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

American Sign Language (ASL) is a dynamic and visually expressive language that offers a unique opportunity for students interested in breaking down communication barriers. With an estimated 360,000 to 517,000 deaf individuals in the U.S., proficiency in ASL can provide valuable preparation for careers in fields such as medicine, law, ministry, social work, and education. Learning ASL also fosters a deeper appreciation for the Deaf community and culture.

Important Note: While ASL can be a rewarding language choice, it presents unique challenges for native English speakers, as it requires mastering a movement-based system of communication distinct from traditional spoken and written languages. Students with accommodations or difficulty processing new grammatical structures may find ASL more demanding than other language options at VCHS, such as Latin, Spanish, or French. Careful consideration and consultation with advisors are recommended before selecting this course.

ASL I

ASL I introduces students to the background and development of various signing methods, along with Deaf culture. Students will become proficient in basic communication through fingerspelling, non-manual markers, the five parameters of ASL, and a small introduction to glossing in ASL word order. The course encourages greater peer-to-peer interaction, benefiting students' learning through active collaboration. Students will explore how ASL integrates into their Biblical understanding and learn the value and necessity of using ASL to share their faith in Jesus. American Sign Language is recognized as a foreign language by many colleges and universities.

Additional Expectations: Students will engage in “voice off” classes occasionally, immersing themselves in Deaf culture by learning without using their voices.

Important Note: While ASL can be a rewarding language choice, it presents unique challenges for native English speakers, as it requires mastering a movement-based system of communication distinct from traditional spoken and written languages. Students with accommodations or difficulty processing new grammatical structures may find ASL more demanding than other language options at VCHS, such as Latin, Spanish, or French. Careful consideration and consultation with advisors are recommended before selecting this course.

ASL II

ASL II builds on foundational skills with an increased focus on the distinction between facial expressions, body movements, classifiers, and non-manual markers. Students will learn body punctuation and expand their vocabulary with over 500 new words. The course emphasizes a greater understanding of grammatical structures and ASL word order translation. In addition to studying Deaf culture, Deaf art, and Deaf history, students will encapsulate their knowledge in a Deaf culture group project in the first semester. Semester Two includes guided conversations and a movie storytelling presentation that emphasizes the creativity and expressive nature of sign language. 

Additional Expectations: Students will engage in “voice off” classes more often, immersing themselves in Deaf culture by learning without using their voices.

ASL III

Additional Expectations: Students will engage in “voice off” classes as course standard, using English sparingly, immersing themselves in Deaf culture by learning without using their voices.

ASL IV Honors

Additional Expectations: Students will engage in “voice off” classes as course standard, immersing themselves in Deaf culture by learning without using their voices.

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. 

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 I

In this introductory course, students will begin their studies in the Latin language. Students will build fundamental grammar and vocabulary introduced through a story about a Roman girl and her family. Students will focus on learning basics of Latin grammar, including noun declension, verb conjugations, and other fundamentals of Latin. Students also will be introduced to the roots, prefixes and suffixes of the Modern English that have their origins in the Latin Language. Students will also experience the Roman world through the writings of authors and poets who lived in the Roman world.

Important Note: VCHS only offers two levels of Latin each 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. Latin II will be offered in during the 2024-25 school year. In the 2025-26 school year, VCHS will offer Latin I and III only, with Latin II returning the following year.

Latin III

In this third level course, students will continue their studies in the Latin language. Building upon the fundamental grammar and vocabulary introduced in previous Latin courses, students will be introduced to more advanced concepts and language. Students will focus on expanding the use of the subjunctive mood, and reading authentic Latin texts. Students also will be introduced to poetry, including its context and origins. Students will experience the Roman world through the writings of authors and poets who lived before, during, and after Rome’s transformation from republic into empire. All these concepts will be applied in the students own work, whether it be in their writing, listening, and speaking.

Important Note: VCHS only offers two levels of Latin each 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. Latin II will be offered in during the 2024-25 school year. In the 2025-26 school year, VCHS will offer Latin I and III only, with Latin II returning the following year.

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 introduces students to the foundational elements of the Spanish language, focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Throughout the course, students build essential vocabulary and grammar knowledge, enabling them to communicate effectively in everyday situations. By the end of the course, students will have the ability to engage in simple conversations, write basic letters, make travel arrangements, and order food confidently. Cultural elements are also incorporated, providing students with a broader understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. This course lays the groundwork for continued language study and real-world application.

Spanish II

Spanish II builds upon the foundational communication, vocabulary, and grammar skills acquired in Spanish I, advancing students' proficiency in the language. Students engage in creative writing assignments, produce multimedia presentations, and participate in discussions conducted in Spanish. The course emphasizes cultural exploration, as students analyze art, music, literature, customs, and current events from Spanish-speaking countries. By immersing themselves in more complex language structures and cultural topics, students develop both linguistic fluency and cultural awareness. Spanish II equips learners with the skills needed for meaningful interaction and prepares them for further language study.

Spanish III

Spanish III provides an in-depth review of the basic structures of the Spanish language, emphasizing increased fluency and accuracy in reading, writing, and speaking. Students refine their communication skills through engaging activities and practical applications of the language. The course introduces more complex grammar concepts and expands vocabulary, enabling students to express themselves with greater confidence and precision. Cultural studies further enhance the learning experience, providing meaningful connections to the Spanish-speaking world. Spanish III serves as a bridge to advanced language proficiency.

Spanish III Honors

Spanish III Honors is designed to prepare students for success in Spanish IV and AP Spanish through rigorous and immersive language study. The course emphasizes advanced reading and writing skills, while continuing to refine speaking and listening abilities. Students deepen their knowledge of Spanish grammar and significantly expand their vocabulary. Literary analysis and cultural studies are key components, enabling students to exchange information accurately and authentically in Spanish. Assignments and assessments are more challenging, with a faster-paced curriculum that fosters critical thinking and advanced language use.

Spanish IV

Spanish IV focuses on developing proficiency in the Spanish language through advanced grammar, an extensive vocabulary, and more sophisticated conversational skills. Students enhance their language abilities by engaging in meaningful projects, such as creating videos, and by reading a variety of texts, including novels, the Bible, and Spanish-language publications. The course encourages critical thinking and cultural appreciation through discussions and activities that connect language learning with real-world contexts. Spanish IV provides students with the tools to communicate confidently and effectively in a variety of advanced settings.

AP Spanish Language & Culture

AP Spanish Language and Culture is an immersive course taught entirely in Spanish, and fluency in the language is required for success. This course prepares students to excel on the AP Spanish Language exam by integrating advanced reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through authentic Spanish-language sources. Students explore regional accents and cultural diversity by engaging with multimedia resources such as radio broadcasts, online content, and literature from various Hispanic countries. Current events and topics relevant to Hispanic life deepen their understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. The course emphasizes mastery of advanced grammar, along with extensive practice in written and spoken communication, ensuring students are well-prepared for the highest level of language proficiency and cultural understanding.