World Languages
One of the overarching goals of the World Languages Department is for students to cultivate an intrinsic interest in a critical world language that they will carry with them long after they complete their studies at VMS. To accomplish this goal, the department strives to develop high levels of language proficiency alongside an increasingly profound understanding of the cultures in which the languages are utilized. A high degree of emphasis is placed on providing students with scaffolded opportunities for successfully communicating in the target language. The faculty consistently seeks to connect the language to important issues of culture, as well as foster an environment in which students come to understand the value and relevance of Spanish and/or Chinese to their own lives and future goals.
Falling under the larger goal of helping students develop a sense of global identity, the department adheres to various pragmatic and pedagogical goals that guide the daily rhythm of the language classroom. The four critical language skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening all represent important components of our classrooms and are implemented across the curriculum in developmentally appropriate ways. All four components are covered through a classroom focus on successful communication, an understanding of the importance of the gradual acquisition of grammar, and a continuous increase of the depth and breadth of vocabulary knowledge. Additionally, the department creates opportunities to gain both linguistic and cultural experience firsthand through enrichment and travel abroad opportunities.