spanish 9 Core option only for beginners, English Language Enrichment 9

Grade 10: French 10 Advanced, French 10 Core, Spanish 10 Core, English Language Enrichment 10

Grade 11: French 11/12 Advanced, French 11 Core, Spanish 11

Grade 12: French 11/12AP, Spanish 11/12AP

Immersion students are encouraged to take French at the grade 12 and Advanced Placement level. All students are encouraged to take a second language up to and including Grade 11, except students

  • enrolling in Grades 10 and 11 with no previous language background,  
  • with a documented learning style difference,
  • who have a Language 12 credit,
  • students in English Enrichment

University Language Requirements

CANADA

With the exception of the three BC universities listed below, there are NO second language requirements (other than English as measured by TOEFL for ESL students) at any Canadian universities.

UBC Vancouver (note: UBC Okanagan does NOT require a language 11)

  • No Language 11 requirement for ANY student who entered the BC school system in Grade 10 or later.
  • All other students require a Language 11 (not beginner’s Language 11).
  • Offshore students can be awarded an external Language 11 credit in their own language and this will satisfy the Language 11 requirement.
  • The language requirement can be appealed if students have diagnosed learning style differences or if they were unable to fit a language into their schedule; typically, applicants to science who, in order to take all three sciences, have no room to take a language 11, may appeal for exemption on this basis.
  • Any non-ESL student who was in the BC school system in Grade 9 and who wishes to apply to the Faculty of Arts at UBC Vancouver must take a Language 11.

University of Victoria

  • No Language 11 requirement for any student who has to write TOEFL. The TOEFL result is used instead.
  • No Language 11 requirement for science or engineering.
  • All non-TOEFL students applying to humanities or social sciences must have a Language 11 (social sciences will waive this for top students). For example: out-ofprovince Canadian or US students entering the BC system for Grade 12 would have to have a Language 11, even if they had no background.
  • The language requirement can be appealed if students have diagnosed learning style differences or a schooling history that precluded language education.

Simon Fraser University

  • Language 11 or beginner’s Language 11 required for ALL students.
  • Offshore students can be awarded an external Language 11 credit in their own language and this will satisfy the Language 11 requirement.
  • The language requirement can be appealed if students have diagnosed learning style differences which specifically prevent them from acquiring a second language.

UNITED KINGDOM

No language requirement is demanded unless students are applying to study that language, in which case they would need to have taken as many courses in that language as possible.

USA

All US universities prefer at least three years of a second language, and most highly selective schools strongly recommend a fourth year. Students whose first language is not English, especially students who have attended school in another language, are normally deemed to have satisfied this language policy by studying at an English language school for two years or more. Specific examples follow:

  • Princeton: Students are expected to complete four years of foreign language study, if possible.
  • Cornell: A basic preparation for college work includes three years of a foreign language.
  • Dartmouth: At least three years of a foreign language.
  • Colgate: Colgate encourages students to pursue cumulative subjects such as foreign languages and mathematics through the senior year (Grades 9-12 inclusive).
  • Wesleyan: Ideally, courses in five core areas
    • English, social science, math, science, and foreign language — each year of high school.
  • University of California: Two years of coursework in a single language. Three years are recommended.

English Language Proficiency for ESL Students

As the principal language of instruction at Canadian, American and British universities is English, all expect proof of fluency in English.

CANADA

Universities typically require ONE of the following:

  • A minimum of three to four years high school in English in an English-speaking country.
  • One of the following scores on the TOEFL:
    • Internet based 86-100 (with a minimum of about 21)
    • Computer based 225-250
    • Paper based 565-600 c) IELTS score of between 6.5 and 7.0

USA AND UNITED KINGDOM

As it is impossible to generalize about English requirements for US and UK universities, we recommend that all ESL applicants take the TOEFL, regardless of how many years of English language instruction they have had.

Of paramount importance for applicants to the US is proficiency in the SAT which tests vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing, especially exposition. ESL students should begin preparing for the SAT (verbal reasoning and writing) in Grade 9.

French 9 Advanced

This course is an enriched and vertically accelerated class. Enrichment comes through reading and audiovisual resources. This class may contain a number of former immersion students and some students who are strong second language students; they will work to go well beyond the BC prescribed learning outcomes, especially in writing and grammatical understanding.

French 9 Core

This course is designed for students who have had some previous French instruction; they will fulfil the BC prescribed learning outcomes. Listening, speaking and writing skills are emphasised, alongside a sound grammatical understanding.

Spanish 9 Core

This is a beginner and introductory Spanish course. It is only an option for students who have not previously studied French, or are American and are non-Spanish speaking. This class will expose the students to the diverse and exciting Spanish-speaking world. The majority of instruction will be conducted in Spanish. There will be a heavy emphasis on listening and speaking. New material and new concepts will be introduced through a thematic approach. The students will be able to discuss topics relating to school, after-school activities, celebrations, travel, eating, shopping and getting around town. The students will also learn to describe events in the present and the future. There is a very strong cultural component to the class where the students will learn about various cultural traditions from the Spanish-speaking world. An in-depth look at Mexico will take place through presentations on various aspects of the culture and history.

French 10 Advanced

This course is an enriched and horizontally accelerated class. Enrichment comes through reading and audio-visual resources. The prerequisites for this class are either Advanced French 9 or French immersion background. This class may contain a number of former immersion students and some students who are strong second language students; they will work well beyond the BC prescribed learning outcomes, especially in writing and grammatical understanding.

French 10 Core

Designed for students who have had previous French instruction, this course fulfills the BC prescribed French learning outcomes. Listening, speaking and writing skills are emphasized, alongside a sound grammatical understanding. French 10 is a continuation of French 9, which is a prerequisite for this course. A natural progression of the scope and sequence of the French language continues with detailed grammatical explanations throughout the course.

Spanish 10 Core

A continuation of Spanish 9, this is a second-year course. This course will expose the students to the diverse and exciting Spanish speaking world. As the year progresses, the majority of the class will be conducted in Spanish. The students will be able to discuss topics relating to school, home, food and eating. The students will also learn to describe events in the present and the past. Listening, speaking and writing skills are emphasised, coupled with a sound grammatical understanding. This course places special emphasis on speaking skills in everyday situations. There is a very strong cultural component to the class where the students will learn about various cultural traditions from the Spanish speaking world. An in-depth look at Latin America will take place through presentations on various aspects of its culture and history.

French 11 Advanced

The prerequisites for this class are Advanced French 10 or a strong immersion background. This class may contain former immersion students and strong second language students. They will go well beyond the BC prescribed learning outcomes, especially in writing and grammatical understanding.

French 11 Core

This course is for students who have successfully completed French 10. They will fulfil the BC prescribed French learning outcomes. Listening, speaking and writing skills are emphasized, alongside a sound grammatical understanding. French 11 seeks to consolidate many of the concepts introduced in French 10 and presents a number of more complex topics. Some topics will be revisited, but through a new context.

Spanish 11

This is a language alternative for students who have completed Spanish 10. It is a third-year course and a continuation of the Spanish 10 programme. This class is conducted almost entirely in Spanish and concentrates on elevating the mastery of all language skills through reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Students will describe events in the present, past and future through the discussion of topics such as travel, daily life, health and future endeavours. There will be a very strong cultural component in the class; the students will learn about the culture, customs, traditions, geography and history of the Spanish-speaking world with a special focus on South America.

French 12

The prerequisites for this class are Advanced French 10, French 11 Core or a strong immersion background. This class may contain former immersion students and strong second language students who will work well beyond the BC prescribed learning outcomes, especially in writing and grammatical understanding. Superior students may wish to challenge the Advanced Placement exam in May.

Spanish 12 Core

Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are emphasized, and supported by a sound grammatical preparation. This course is designed for the serious language student who aspires to communicate with a high level of fluency and mastery in Spanish and who wants to better understand the Spanish-speaking world. Students express preferences, give advice, describe activities, persuade, convince, ask and answer questions, express opinions, make predictions, and communicate precisely and concisely. This is done through a thematic approach. The topics studied are travel, health, the media, education, environment, current events and a variety of topics concerning society today. An historical and cultural look at Spain is also explored. Superior students may wish to challenge the Advanced Placement exam in May.