World Language

Department Overview

DESCRIPTION OF EXCELLENCE

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 tells us to spread the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ to all nations. The World Language department offers students the opportunity to become proficient in five languages other than English. Communication and cultural understanding are essential skills for success in college, career, and ministry and prepare our students to influence the world for Christ.

DISTINCTIVE EXPERIENCE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Students can join national honor societies and compete for awards and scholarships, as well as join clubs in every language offered. Guest speakers and interaction with the community offer rich experience along with travel opportunities. The study of a World Language prepares students for a successful future.

The VCHS World Language Department prepares students with comprehensive language study that includes not only e-texts, but also online listening, speaking, games and activities.  Students hear authentic pronunciation in classes and online. They use the target languages in context, preparing them to use the languages in real life in our world today and in the future.

World Language Placement Testing: Students may take a placement test to evaluate which level is appropriate for him/her. If a student wishes to skip a year of a language because they are a native speaker of the language he/she wishes to take, or if a student has extensive experience in the language, a placement test must be taken to evaluate the level of mastery. Placement tests will be held in mid-July and early August. 

Department Map

WORLD LANGUAGE COURSES 

World language courses may be taken beginning in grades 9, 10, and 11. Two years of a world language are required to graduate from VCHS. VCHS highly recommends at least three years of a world language for eligibility to UC level colleges and universities. Placements in sections higher than level 1 are available by testing for students who have prior knowledge of a language. 

This map is a general planning tool, intended to show the course and typical student tracks. Students may deviate from the map and should consult with counselors and teachers to find the best classes to meet their academic and spiritual goals. Courses offered may vary from year to year.

American Sign Language

The study of American Sign Language (ASL) is a perfect choice for many students. This artful and expressive movement-based language is very effective for those who struggle with the traditional vocabulary and grammar memorization of language learning. The National Census for Deaf Persons estimates that the number of deaf people needing Sign Language numbers from 360,000 to 517,000 in the U.S. alone. Knowledge of ASL gives students valuable preparation for careers in medicine, law, ministry, social work, economics, and education as sign language interpreters and instructors.

Important Note: Students considering ASL should know that ASL is more challenging for native English speakers to learn than many of the other languages at VCHS, including Spanish and French.

ASL I

ASL I introduces students to the background and development of the different signing methods along with Deaf culture. Students become proficient at signing through spelling, gestures, and vocabulary necessary for basic communication. This course is highly interactive and project-based, which is ideal for students who learn best through movement (kinesthetic learners). American Sign Language is a recognized foreign language by many colleges and universities.

Additional Expectations: Students are expected to experience Deafness throughout both semesters and integrate ASL into their spiritual understanding.

ASL II

ASL II increases vocabulary and fluency, adding facial expressions and body movements. Students learn more about Deaf culture, including taking a look at Deaf artwork and Deaf artists. Students begin to put together complete conversations and spontaneous dialogues with each other and the teacher. Students are also being exposed to situations in which they can use American Sign Language.

ASL III

ASL III includes over 200 new ASL signs. Dialogues include motivation for learning ASL, professions, commerce, and religious signing. Students learn more ways to use ASL sentence structures in conversation. Facial expression and movement are emphasized.

Additional Expectations: Students have the opportunity to perform a Deaf play and create a Deaf newscast.

Chinese (Mandarin)

Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China. It is the most extensively spoken language in the world. More than 1.4 billion people use Mandarin as their first language. Mandarin speakers are in high demand both in public and private sectors. Speaking Mandarin is invaluable in the fields of politics, economics, journalism, healthcare, social services, ministry, and more. It is particularly useful in our own Bay Area with its diverse population.

Please note that both the US Foreign Service Institute and the Defense Language Institute categorize Chinese as a difficult language for native English speakers to learn. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages says that it takes 4 times longer for students studying Chinese to achieve the same level of proficiency as students studying Level 1 languages (Spanish, French, Latin, etc.). Students selecting Chinese courses may need to take into account additional study time to achieve success.

Additional practical guidance: VCHS homework limits include 30 minutes of outside work per standard class meeting and 60 minutes of outside work per honors/AP class meeting. Based on the ACTFL estimates, students with little or no exposure to Mandarin prior to enrollment might expect 2-4 hours of outside work per class meeting.

Mandarin I

Please note that both the US Foreign Service Institute and the Defense Language Institute categorize Chinese as a difficult language for native English speakers to learn. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages says that it takes 4 times longer for students studying Chinese to achieve the same level of proficiency as students studying Level 1 languages (Spanish, French, Latin, etc.). Students selecting Chinese courses may need to take into account additional study time to achieve success.

This course is taught and students are evaluated using simplified characters rather than traditional.

Mandarin II

Please note that both the US Foreign Service Institute and the Defense Language Institute categorize Chinese as a difficult language for native English speakers to learn. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages says that it takes 4 times longer for students studying Chinese to achieve the same level of proficiency as students studying Level 1 languages (Spanish, French, Latin, etc.). Students selecting Chinese courses may need to take into account additional study time to achieve success.

Mandarin III

Please note that both the US Foreign Service Institute and the Defense Language Institute categorize Chinese as a difficult language for native English speakers to learn. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages says that it takes 4 times longer for students studying Chinese to achieve the same level of proficiency as students studying Level 1 languages (Spanish, French, Latin, etc.). Students selecting Chinese courses may need to take into account additional study time to achieve success.

Note: Students who intend to take the AP Exam in May should enroll in AP Chinese the year they intend to take the exam. Due to space limitations, students enrolled in AP Chinese will be given priority when signing up for the AP Exam, and there may not be space for students who are not enrolled in AP Chinese. 

AP Chinese Language & Culture

Please note that both the US Foreign Service Institute and the Defense Language Institute categorize Chinese as a difficult language for native English speakers to learn. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages says that it takes 4 times longer for students studying Chinese to achieve the same level of proficiency as students studying Level 1 languages (Spanish, French, Latin, etc.). Students selecting Chinese courses may need to take into account additional study time to achieve success.

French

As of 2023, French remains the fifth-most spoken language in the world (and the language with the third-most non-native speakers). Berlitz, the language education and leadership company, argues that "if English is the language of business, then French is considered the language of culture."  In addition to serving as a linguistic gateway to new frontiers of art and sport -- The Three Musketeers! Les Miserables! The Tour de France! -- the study of French is uniquely helpful to students' overall reading and writing skills. Roughly half of the words in the English vocabulary derive from French origins. 

French I

French I builds an elementary vocabulary of French words and idioms and helps students master correct pronunciation, important grammatical functions, and the present and most common past tenses. There is an emphasis on learning to function in the French language in real life situations. Students learn about the geography and culture of French-speaking countries around the world, and sing French songs. Students memorize and analyze Bible passages in French.

French II

French II advances vocabulary and grammar study, enabling students to communicate in French with a higher level of proficiency. This course is a continuation of the work done in French I, with an emphasis on writing and speaking French fluently. New verb tenses, grammar, and vocabulary make students more confident in conversation and with the written word. Students memorize and analyze Bible passages in French. Singing and acting out stories make this a fun course.

French III

French III reviews and advances grammar skills and increases fluency and facility in reading and writing. Students become adept at asking questions and expressing their opinions in real life situations in the French language. Students continue to learn about French culture across the globe. Students memorize and analyze Bible passages in French. Students continue to sing in French. At the end of the year, students read a historical fiction novelette.

French IV Honors

Latin

The benefits of studying Latin are all-encompassing. Closely connected to English, Latin enables students familiar with it to better understand English vocabulary words. Latin students also typically see an increase in SAT scores. Studying Latin vocabulary brings students in contact with word roots, prefixes, and suffixes, which constitute 60% of all English words and 90% of those over two syllables long. Students can also relate more easily to many terms they are asked to learn in geography, biology, astronomy, math, civics, and social studies.

Important Note: For several year, VCHS has only offered two levels of Latin in a given year, with a maximum of three years of Latin. Because VCHS did not offer Latin I in the 2022-23 school year, Latin II was not offered in 2023-24. In the 2025 school year, Latin I will not run due to low enrollment. In the 2025-26 school year, VCHS will offer Latin III.

Latin II

In this second year course, students will continue their studies in the Latin language. Building upon the fundamental grammar and vocabulary introduced in each student's previous Latin course, Latin II introduces students to more advanced concepts and language. Students will focus on learning complex constructions, such as the relative clause, the subjunctive mood, and participles. Students also will continue to learn about connections between Latin and Modern English. Students will experience the Roman world and its culture through the continuing story about a Roman girl and her family. All these concepts will be applied in the students own work, whether it be in their writing, listening, and speaking.

Important Note: For several year, VCHS has only offered two levels of Latin in a given year, with a maximum of three years of Latin. Because VCHS did not offer Latin I in the 2022-23 school year, Latin II was not offered in 2023-24. In the 2025 school year, Latin I will not run due to low enrollment. In the 2025-26 school year, VCHS will offer Latin III.

Spanish

Spanish is the third most spoken language worldwide. An official language of over twenty-one countries on four continents, Spanish is also one of the official languages of the United Nations, the European Union, and many other organizations. Spanish is spoken natively by nearly twenty-five million people in the U.S., making it the fifth largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. Within a few decades, Spanish is expected to be the first language of over 50% of the U.S. population. An ability to speak Spanish gives students an advantage in employment opportunities and salary potential in a wide range of fields such as law, education, medicine, and the media.

Spanish I

Spanish I builds foundational knowledge of the language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students learn the Spanish vocabulary and grammar necessary to function in another country, leaving the course with the ability to hold a simple conversation, write letters, make travel arrangements, and order food.

Spanish II

Spanish II advances from Spanish I communication, vocabulary, and grammar skills. Students submit creative writing, produce multimedia presentations, and discuss art, music, literature, customs, and current events in Spanish.

Spanish III

Spanish III reviews in detail the basic structures of the Spanish language, increasing fluency and facility in reading, writing, and speaking.

Spanish III Honors

Spanish III Honors is intended to prepare students for success in Spanish IV and AP Spanish. They increase their reading and writing skills while continuing to improve their speaking and listening skills. Knowledge of Spanish grammar is honed, and vocabulary acquisition is advanced. Students engage in literary analysis in Spanish. They also learn to exchange information in Spanish with accuracy and within an authentic cultural context. Assignments and assessments are more challenging and move at a faster pace than the regular Spanish III course.

Spanish IV

Spanish IV develops proficiency in the Spanish language through advanced grammar, extensive vocabulary, and deeper-level conversation. Projects include creating videos, and students read novels, the Bible, and Spanish- language publications.

AP Spanish Language & Culture

AP Spanish Language and Culture prepares students to excel on the AP Spanish Language examination through the integration of reading, writing, speaking, and listening using authentic sources in Spanish. Through the use of these multi-media sources, students become familiar with the various regional accents of Spanish speakers. Resources include radio and online sources from various countries, literature from several Hispanic countries and current events, and issues relevant to Hispanic life. Students master the highest level of Spanish grammar and practice their skills in writing and conversation.