Belmont

Program Description

The Belmont Public Schools offer students a choice between four languages: French, Latin, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. Students will receive daily instruction in their chosen language through 7th and 8th grade, with a proficiency target of Novice High by the end of 8th grade.

At Belmont High School, students can continue studying the same language as in Middle School or begin a new language. Students are required to complete two years of world language study for graduation; however, we strongly encourage students to study a world language throughout their four years at Belmont High School. We offer Advanced Placement courses in French, Latin, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish

The world languages curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and the National World Language Standards. The overarching objective for all world language curricula is linguistic and cultural proficiency. These are the enduring understandings that guide our work:

• Culture is the products, practices and perspectives of a group of people.

• Language is a vehicle for culture and reflects a culture’s norms and mores.

• Language and culture evolve over time.

• Our language and culture influence the way we see the world.

• Studying other languages and cultures broadens our perspective on our own culture and the world.

Language is taught in a communicative context, and from the earliest levels students apply what they learn to read, write, speak and listen in the target language. For students of Latin the emphasis is on using Latin to read, translate and understand authentic texts.

Secondary, Grades 7 - 12

• Middle School, Grades 7-8

• High School, Grades 9-12