The World Languages program in the Middle School provides students with the opportunity to study both a Modern Language (French or Spanish) and Latin. The study of Modern Languages begins in fifth grade and continues though eighth grade. Latin is introduced in sixth grade and also continues through eighth grade. It is expected that all girls will participate in the Middle School course of study in Modern Languages and Latin so that, by the end of eighth grade, each girl will have completed the first level of the three level course of study in World Languages required for graduation from Greenwich Academy. 

Modern Languages:
The goal of the Modern Language courses is to develop the fundamental skills necessary to enable students to communicate effectively in the target language, within an appropriate cultural context. Emphasis is placed not only on the acquisition of the communicative skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing, but also on the cultural contexts that influence culturally appropriate communication. Additionally, study skills are developed to enable the students to establish useful strategies to help with the memorization and utterances necessary to establish a strong foundation for current and future study. Lastly, all courses are designed to engage students as actively as possible in their studies, to maintain their interest and to encourage their love of learning. To that end, the World Languages Department relies heavily on a wide variety teaching strategies and on audio/visual tools so that students can experience the languages in many settings and hear modeled a variety of accents.

Modern Language classes are taught in the target language and students are encouraged from the start to use the words and phrases they have learned to ask questions in class. English is occasionally spoken to clarify difficult points. We feel strongly that World Language acquisition should be a joyful, creative process that takes place in classes where students can develop their cross-cultural awareness and respect for each other and those with different backgrounds.

French V and VI:
These courses are designed to introduce students to the study of a second language and to the fundamentals of the French language specifically. Early emphasis is placed on listening and speaking skills to develop good pronunciation and comprehension before the textbook is introduced. Eventually, equal attention is given to all four communicative skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. In addition to France, students learn about other countries and regions in the world where French is spoken.

French VII:
This course reviews and builds upon the foundations laid in French V and VI. The pace picks up a bit as more verb forms and grammatical structures are introduced. Through the use of written exercises, as well as conversational techniques and auditory comprehension activities (often practiced using their laptops), students begin to develop an understanding of French sentence structure. As their confidence grows, students are encouraged to use their communication skills in a broader range of situations. Students continue to look at the French-speaking world and learn more about similarities and differences of daily life among French-speaking peoples.

French VIII:
In this course the students complete the French I course of study. Following a curriculum that emphasizes communication through the use of videos, audio clips and laptop technology, the girls begin to develop a more sophisticated vocabulary. They continue to review and expand their grammatical foundation so that they can begin to express themselves with increasing complexity, accuracy and facility, both when speaking and writing. France becomes the cultural focus for the year as the girls study its geography, history and customs. The students are expected to use French almost exclusively in class to communicate in a wide variety of situations.

Spanish V and VI:
These courses are designed to introduce students to the formal study of a second language and to the fundamentals of the Spanish language specifically. Before the textbook is introduced, early emphasis builds upon the listening and speaking skills the girls began to acquire in the Lower School Spanish program. Quickly, equal attention is given to all four communicative skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Good study habits are encouraged and the girls are given different techniques for keeping organized, memorizing new vocabulary and mastering grammatical rules. Students also begin to take a more systematic look at the varied cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.

Spanish VII:
This course reviews and builds upon the foundations laid in Spanish V and VI. The pace picks up a bit as more verb forms and grammatical structures are introduced. Through the use of written exercises, as well as conversational techniques and auditory comprehension activities (often practiced using their laptops), students further develop their understanding of Spanish sentence structure. As their confidence grows, students are encouraged to use their communication skills in a broader range of situations. Students continue to look at the Spanish-speaking world and learn more about similarities and differences of daily life among Spanish-speaking peoples.

Spanish VIII:
In this course the students complete the Spanish I course of study. Following a curriculum that emphasizes communication through the use of videos, audio clips and laptop technology, the girls begin to develop a more sophisticated vocabulary. They continue to review and expand their grammatical foundation so that they can begin to express themselves with increasing complexity, accuracy and facility, both when speaking and writing. Spain becomes the cultural focus for the year as the girls study its geography, history and customs. The students are expected to use Spanish almost exclusively in class to communicate in a wide variety of situations.

Latin:
The Latin program in the Middle School is a combination of the traditional study of grammar and literature with a strong emphasis on the cultural aspects of Rome. Links to the grammars of other languages (English, French and Spanish), in addition to the helpful aspects of Latin to the acquisition of English vocabulary, are in integral aspect of the program. Study skills are strongly reinforced to help students as they move through the program. A wide variety of teaching techniques (including a certain amount of spoken Latin) enables students to participate actively in class as they develop their love of learning.

Latin VI, VII and VIII:
Students begin their study of Latin in Group VI. Initial emphasis is placed on word derivation, grammatical structure and classical culture (including mythology). Students study nouns, adjectives and present tense verbs, becoming familiar with the concept of noun and adjective cases and their different endings in addition to subject and object cases.

As they progress through Group VII, Latin grammar is reviewed and expanded upon, while sight translation begins to be emphasized. Through readings in their text, students gain more insight into the daily life and culture in ancient Rome.

When the girls reach Group VIII, the course provides the balance of the Level I Latin curriculum, enabling the girls to build and strengthen their knowledge and usage of noun, adjective and verb cases. Students translate and construct Latin sentences which incorporate the more complex grammar and syntax learned at this level.

Throughout the Middle School Latin course of study, the mythology, the customs, the history and the literature of the ancient Latin world are explored so that students understand this source of many of today’s expressions and traditions.