Carson Graham Secondary
North Vancouver School District
Language Acquisition Courses

The study of languages provides students with the opportunity to develop insights into the features, processes and craft of language and the concept of culture, and to realize that there are diverse ways of living, behaving and viewing the world. Teaching and learning in the language acquisition subject group is organized into six phases. The phases represent a developmental continuum. Depending on students' prior language-learning experiences, students may commence their language acquisition course in any phase on the continuum and may exit from any phase on the continuum.

By the end of the MYP language acquisition course, students should be empowered for success in further formal study of languages. The knowledge, skills and attitudes that students develop in language acquisition courses provide a meaningful foundation for these further studies and the world of work in global economies and international business.

The aims of the teaching and learning of MYP language acquisition are to:

  • gain proficiency in an additional language while supporting maintenance of their mother tongue and cultural heritage
  • develop a respect for, and understanding of, diverse linguistic and cultural heritages
  • develop the student's communication skills necessary for further language learning, and for study, work and leisure in a range of authentic contexts and for a variety of audiences and purposes
  • enable the student to develop multi-literacy skills through the use of a range of learning tools, such as multimedia, in the various modes of communication
  • enable the student to develop an appreciation of a variety of literary and non-literary texts and to develop critical and creative techniques for comprehension and construction of meaning
  • enable the student to recognize and use language as a vehicle of thought, reflection, self-expression and learning in other subjects, and as a tool for enhancing literacy
  • enable the student to understand the nature of language and the process of language learning, which comprises the integration of linguistic, cultural and social components
  • offer insight into the cultural characteristics of the communities where the language is spoken
  • encourage an awareness and understanding of the perspectives of people from own and other cultures, leading to involvement and action in own and other communities
  • foster curiosity, inquiry and a lifelong interest in, and enjoyment of, language learning.​

FRENCH 8 

This course is designed for building the basics in the French language and create some skills for simple conversations as well as skills useful for getting around French speaking countries. There is also a focus on culture in the French speaking world with an IB lens and getting a snapshot of some practices where French is spoken. The course will develop simple reading, listening, writing and speaking skills in assessments and classroom activities. 

SQUAMISH LANGUAGE 8  4 credits 

This course is a study of the aboriginal language of the Squamish people. The Squamish Nation is a distinct First Nation with a unique Language and culture. The expectations of language and of Squamish societal understandings become increasingly complex with each grade level and students will focus on cultural elements to learn the Squamish language. Students will learn the alphabet and the proper pronunciation of letters and simple sight words, as well as the names of traditional territories. Students will focus on cultural elements to learn the Squamish language. This will include: learning the history of the land and the people, understanding protocols for celebrations and ceremonies, and the sharing of stories and legends. A comparison to other Aboriginal languages and cultures is included. Students will be encouraged to write Squamish words and practice conversation skills in class.  As an elective, this course would also serve to educate non-Squamish students through a Squamish world view as expressed through its distinct language.  This course is open to all students.

SPANISH 8 

This course is part of a three-year comprehensive MYP program that can extend Spanish language learning to Grade 12. The course will focus on extensive classroom use of high-frequency Spanish to learn personal expression and communication, as well as exploration of both Hispanic and home cultures. We will participate in class discussions, storytelling and a variety of cultural activities to develop confidence in acquiring the language.

FRENCH 9 

This course is designed to build upon the basics of French skills and give students more skills to communicate their ideas and opinions in French. Students will study themes that are relevant to real world issues and topics are presented so that students are able to create their own opinions and communicate them while thinking critically with their responses. The course will develop detailed reading, listening, writing and speaking skills in assessments and classroom activities.

SQUAMISH LANGUAGE 9  4 credits 

This course is a study of the aboriginal language of the Squamish people. The Squamish Nation is a distinct First Nation with a unique Language and culture. The expectations of language and of Squamish societal understandings become increasingly complex with each grade level and students will focus on cultural elements to learn the Squamish language. Students will learn the alphabet and the proper pronunciation of letters and simple sight words, as well as the names of traditional territories. Students will focus on cultural elements to learn the Squamish language. This will include: learning the history of the land and the people, understanding protocols for celebrations and ceremonies, and the sharing of stories and legends. A comparison to other Aboriginal languages and cultures is included. Students will be encouraged to write Squamish words and practice conversation skills in class.  As an elective, this course would also serve to educate non-Squamish students through a Squamish world view as expressed through its distinct language.  This course is open to all students. 

SPANISH 9

In this second year of the MYP Spanish program, we extend and enrich Spanish language learning development toward more complex texts and experiences. The course continues to focus on extensive classroom use of high-frequency Spanish to further develop personal expression and communication skills and confidence, as well as exploration of both Hispanic and home cultures. We will participate in class discussions, storytelling and a variety of cultural activities to continue the development of confidence in acquiring the language.

FRENCH 10 

This course is a continuation of previous years in French and it will build on the skills from previous years. Units of study will focus on topics that are relevant to students and they are meant to grow more critical thinking skills when responding to a variety of topics. 

The course will continue to refine students' reading, listening, writing and speaking skills in assessments and classroom activities.

SQUAMISH LANGUAGE 10 4 credits 

This course is a study of the aboriginal language of the Squamish people. The Squamish Nation is a distinct First Nation with a unique Language and culture. This course builds upon previous grammatical, communicative and cultural aspects learned in previous grades.  The expectations of language and of Squamish societal understandings become increasingly complex with each grade level and students will focus on cultural elements to learn the Squamish language. This will include: learning the history of the land and the people, understanding protocols for celebrations and ceremonies, and the sharing of stories and legends. A comparison to other Aboriginal languages and cultures is included. Students will be encouraged to write the language, translate sentences and give group oral presentations to the class.  As an elective, this course would also serve to educate non-Squamish students through a Squamish world view as expressed through its distinct language.  This course is open to all students.

SPANISH 10 4 credits 

In this third year of the MYP Spanish program, we extend and enrich Spanish language learning development toward more complex texts and experiences. The course continues to focus on extensive classroom use of high-frequency Spanish to further develop personal expression and communication skills and confidence, as well as exploration of both Hispanic and home cultures. We will participate in class discussions, storytelling and a variety of cultural activities to continue the development of confidence in acquiring the language.

FRENCH 11 4 credits 

This course is a continuation of the skills developed from previous years in French, focusing more on the context of ideas and using French in authentic situations. Both written and oral work will be used to analyze current events and look at the influence of French media. Units will focus on a variety of issues using relevant themes and literary classics to show a variety of representations of the French language. Students will be evaluated based on the four strands of language learning and develop communication skills for discussions and personal responses to texts. This course has a common school-based Final Exam.

SQUAMISH LANGUAGE 11 4 credits 

This course is a study of the aboriginal language of the Squamish people. The Squamish Nation is a distinct First Nation with a unique Language and culture. This course builds upon previous grammatical, communicative and cultural aspects learned in previous grades.  The expectations of language and of Squamish societal understandings become increasingly complex with each grade level and students will focus on cultural elements to learn the Squamish language. This will include: learning the history of the land and the people, understanding protocols for celebrations and ceremonies, and the sharing of stories and legends. A comparison to other Aboriginal languages and cultures is included. Students will be encouraged to write the language, translate sentences and give group oral presentations to the class.  As an elective, this course would also serve to educate non-Squamish students through a Squamish world view as expressed through its distinct language.  This course is open to all students.

INTRODUCTORY SPANISH 11  4 credits 

This is an introductory course in Spanish language and culture for students in Grades 10, 11 and 12.  Student evaluation is based on speaking and listening, reading and writing, with an emphasis on everyday oral communications.  Note:  This is an accelerated course, combining Spanish 9 and 10 into one year. 
This course has a common school-based Final Exam. 

SPANISH 11  4 credits 

This is an intensive Spanish course, which continues to stress the communicative approach.  Students will explore everyday communications in Spanish, including the past tense.  Student evaluation is based on speaking, listening, reading and writing, with the emphasis on reading and writing. 
This course has a common school-based Final Exam.  

IB FRENCH 11 (SL)  4 credits 
IB FRENCH 12 (SL or HL)  4 credits  each

IB French may be selected as an IB Certificate Course for students who are interested in extending their experiences in the French classroom. Please note that the IBO Registration Fee and the IB Exam Fee will be charged in the second year of the course. French (SL) is a two-year course that focuses on the acquisition of the language system and its application in four active and interrelated ways: listening, speaking, reading and writing. These four basic language skills receive equal emphasis and enable the student to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences. The student will also be able to use the language spontaneously and appropriately in accordance with the prevailing circumstance. Authentic materials will be used in order to maximize the students’ exposure to the target language and to model the appropriate use of the language in a range of situations and contexts for a variety of purposes. French will be the main language of communication in the class between the teacher and the student, as well as among the students themselves. This course gives the student the opportunity to reach a high degree of competency in French and an extensive exposure to the international Francophone community.

IB SPANISH 11 ab initio (SL)  4 credits 
IB SPANISH 12 ab initio (SL4 credits 

IB Spanish ab initio (SL) is a two-year course designed for students who do not have any prior knowledge of the language, but wish to study Spanish as their Language B.  In the Spanish ab initio course, students learn to communicate in a defined range of everyday situations, as well as develop intercultural understanding.   

FRENCH 12 4 credits β€‹

The emphasis of this senior language course will be on presenting Francophone culture through film across the francophone world. Themes of study and films will focus on different French speaking areas around the world and have students respond to a variety of topics that promote critical thinking and the world citizen. Each unit will focus on a representation of French and culture in different French speaking countries around the globe. The approach to language learning in this course will allow students to explore different francophone cultures across the world, discuss relevant global issues, and continue to improve communication skills in the French. After successfully completing this course, students will have actively engaged with historical, social and cultural issues.

SQUAMISH LANGUAGE 12 4 credits β€‹

This course is a study of the aboriginal language of the Squamish people. The Squamish Nation is a distinct First Nation with a unique Language and culture. This course builds upon previous grammatical, communicative and cultural aspects learned in previous grades.  The expectations of language and of Squamish societal understandings become increasingly complex with each grade level and students will focus on cultural elements to learn the Squamish language. This will include: learning the history of the land and the people, understanding protocols for celebrations and ceremonies, and the sharing of stories and legends. A comparison to other Aboriginal languages and cultures is included. Students will be encouraged to write the language, translate sentences and give group oral presentations to the class.  As an elective, this course would also serve to educate non-Squamish students through a Squamish world view as expressed through its distinct language.  This course is open to all students.​


SPANISH 12  4 credits 

This course is designed to follow Spanish 11 smoothly along the grammatical and functional sequence.  Strategies for developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing kills further help build student confidence, competence and accuracy in Spanish. 
This course has a common school-based Final Exam.