Middle & Upper | Languages | WIS

Middle School Languages

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LANGUAGE IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

A basic principle at WIS is that students benefit from being taught in two languages. Language learning promotes a dynamic framework with which to understand other cultures and perspectives.

The WIS approach provides differentiated instruction and allows students to learn through language and about language. WIS students are expected to attain a confident level of oral and written proficiency in more than one language—in fact, bilingualism and biliteracy are the norm for students who have spent the majority of their primary and secondary education at WIS.

In Middle School, students with sufficient language proficiency in French and Spanish pursue a dual language program. In addition to a language and literature class, they take humanities (history and geography) in their non-English language. Students moving into Grade 6 also have the option to take Mandarin as an elective course.

There are options for students to enter some Middle and Upper School grades with no language background other than English. See below for details.

 OptimizedImage,OptimizedWIS is proud to have earned the LabelFrancÉducation accreditation. This distinction is awarded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to schools who meet the standards of providing a high-quality French bilingual education. 


Student in classroom

Student in library

Student paying attention to lesson

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE PROGRAM SUMMARY

In Grades 6, 7, and 8, WIS offers the language programs outlined below.

SECOND LANGUAGE OPTIONS

Beginning French (Applicants to Grades 6 and 7 only)
No previous experience is required. All other classes are taught in English.
Transitional French (Applicants to Grade 6 only)
An intensive French program designed for students with a strong academic background who have an intermediate level of proficiency in French. Students are expected to transition into the Dual Language English/French Program in the second semester of Grade 6. Applicants will have their language proficiency assessed during the admissions process.
Intermediate French (applications to Grades 7 and 8 only)

Applicants should have an intermediate level of proficiency. All other classes are taught in English. Applicants will have their French proficiency assessed during the admissions process.

Dual Language Program in English/French (Grades 6, 7, 8)
Students who are highly proficient/fluent in French have their humanities (history, geography) and language classes taught in French. All other classes are taught in English. Applicants will have their language proficiency assessed during the admissions process.
Beginning Spanish (applicants to Grades 6 and 7 only)
No previous experience is required. All other classes are taught in English.
Transitional Spanish (applicants to Grade 6 only)
An intensive Spanish program designed for students with a strong academic background who have an intermediate level of proficiency in Spanish. Students are expected to transition into the Dual Language English/Spanish Program in the second semester of Grade 6. Applicants will have their language proficiency assessed during the admissions process.
Intermediate Spanish (grades 7 and 8 only)
Applicants should have an intermediate level of proficiency. All other classes are taught in English. Applicants will have their Spanish proficiency assessed during the admissions process.
Dual Language Program in English/Spanish (Grades 6, 7, 8)
Students who are highly proficient/fluent in Spanish have their humanities (history, geography) and language classes taught in Spanish. All other classes are taught in English. Applicants will have their language proficiency assessed during the admissions process.

 

ELECTIVE OPTIONS

Beginning Mandarin (Grade 6, elective only)
Available only to students in the Dual Language programs. Taken in addition to the English/Spanish or English/French program.
Intermediate Mandarin (Grades 7 and 8, elective only)
Available only to students in the Dual Language programs. Taken in addition to the English/Spanish or English/French program. Applicants will have their language proficiency assessed during the admissions process.