Academics

News and Awards

For Middle School awards on the National French and Spanish Exams, please visit the Upper School Foreign Language Awards page.


Spanish Materials and Supplies

7EP, 8EP, and 8HP Spanish:

As of the 2010-2011 school year, the Descubre textbook series is used for two consecutive years for all three Spanish courses (7EP, 8EP, and 8HP). The textbook and accompanying workbooks must be purchased from the publisher directly, Vista Higher Learning. Ordering the textbook and workbooks in a "bundle" is the best value, as it includes the textbook, both workbooks, and the VHL Supersite website pass code. Please visit textbook PDF for ordering information.

In addition, students will need:

  • 3-ring binder with five dividers
  • Pencil pouch (needed daily) with pencils, pens, highlighters, erasers, etc.
    Index cards
  • Computer storage media
  • Pocket-size Spanish dictionary (for at-home use)
  • Poster/Presentation boards (to keep at home) for assigned projects
  • Computer headset with microphone (for at-home use)

French Materials and Supplies

7EP, 8EP, and 8HP French:

As of the 2010-2011 school year, the Discovering French Nouveau Bleu I textbook series is used for two consecutive years for all three French courses (7EP, 8EP, and 8HP). The textbook and accompanying workbooks must be purchased from the publisher directly, Vista Higher Learning. Ordering the textbook and workbooks in a "bundle" is the best value, as it includes the textbook, both workbooks, and the VHL Supersite website pass code.  Please visit the textbook PDF for ordering information.

French 8EP and 8HP will use the same materials as French 7EP, with the addition of the French First Year Workbook by Blume, Eli (AMSCO) and the Discovering French Nouveau Bleu I Tutorial CD.

 In addition, students will need the following:

  • Paperback French dictionary for home use (no electronic translators)
  • 3 tab dividers
  • Colored pens
  • Pink and Blue highlighters
  • Several packages of 3x5 index cards
  • Small dry erase board with markers & eraser for at-home practice
  • Headset with microphone for home computer use - we will have homework that involves online speaking and listening activities (*some computers have the ability to record without and external microphone)

National Spanish Exam Results 2011-2012:

TBA

National French Exam Results 2011-2012:

TBA

Middle School Foreign Language Clubs 

The Middle School has two Foreign Language clubs, French and Spanish, open to all students enrolled in a foreign language. Language clubs provide fun and exciting opportunities for language exposure outside of the classroom. The clubs are free (no fees or dues) and meet regularly throughout the school year during Homeroom Study Hall or Tutorial. All interested students can inquire and register in the Fall.

Middle School Spanish Club

Sponsor: Alisha Stratton, room 203, alisha.stratton@woodward.edu

The days, location, and time of Spanish Club activities may vary. Activities include:

Movies in Spanish, Day of the Dead, Piñatas: Making and Breaking, So You Think You Can Dance (Latino-style), Cinco de Mayo, Cooking, and more!

Middle School French Club

Sponsor: Madame O’Sullivan, room 205  patricia.osullivan@woodward.edu

The days, location, and time of French Club activities may vary. Members must be currently enrolled in a Middle School French course. Activities include:

Initiation party, Mardi Gras Fête, chocolate fondue tastings, foreign films and French food days!

Middle School Spring Break Europe Trip

Sponsor: Madame O’Sullivan, patricia.osullivan@woodward.edu

Each year 30-38 Middle School students have the opportunity to travel to Europe during Spring Break with ACIS. This trip is open to ALL Middle School students interested in traveling. All chaperones are Middle School teachers and administrators. In 7th grade, students go through a recommendation and lottery selection process. If cancellations occur, there may be an additional recommendation & selection process for 8th graders in the Fall. In 8th grade, students will attend meetings and workshops to learn more about the itinerary and to get to know one another better.

Europe Trip 2013 (Our 12th trip): London, Paris, Bruges 

  • London: The London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace & The Tower of London
  • Paris: The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, Seine river boat ride & The Louvre
  • Belgium: Bruges, a canal boat ride, Brussels, and a Belgian chocolates tasting tour  
Europe Trip 2012, Eiffel Tower
Europe Trip 2012, Eiffel Tower

 

Middle School Costa Rica Trip

 

Sponsors: Alisha Stratton (alisha.stratton@woodward.edu) & Rosa Tarrasó (rosa.tarraso@woodward.edu)

The Spanish Department offers a trip to 7th and 8th grade students to Costa Rica in the summer. It is an educational tour operated by ACIS that provides a structured program including sightseeing trips, excursions, walking tours, and exciting local activities. Most importantly, your child has an opportunity to learn and speak Spanish in an authentic location. The week-long immersion experience does not only offer fun and adventurous excursions, but also highlights the history, natural wonders, wildlife, and culture of beautiful Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Trip, June 6-14, 2013 "Insider's Costa Rica"

Includes Sarchí Craft Workshop, Local School Visit, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge & Boat Trip, Horseback Riding, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Canopy Tour, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rican Cooking Lesson, Costa Rican Dance Lesson, and the Arenal Volcano/Hot Springs.

Costa Rica Trip 2011, Monteverde
Costa Rica Trip 2011, Monteverde

 *More photographs can be seen if you visit our Facebook page.

Foreign Language