World Languages

The Mandarin I course is specifically designed for students with no previous experience or formal study of Mandarin. This course starts with the absolute basics of the language and gradually progresses through 150 commonly used words that are essential to everyday language use. Basic pronouns, classifiers, nouns, verbs and other parts of speech set students up with a strong foundation in their studies. Students will gain confidence in basic topics such as family, school, dates, times, money, etc. Critical questions words (who, what, when, where, why, how) are introduced in simple dialogs and allow the students to begin using them in conversation. By the end of HSK 1, students will gain a basic understanding of grammatical structures such as negation, past tense/completed action, expressing ability / possibility, and standard ways to ask and respond to basic questions. 

The Mandarin II course begins with a quick review of the entirety of HSK 1 content. Students will begin working through the HSK 2 curriculum with the intention of completing at least half of the units. The complexity of the vocabulary and grammar increases at this level, and it is critical that students have a solid understanding of foundational knowledge in HSK 1. Students will become familiar with the following topics: talking about time, schedules, and plans; making comparisons and describing possessions; discussing past events and experiences; making shopping choices and expressing preferences; giving reasons and describing changes in state; talking about locations and distances. 

When students arrive in Mandarin III, they have generally developed a strong ability to communicate in straightforward situations about a variety of everyday topics. More versatile and nuanced grammatical structures allow students to communicate more effectively and also enhance students’ abilities to be more creative with the language. Students will develop skills and become more familiar with the following language situations: making suggestions and invitations; expressing past experiences; describing states of being; talking about upcoming events; using comparisons and contrasts in conversation.

Mandarin IV continues to build upon everything students have learned up to this point. Students  will begin their study of the HSK 3 content this year. The amount of vocabulary is double that which was studied in the previous two levels and introduces a significant number of new grammatical structures that will position students to communicate more complicated ideas in the target language. By this point in their studies, students will be very familiar with the class protocols and should feel comfortable working through the curriculum at a strong pace. Students often begin taking more risks, speaking out, and making mistakes at this point in their studies, which allows for robust and engaging conversations. Students will continue to develop more nuanced ways to communicate the following concepts: talking about future plans, invitations, and activities; describing locations, situations, and the state of objects; making comparisons and discussing changes over time; expressing past events, habits, and relationships; using conditionals and making choices; and discussing movement, methods of travel, and directions.

Mandarin V represents the culmination of everything students have covered during their time studying the language. One of the primary goals of this course is to push students to fully invest in their language studies, take risks, and consider continuing forward at the college level. At this point in their studies, students should feel confident enough to present in front of their students and answer questions from their peers. As we look to finish strong by completing the second half of the HSK 3 curriculum, students will develop deeper skills concerning the following concepts: discussing past actions and recent changes (e.g., using 刚才, 了); expressing handling of objects and results (e.g., 把 + object + verb); describing preferences and making choices (e.g., Question word + 就 + Question word); talking about conditions and results (e.g., 只要...就...); planning trips and events (e.g., using 计划, 是...的); giving invitations and expressing hospitality (e.g., 欢迎 + someone + 来 + place). 

Spanish I is an introductory course designed for high school students with little to no prior knowledge of the Spanish language. This course focuses on developing foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Students will learn essential vocabulary, basic grammar, and conversational phrases to communicate effectively in everyday situations.  In addition, throughout the course, students will explore the rich cultures of Spanish-speaking countries, gaining insight into their customs, traditions, and historical contexts. Interactive activities, including dialogues, role-playing, and cultural projects, will help students build confidence in using Spanish both inside and outside the classroom.

Spanish II provides an introduction to and review of the basic concepts and vocabulary of the Spanish language, including foundational grammar such as articles and pronouns, adjectives and demonstratives, and conjugations across the present, preterite, imperfect, and progressive tenses. The students will practice and perfect their use of “agreement" in all of their communication in the target language. To encourage risk-taking and ownership of one’s own learning, immersion and class participation is an essential and integral component of daily activities, and the majority of class will be in Spanish. Students will learn through daily conversations, speaking games, grammar practice, videos, music, reading, and much more. 

Spanish III is an intermediate-level course designed for high school students who have successfully completed Spanish I and II. This course builds on the foundational skills acquired in the previous levels, with a focus on refining language abilities and expanding cultural knowledge. Students will deepen their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish through more complex grammatical structures, enriched vocabulary, and advanced conversational practice. Students will engage in more sophisticated discussions, write detailed paragraphs, and analyze a variety of authentic texts. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing fluency, accuracy, and comprehension, as well as fostering the ability to express ideas clearly and creatively in Spanish. Through projects, presentations, and interactive activities, students will not only improve their language skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of Hispanic cultures. This course is taught entirely in Spanish, following an immersive approach.

The Spanish IV course seeks to expand on the grammar, vocabulary, conversation skills, and cultural themes learned in previous VMS Spanish courses, while engaging students in the continued practice of the four pillars of traditional language learning—listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Using a wealth of print and digital materials as launching off points, the course will additionally integrate group and individual projects, oral presentations, debates, and other Spanish-language activities to provide a diverse approach to language comprehension and expression. The class will also seek to access the Spanish language through the cultures in which it is spoken, exploring the literature, film, music, history, and other aspects of Spanish-speaking countries across the globe. The class will be taught primarily in Spanish, and students will be expected to use their own Spanish skills during most of their classroom activities. Participation in the target language will be of the utmost importance.

This immersive, advanced-level Spanish course integrates language acquisition with meaningful community engagement. Designed for students who are passionate about using their Spanish skills to make a positive impact in our own community, the course combines academic study with hands-on service learning opportunities in Spanish-speaking communities. Students will deepen their proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through real-world applications, such as mentoring, translating, tutoring, and organizing culturally relevant activities with the Spanish-speaking communities of the Vail Valley. We will explore themes such as education and literacy, healthcare and accessibility, immigration and identity, economic empowerment, and cultural identity. Emphasis is placed on reflective learning, fostering critical thinking about the role of language and culture in building relationships, and addressing societal challenges. Students will document their experiences through journals, presentations, and collaborative projects, cultivating both linguistic fluency and a profound understanding of the communities they serve. This course empowers students to become global citizens, using Spanish to bridge cultural divides and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. This course is taught entirely in Spanish, following an immersive approach.

The AP Spanish Language and Culture class is a rigorous course taught exclusively in Spanish that requires students to improve their proficiency across the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. The course focuses on the integration of authentic cultural resources, including online print, audio, and audiovisual resources, as well as traditional print resources that include literature, essays, magazines, and newspaper articles, with the goal of providing a rich, diverse learning experience. Students are expected to communicate using advanced vocabulary and linguistic structures as they build proficiency in all modes of communication and prepare for the content and format of the AP exam in May.