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To effectively compete in the global arena, students will benefit from being bilingual or trilingual. To better prepare our students, VIA offers instruction in Mandarin, Japanese, and Spanish, in addition to English.
Japanese I
This course, a primer in global education, exposes students to Japanese language and culture through Haiku poem writing, Kanji (Chinese) character practice in brush, a marshal arts spirit, and stimulating field trips. Topics covered include: basic vocabulary, greetings, the Hiragana and Katakana alphabets, nouns, verbs, adjectives, basic grammar, and introductory Japanese customs taught by a native expert.
Japanese II
This course reinforces and expands the students' grammar and vocabulary knowledge. It teaches verb and adjective conjugation, verbs and auxiliary verbs in writing, reading, speech, and listening. Students read and write paragraphs. They read simple articles, translate poems (Haiku), and other forms of language in a stimulating learning environment. They continue to build the Japanese alphabet and Kanji knowledge and participate in active learning activities such as greeting card making and the tea ceremony.
AP Japanese
Available based on an assessment test results.
Mandarin I
This class sets the foundation for all subsequent study of Mandarin and follows the "speak first, read second" approach. With an emphasis on proper pronunciation of words and tones, students will learn the vocabulary needed to carry on basic conversations, and develop the confidence to use the language outside class. Students will also a system of pronunciation specifically designed to build on sounds made in their native language, where applicable. Students will concurrently learn to write simplified characters, used in Mainland China, while also being able to recognize traditional characters still used in classic texts, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other regions. Through exposure to traditional Chinese culture, Chinese pop culture, games, music, technology, and food parties, students will build experiential connections to Chinese culture, and have fun in the process.
Spanish I
Students will learn basic reading and writing in Spanish. Topics covered include: greetings, vocabulary, articles, reading Spanish-language magazines, telling time, verb conjugation, daily conversation, and much more. The course offers a varied introduction to Spanish and Latin American culture, using audio and visual aids, field trips and hot but tasty Mexican food.
Spanish II
This course reinforces and expands students' grammar and vocabulary knowledge: it lets them conjugate verbs in many tenses, adding auxiliary verbs and proper idiomatic expressions in writing, reading, speech, and listening. Students learn multi-cultural environment of Spanish-speaking countries and write a short passage or story. The course offers cultural events, a spirit of fiesta, and taste of Spanish/Hispanic cuisine.
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