World Language

At MPH, we believe that proficiency, and ideally, fluency, in a world language is the gateway to global citizenship. We value the study of languages not only for the immediate practical benefits, but also for the way in which learning a new language enables the student to learn a new culture, and thereby see their own more clearly. MPH offers instruction in French, Latin, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. Students often pursue their language of choice through the most advanced courses, and many also take advantage of our international travel and immersion programs.

 Small classes are essential to MPH’s excellence in language instruction. Students are immersed in the cultural products of the countries whose language they are studying. They may do as the Romans did, prepare a Spanish meal, read a French magazine, or watch a Chinese film. Because the study of a world language entails a progressive acquisition of linguistic skills, our program is intentional in its vertical articulation.

Courses

Middle School Sequence French

French Foundations A-B

This mixed-grade two-year course is an exploration of language and culture, using the language as the vehicle for developing communication skills.  Each day, students will develop their competence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with interactive lessons, conversations, and practical topics centered around daily life. The language is presented within the context of exchanging personal information and storytelling in historical contexts as well as the present day. Emphasis is placed on the student’s ability to develop a passion for lifelong learning of a second language with increasing independence using the three skills of communication in a real-world context. 

French Novice A

French Novice is an immersion course designed with acquisition-driven instruction principles and a proficiency-oriented approach. Students will develop communicative competence through interactive lessons, leveled readings, class discussions, and daily shared writing. Through a series of genre-based units, students will develop their ability to interpret and express meaning in the language, in various language functions: describing, narrating, narrating for significance, informing, stating opinions, and constructing text-based arguments. These functions will be incorporated into a variety of communicative contexts, focusing on daily life and real-world applications. Students will perform these tasks with an appropriate level of accuracy and proficiency in interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. Students will maintain a portfolio of work samples demonstrating their growth.

Middle School Sequence Spanish

Spanish Foundations A-B

Spanish Novice A

Spanish Novice is an immersion course designed with acquisition-driven instruction principles and a proficiency-oriented approach. Students will develop communicative competence through interactive lessons, leveled readings, class discussions, and daily shared writing. Through a series of genre-based units, students will develop their ability to interpret and express meaning in the language, in various language functions: describing, narrating, narrating for significance, informing, stating opinions, and constructing text-based arguments. These functions will be incorporated into a variety of communicative contexts, focusing on daily life and real-world applications. Students will perform these tasks with an appropriate level of accuracy and proficiency in interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. Students will maintain a portfolio of work samples demonstrating their growth.

Middle School Mandarin Chinese Sequence

Mandarin Chinese Foundations A – B

Mandarin Chinese Foundations is a two-year mixed-grade level course that builds a foundation and a passion for language learning through four modalities of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students will develop their vocabulary and grammar skills by interacting with the target language in daily life conversations and related cultural knowledge.

Mandarin Chinese Novice A

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of the Chinese language: tones/phonetics, characters writing system, and cultures at a faster pace. There is a more in-depth look at grammatical structures and vocabulary. The emphasis is on reading, writing, speaking, and listening communicative skills. Students will be expected to present information about everyday topics using simple practiced or memorized words, phrases, and short sentences through spoken and written language.

Middle School Latin Sequence

Latin Foundations A – B

The primary objectives of this Latin class are to comprehend the language for reading purposes as well as to enhance the knowledge of classical civilization. Students also enrich their vocabulary daily through the role of Latin roots in English derivatives. Finally, students will become more familiar with the vast world of ancient Rome and its influence on our own world.

Latin Novice A

Novice students continue their study of language through the Cambridge Latin Class. Specific goals include a greater comprehension of Latin through reading and an enhanced understanding of the history and culture of Roman civilization. Students increase their knowledge of Latin vocabulary as well as English derivatives. There is a strong focus on two distant Roman provinces, Britain and Egypt.