Foreign Languages

The International Baccalaureate Language B curriculum seeks to establish a respect for and understanding of different languages and cultures, in addition to providing a foundation to facilitate further language learning and enhanced academic enrichment. In an age of global interdependence and an increasingly multicultural and multiethnic society, early foreign language study gives children unique insight into other cultures and builds their cultural competency skills in a way like no other discipline. Strong evidence also shows that learning a foreign language reinforces the core subject areas of reading, English language literacy, humanities and math.

St. Mary's Language B Studies begin in Preschool and continue through the Lower School and Middle School. Every student in Preschool and Lower School is introduced to the wonderful world of Spanish. Students begin to read, write and speak in Spanish, developing basic communication skills early on. The Language B program focuses on vocabulary development, oral and written skills acquisition, and cultural appreciation. In addition, the Spanish curriculum is integrated into the context of the IB Units of Inquiry and students learn relevant words and language skills as they relate to their current subject area of study.

In Grade 5 students are introduced to the Language Wheel to expose them to two additional languages. Students participate in one trimester each of Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and French. Upon entry into Middle School, students will have had an introduction to each language, allowing them to make an informed decision when selecting their language of choice.

Middle School students choose one language to study for three years in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish or French. Students study all aspects of the language including the culture and history connected to it. They, also, are provided with opportunities to take field trips to cultural sites and areas to enhance their experience and offer them an opportunity to practice their conversational language in a real world environment.