World Languages

The World Language Department at ESA is structured around the intensive study of French or Spanish. Instruction within the department includes not only the usual skills of reading, writing, and listening, but introduces an entirely new way of speaking. Proper use of intonation, appropriate facial expressions, and gestures inherent to native speakers are emphasized along with the obvious use of new sets of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

Instruction is through the immersion method; no English is spoken in the class after the first few weeks. The ultimate goal of the study of world language at ESA is to demonstrate that a world language can become a natural means of communication and an integral part of life.

Beginning 2020-2021, ESA students take either the AAPPL in French or in Spanish (ACTFL Assessment of Performance towards Proficiency in Languages), which provides empirical data on their level of proficiency and the opportunity to work towards receiving a Seal of Biliteracy on their high school diplomas. Student proficiency in speaking, listening, and reading are evaluated at the beginning and the end of each school year. In the state of Louisiana, a level of Intermediate High must be achieved in order to qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy. The results of this exam will help determine and impact a student’s preparedness for future honors level courses in the world languages.

Middle School required courses: French 6, French 7, and French I or Spanish 6, Spanish 7, Spanish I

At the successful completion of the middle school world language sequence, 1.0 upper school credit is awarded towards the world language graduation requirement at the recommendation on of the world language department. The final grade earned in French I or Spanish I will appear on a student's upper school transcript and is counted in a student's upper school GPA.

French 6

Sixth grade French works to continue the growth of vocabulary and grammar that students have acquired from the Lower School while allowing new students to ESA the ability to join in the study of the language. Students focus on building a foundation in all aspects of the language, including speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Special attention is given to the ability to communicate orally.
French 7

Seventh grade French is a continuation of the sixth grade French curriculum. The three years of middle school cover the vocabulary and grammar of the upper school French I class. Students continue to grow their vocabulary base and understanding of grammar rules. Oral communication continues to be an area of special emphasis. Students who earn Novice High or above on the AAPPL and have an A- or higher in French class are given the opportunity to accelerate to upper school French II Honors in 8th grade. This allows the student to earn two of the three required world language levels to earn an ESA diploma requirements while in middle school.
French I - 8

Eighth grade French completes the coursework for earning credit for French I. The final grade for this course will appear on the upper school transcript. The objective of this course is to fine tune all of the fundamental work done in sixth and seventh grade French. Students will continue to expand their vocabulary with oral presentations, class discussions, and role-playing activities. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate in the past, present, and future tenses. They will have a solid understanding of the present, near future, and the passé composé tenses. They will be able to function in a francophone setting, i.e. ask directions, order from a menu, or hold a conversation. These activities will be supported by continued review of everyday expressions and prepositions while learning new vocabulary.

This course earns 1.0 credit towards the world language graduation requirement. Accordingly, the final grade for the course is listed on the transcript, and it is counted in a student's upper school GPA.
French I (MS)

This class is designed for beginning French students. By the end of the first year, students will be able to demonstrate some mastery of the basic structures of the language. Using the present tense, students will be able to converse on everyday topics, as well as to read and write on an elementary level. Students will learn to use the near future tense of verbs, as well as begin their study of le futur proche and le passé composé. As students progress, the class will be taught mainly in French. The results of the AAPPL proficiency exam may impact a student’s ability to be approved for future honors courses in French.

This course earns 1.0 credit towards the world language graduation requirement. Accordingly, the final grade for the course is listed on the transcript, and it is counted in a student's upper school GPA.
French II Honors (MS)

This course is a continuation of French I. More complex language structures are introduced such as subordinate clauses, the distinction between l’imparfait and le passé composé, and the future. Reading and writing skills are further developed through the study of culture and language documents. The students are expected to transfer the acquired written concepts to oral activities such as role play, presentations and discussions. French II is the foundation for French III. Students with good comprehension and acquisition of the French II curriculum are well prepared for French III. As an honors level course, the content of this course has a broader interest in reading materials introducing more complex cultural, lexical, and literary materials. Group and individual projects, additional reading material and self-motivation are essential to this course. The results of the AAPPL proficiency exam may impact a student’s ability to be approved for future honors courses in French.

This course earns 1.0 credit towards the world language graduation requirement. Accordingly, the final grade for the course is listed on the transcript, and it is counted in a student's upper school GPA.
French III Honors (MS)

This course is an in-depth study involving the five basic skills: speaking, writing, reading, listening, and culture. In this course, writing skills that will be needed for the study of literature in French IV and AP French Language & Culture are solidified. In this course, students work on speaking skills, especially informal conversation. Students practice speaking in small groups and to a larger audience. Texts drawn from literature and contemporary culture provide the opportunity to continue the development of reading skills. Writing skills, from informal notes and lists to formal academic writing, are developed as students write longer pieces. Extensive use of the past tenses (passé compose and imparfait), the future and conditional tenses, and subjunctive will be practiced. Audio and visual materials from a variety of sources will engage students in listening and speaking about the world of French-speaking cultures around the world. As an honors course, there is a greater focus on the development of more complicated grammar and vocabulary skills. This class requires substantially more outside of class work than the regular class.The results of the AAPPL proficiency exam may impact a student’s ability to be approved for future honors courses in French.

This course earns 1.0 credit towards the world language graduation requirement. Accordingly, the final grade for the course is listed on the transcript, and it is counted in a student's upper school GPA.
Spanish 6

Spanish in sixth grade emphasizes the importance of learning a second language. We cover vocabulary, pronunciation, writing, and oral skills. Students will also learn about Hispanic Heritage in the United States and about Spanish-speaking countries. The goal is to provide activities for students with no previous knowledge of the Spanish language and to increase students’ motivation and desire to learn more about the language, cultures, and traditions. Students will develop skills of pronunciation, grammar, and sentence structure.
Spanish 7

Spanish in seventh grade is the first half of Spanish I credit. Students will be able to demonstrate some basic structure of the language and will learn about Hispanic heritage and Spanish-speaking countries. They will learn to read and write on a basic level. Using this basic level they will be able to communicate in the present tense. The general goals of the course are to acquaint students with everyday Spanish language and Hispanic cultures as well as to provide opportunities for language practice and cultural awareness. Students will be expected to develop the four language skills of speaking, listening, basic reading, and writing, as well as an appreciation of the culture. Students who earn Novice High or above on the AAPPL and have an A- or higher in Spanish class are given the opportunity to accelerate to upper school Spanish II Honors in 8th grade. This allows the student to earn two of the three required world language levels to earn an ESA diploma requirements while in middle school.
Spanish I - 8

This course is the continuation of Spanish in seventh grade for Spanish I credit. The final grade for this course will appear on the upper school transcript. By the end of eighth-grade year, students will be able to demonstrate some mastery of the basic structure of the language and will better understand Hispanic heritage and Spanish-speaking countries. They will learn to read and write on a basic level. Using this basic level they will be able to use the present tense, present progressive, reflexive verbs, and simple past tense.

This course earns 1.0 credit towards the world language graduation requirement. Accordingly, the final grade for the course is listed on the transcript, and it is counted in a student's upper school GPA.
Spanish I (MS)

This class is designed for beginning Spanish students. By the end of the first year, students will be able to demonstrate some mastery of the basic structure of the language and will better understand Hispanic heritage and Spanish-speaking countries. They will learn to read and write on a basic level and converse on everyday topics. Using this basic level, they will be able to use the present tense, present progressive, reflexive verbs, and simple past tense. As students progress, the class will be taught in Spanish. The results of the AAPPL proficiency exam may impact a student’s ability to be approved for future honors courses in Spanish.

This course earns 1.0 credit towards the world language graduation requirement. Accordingly, the final grade for the course is listed on the transcript, and it is counted in a student's upper school GPA.
Spanish I (MS) (NG)

This class is designed for beginning Spanish students. By the end of the first year, students will be able to demonstrate some mastery of the basic structure of the language and will better understand Hispanic heritage and Spanish-speaking countries. They will learn to read and write on a basic level and converse on everyday topics. Using this basic level, they will be able to use the present tense, present progressive, reflexive verbs, and simple past tense. As students progress, the class will be taught in Spanish. The results of the AAPPL proficiency exam may impact a student’s ability to be approved for future honors courses in Spanish.
Spanish II Honors (MS)

This course is the continuation of Spanish I during which basic Spanish is reviewed. More complex language structures are introduced such as the comparison of preterite and imperfect, formal and informal forms of the imperative, formal and informal forms of the imperative, and future. Reading, writing, and oral communication skills are developed through cultural readings and language practice. The students are expected to apply the language and acquired knowledge through role play, presentations, and discussions. Spanish II is the basis for Spanish III. The class is taught in the target language so students are fully immersed in the language from day one. As an honors level course, the content of this course has a broader interest in reading materials introducing more complex cultural, lexical, and literary materials. Group and individual projects, additional reading material and self-motivation are essential to this course. The results of the AAPPL proficiency exam may impact a student’s ability to be approved for future honors courses in Spanish.

This course earns 1.0 credit towards the world language graduation requirement. Accordingly, the final grade for the course is listed on the transcript, and it is counted in a student's upper school GPA.