All world language courses at CBHS introduce the student to both the target language and target cultures
as they relate to Portland, Maine and the world. Students are expected to use the target language in their
classroom interactions, and interpersonal communication is a major focus. Vocabulary and grammar
concepts are introduced in context and linked to real life situations. World language courses will focus on
speaking, listening, reading, and writing while students gain an appreciation for the power of language
as a catalyst for making connections to other people. Through a partnership with USM and the
Confucius Institute, we are able to offer Introductory Chinese and Chinese Two/Three for the 2018-19
school year. All world language courses are year-long and worth two UPs.
Chinese One
Level one language courses focus on building the foundational skills necessary to become effective
communicators in the target language. Students will be immersed in thematic units structured around
concepts of communication, self, school life, family, transportation and traveling and holidays. Students
will be expected to learn Mandarin phonetic symbols, Pinyin, and basic character recognition and writing;
they will also learn how to use basic and everyday words and phrases to communicate to Chinese
speakers in Chinese.
Chinese Two
Level two language will build on the skills achieved in level one in order to further communication skills,
especially the listening and speaking skills of the Chinese language. Students will become proficient in
basic sentence patterns and character recognition and writing, be able to initiate some limited
conversations in Chinese, such as asking questions concerning daily life, and provide proper answers to
these questions during the communication.
Spanish One and French One
Level one language courses focus on building the foundational skills necessary to become effective
communicators in the target languages. Students will be immersed in thematic units structured around
concepts of family, self, work, school, and culturally relevant stories and holidays. Students will be
expected to use memorized words and phrases to communicate to peers and teachers in the target
language in the present tense. (French One will not be offered in 2018-2019 due to low enrollment.)
Spanish Two and French Two
Level two language will build on the skills achieved in level one in order to further the communication
and comprehension skills. Classes will be mostly conducted in the target language. It will especially
focus on reading comprehension, decoding authentic texts and building vocabulary. Students will learn
and be able to use the past and future tenses, initiate a conversation, ask questions, and provide answers to
both peers, teachers, and native speakers using simple sentences.
Spanish Three/Four/Five and French Three/Four/Five
Upper level language courses will focus on refining and practicing communication skills gained in
previous language experiences and courses. Levels three and four are structured around a language
expedition, providing students with an opportunity to engage in the target language in a real-world setting
and take a stance on a current issue. Through the preparation for, execution, and completion of the
expedition, students will read authentic texts, speak with native speakers, write first person narratives and
persuasive essays as well as hone various language skills in order to practice proficiency in the target
language. Spanish and French Five will focus heavily on using literature from the Spanish and French
speaking world in order to discuss a variety of topics relevant to the lives of students and our society.