• WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT

     
    The World Language Department's curriculum is aligned with both the Massachusetts Frameworks and the National Standards in Foreign Languages with a focus on communication, culture, connections, comparisons, and communities. The department uses a proficiency-based approach with an emphasis on the context and purpose of communication through the three modes: Interpersonal (two-way unrehearsed communication); Interpretive (one-way communication using receptive skills of listening and reading); and Presentational (one-way communication using productive skills of speaking and writing.) Students work to build proficiency in the language of their choice. While English may be necessary at times, the target language is the language of all instruction and discussion in world language classes at least 90% of the time, per the recommendation of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
     
    Students will:
    • communicate effectively in more than one language in order to function in a variety of situations and for multiple purposes.
    • connect with other disciplines and acquire information and diverse perspectives in order to use the language to function in academic and career-related situations.
    • develop insight into the nature of language and culture in order to interact with cultural competence.
    • communicate and interact with cultural competence in order to participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world.

    Studying a World Language prepares students to become global citizens and life-long learners. Students follow a sequential program in French, Spanish or Chinese from Grade 7 through Grade 12. The World Language Department strongly encourages students to commit themselves to a full program, studying one language for six years between Grades 7 and 12, and to elect a second language when scheduling allows. Teacher recommendation or Department Head approval is required for honors programs. 
     
    Pathways from middle school
     
    Students starting a language in 9th or 10th grade can choose from Chinese I Honors, Spanish I CP, or French I CP and then they would follow the sequence as shown above.
     
    By the end of Level I in World Language courses, students are expected to demonstrate Novice High proficiency on the ACTFL scale. At the Novice High level students are able to speak in phrases, using memorized chunks of vocabulary and they can ask and answer simple questions in the present tense. When reading and listening, students can understand main ideas.
     
    By the end of Level II in World Language courses, students are expected to demonstrate Intermediate Low proficiency. Students are able to understand written and aural communication within the range of contexts studied during the year. They are able to describe, explain, and narrate orally and in writing in complete sentences in the present tense and increasingly in past and future time frames. Students also are able to negotiate meaning in conversations with peers about familiar topics and use follow-up questions.
     
    By the end of Level III in World Language courses, students are expected to demonstrate Intermediate Mid proficiency. Students are able to create language with some memorized phrases, maintain conversation by asking questions, and use circumlocution. Students produce sentences, strings of sentences and use sentence connectors in the present tense and they begin to use future and past tenses.
     
    In Levels IV and V, students demonstrate proficiency in the range of Intermediate High to Advanced Low. Students are able to narrate and describe in paragraphs in past, present, and future time frames. They can present and support opinions with reason and they can handle unplanned situations.
     
    All student selections must be recommended by the teacher or the Department Head. Teacher approval will be based on prerequisites, achievement, and demonstration of the motivation and study skills necessary for success at the next level. The following prerequisites apply:
    1. If a student earns an "F" in the first semester of a world language course, he/she will be rescheduled to repeat the course for the following year. It is not recommended to move to the second semester.
    2. After fulfilling the graduation requirements, students are expected to maintain a grade of C- or better to be able to continue in the third, fourth and fifth year of world language study. Students who do not achieve a C- should do remedial work such as summer school or private tutoring during the summer, to be able to continue at the Honors or College-Prep levels.
     
     

    COLLEGE-PREP LEVEL

    French and Spanish

    The following College-prep level courses are designed for students who have successfully completed the middle school course and are recommended by their teachers.  These courses are paced for average college-preparatory students. The target language is used in class 100% of the time. Student usage of the language is an important part of student evaluation in these courses. 
     
    Spanish II (CP) Spanish III (CP) Spanish IV (CP)  Spanish V (CP)
    French II (CP) French III (CP) French IV (CP)  French V (CP)

     

    HONORS LEVEL  

    French and Spanish

    These Honors courses are for students who have proven themselves to be motivated, successful language learners.  The sequence is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Test.  The pace is faster than in the College-prep level courses, and classroom work is more intense.  Active student participation is expected.  Only the target language is used in class, and student usage is an important part of student evaluation in these courses.  
     
     Spanish II (H) Spanish III (H) Spanish IV (H)  Spanish V (H)
    French II (H) French III (H) French IV (H)  French V (H)
     

    CHINESE COLLEGE-PREP LEVEL and CHINESE HONORS

    Students will learn the fundamentals of the Chinese language with Pinyin, the Mandarin phonetics, and character compositions. Students will gain practical skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing to communicate effectively on familiar topics. Students will also explore the culture of China through cultural projects. A field trip to Peabody Essex Museum for the freshman class and an immersion day in Chinatown Boston for the sophomore class are planned each year. The Chinese language is considered to be a challenging language due to its separate phonetic system and writing system. Daily studying and transcribing of the Chinese characters is vital to gain success in the course. The use of the target language in class is expected to increase as students progress to higher levels. In the College-Prep level, handwriting of Chinese characeters is not required.

     Chinese I (CP) Chinese II CP) Chinese III (CP) Chinese IV (CP)  Chinese V (CP)
     Chinese I (H)  Chinese II (H)  Chinese III (H)  Chinese IV (H)  Chinese V (H)


    GLOBAL EDUCATION PROGRAM 

    An integral part of the World Language Program at Masconomet Regional High School is the three exchange programs that take place in alternating years. The exchange programs take place between Masconomet and high schools in France, Spain, and China. This is an opportunity for the student who has successfully completed two to three years of language study to further his or her proficiency in an authentic environment and to live within the daily culture that has been studied. Students are encouraged to include this as part of their junior or senior year language experience at Masconomet. 

    During the freshman year, French students are encouraged to participate in the weekend immersion trip to French-speaking Canada. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to participate in one of the interdisciplinary trips, service opportunities, or other global adventures through the Global Education Program. We hope to resume exchanges with China as soon as possible.

  • Program of Studies

    • 1.
      • World Language
      • French I (CP)
      • 4101
      • The following courses are for those students who want or need to begin the study of a first or second foreign language in high school. These courses are the equivalent of the Grade 7/8 program. Students acquire practical vocabulary and begin to master the essentials of grammar and structure. They develop basic listening, reading, writing and speaking skills, while exploring the geography, history and culture of countries where the language is spoken. Novice High is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9
      • CP
      • Global
      • As Needed
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 2.
      • World Language
      • French II (CP)
      • 4111
      • In these courses, students acquire practical vocabulary and begin to master the essentials of grammar and structure as they develop basic listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. They explore the geography, history and culture of countries where the language is spoken. Intermediate Low is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9
      • CP
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 3.
      • World Language
      • French III (CP)
      • 4121
      • In these courses, students further develop their communicative skills. Cultural exploration continues through readings, videos and authentic sources. Intermediate Mid is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 10
      • CP
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 4.
      • World Language
      • French IV (CP)
      • 4131
      • This course continues the development of communicative and interpretive proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Important grammatical topics are reviewed in detail and some advanced concepts are introduced. Course themes focus on using the language in real-world and contemporary situations. Student understanding of Francophone cultures develops through cultural and literary readings, films, and authentic language resources. Intermediate High is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 11
      • CP
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 5.
      • World Language
      • French V (CP)
      • 4141
      • This course provides students with opportunities to read, write, and speak in the target language at an advanced level. Students explore topics in the language through thematic units and projects. Classic and modern films are used to illustrate the social, intellectual, and historical influence of the language upon the global society. Advanced Low is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 12
      • CP
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 6.
      • World Language
      • French II (H)
      • 4151
      • In Honors II courses the pace is accelerated and more class time is devoted to discussion in the target language. Acquisition of vocabulary and accurate use of grammar are stressed. An emphasis is placed on oral expression through conversation, discussing films, current events, and thematic cultural topics. Intermediate Low is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9
      • H
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 7.
      • World Language
      • French III (H)
      • 4161
      • In these courses, students complete their study of the fundamental grammar of the language, particularly verb and tense usage. The pace is brisk and intense. Outside reading, classroom reports and compositions require students to use the language. Conversation is emphasized and cultural exploration continues. Intermediate Mid is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 10
      • H
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, A4, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 8.
      • World Language
      • French IV (H)
      • 4171
      • This course is conducted as a precursor to Advanced Placement and is designed for students with a strong command of the language and an interest in French. Course themes focus on contemporary issues, and there is an in-depth study of advanced grammatical concepts. Students expand their French vocabulary and understanding of Francophone cultures through literature, current events, film and authentic resources. Intermediate High is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 11
      • H
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, A4, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 9.
      • World Language
      • French V (AP)
      • 4181
      • This course is based on the Advanced Placement Program as outlined by the College Entrance Examination Board and prepares students for the Language Advanced Placement Examination. The course is a college level language course. Students are expected to take the AP Exam in May. Students are expected to do graded summer work prior to enrolling in this course. The grade will be reflected as an exam or a project grade in the first quarter. Advanced Low is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 12
      • H
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, A4, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 10.
      • World Language
      • Spanish I (CP)
      • 4301
      • The following courses are for those students who want or need to begin the study of a first or second world language in high school. These courses are the equivalent of the Grade 7/8 program. Students acquire practical vocabulary and begin to master the essentials of grammar and structure. They develop basic listening, reading, writing and speaking skills, while exploring the geography, history and culture of countries where the language is spoken. Novice High is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9
      • CP
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 11.
      • World Language
      • Spanish II (CP)
      • 4311
      • In these courses, students acquire practical vocabulary and begin to master the essentials of grammar and structure as they develop basic listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. They explore the geography, history and culture of countries where the language is spoken. Intermediate Low is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9
      • CP
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 12.
      • World Language
      • Spanish III (CP)
      • 4321
      • In these courses, students complete their study of the basic elements of grammar and structure and continue to develop a rich, practical vocabulary. They further develop their communicative skills as the target language becomes the language of instruction and classroom discussion. Cultural exploration continues through authentic sources. Intermediate Mid is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 10
      • CP
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 13.
      • World Language
      • Spanish IV (CP)
      • 4331
      • This course continues the development of communicative and interpretive proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Course themes focus on using the language in the real world and contemporary situations. Cultural understanding develops through the use of literature, film, and other authentic resources. Intermediate High is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 11
      • CP
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 14.
      • World Language
      • Spanish V (CP)
      • 4341
      • These courses provide students with opportunities to read, write and speak in the target language at an advanced level. Students explore topics in the language through thematic units and projects. Classic and modern films are used to illustrate the social, intellectual, and historical influence of the language upon the global society. Advanced Low is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 12
      • CP
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 15.
      • World Language
      • Spanish II (H)
      • 4351
      • In Honors II courses students develop communicative skills in a cultural context. Language skills and cultural knowledge are enhanced by the use of authentic resources. Evaluations involve classwork, projects, and performances. Intermediate Low is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9
      • H
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 16.
      • World Language
      • Spanish III (H)
      • 4361
      • In these courses, students complete their study of the fundamental grammar of the language, particularly verb and tense usage. The pace is brisk and intense. Conversation is emphasized and cultural exploration continues. Intermediate Mid is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 10
      • H
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, A4, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 17.
      • World Language
      • Spanish IV (H)
      • 4371
      • These courses constitute the first phase of Advanced Placement. They consist of a survey of excerpts from the literature of the language being studied, a thorough review of grammar, and an in-depth study of vocabulary. Increased emphasis is placed on grammar so that accuracy of usage improves. Outside readings, reports and projects further develop students' skills. Intermediate High is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 11
      • H
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, A4, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 18.
      • World Language
      • Spanish V (AP)
      • 4381
      • This course is based on the Advanced Placement Program as outlined by the College Entrance Examination Board. The class is structured thematically and prepares students for the Language AP Examination. The course is a college level language course. Students are expected to take the AP Exam in May. Students are expected to do graded summer work prior to enrolling in this course. The grade will be reflected as an exam or a project grade in the first quarter. Advanced Low is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 12
      • H
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, A4, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 19.
      • World Language
      • Spanish V (H)
      • 4391
      • This is an option for students who want an honors level course focused on conversation and comprehension. It is designed to further develop, strengthen and refine students' skills. Advanced Low is the proficiency goal.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 12
      • H
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 20.
      • World Language
      • Chinese Lang & Culture (H)
      • 4471
      • In this course, students will become acquainted with elements of Chinese history, civilization, geography, facts of everyday life. The focus will be on listening and speaking Chinese as an introduction to the language. It would be an elective offering and not factor into a sequence of study of Chinese. If enrollment is low the course may be combined with Chinese I Honors.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • H
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 21.
      • World Language
      • Chinese II (CP)
      • 4520
      • At Chinese II CP, students will become further familiar with the Mandarin phonetic system and the tones as well as expanding vocabulary and mastering more complex sentences. By the end of this course, students can understand and communicate with others on familiar topics in greater details and appropriately express attitudes and emotions. Students will also understand traditional Chinese holidays, school life and the basic value systems of Chinese culture.
      • Handwriting Chinese characters is not required at the CP level. All other components are comparable to the Honors level.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Global
      • All Years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 22.
      • World Language
      • Chinese III (CP)
      • 4521
      • At Chinese III CP, students will continue to build vocabulary and expressions related to daily life and familiar social interactions. Students can use more complex grammatical structures to communicate on familiar topics in conversations. Students will understand the history of Chinese language, culture and arts and their contributions to other cultures
      • At CP level, handwriting Chinese characters is not required. All other components are comparable with the Honors level.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 10,11,12
      • CP
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 23.
      • World Language
      • Chinese IV (CP)
      • 4522
      • Students will master sounds of Pinyin and produce correct, natural tones and intonations in everyday conversation. Students understand conventions of character construction and the patterns of Chinese words through thematic units. Students can communicate with others on familiar topics with clarity and coherence as well as narrate personal experiences, express viewpoints, and give simple reasons and explanations.
      • At CP level, handwriting of Chinese characters is not required but all other components are comparable to Honors level.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 12
      • CP
      • Global
      • All Years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 24.
      • World Language
      • Chinese I (H)
      • 4621
      • At Chinese I, students will learn the basics of the language and its culture. Students will master the Mandarin phonetic system and the basic components of characters. Students will know and master the basic sentence patterns and word order. By the end of this course students can understand and conduct simple conversations in exchanging basic personal information, greetings, giving simple instructions and commands.
      • If enrollment is low this course may be combined with Chinese Language and Culture.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • H
      • Global
      • As Needed
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2
    • 25.
      • World Language
      • Chinese II (H)
      • 4631
      • At Chinese II, students will continue to develop accuracy and proficiency in Chinese phonetics and characters as well as learn more complex sentence structures. By the end of this course, students can understand and communicate with others on familiar topics in greater details and appropriately express attitudes and emotions. Students will also learn about traditional Chinese holidays, school life, and the basic value systems in Chinese culture.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • H
      • Global
      • All years
      • A1, C1, C2, C3, S1, S2