World Languages

The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District world language program currently spans grades 5 through 12 offering 5 modern world languages (Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Spanish ) and 1 classical language (Latin). All world language courses are aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) and Latin courses additionally align to the standards set forth by the American Classical League. The World Language Department believes that second language acquisition is essential in preparing students for the global economy and for becoming contributing members of local, national, and international communities. The goal of the program is to teach students to communicate in another language as well as appreciate other cultures. The study of world languages enables students to interact and communicate with others while gaining a greater understanding and respect for cultural perspectives, practices, and products of different countries.

In grades 5-6, students receive instruction in Spanish. In grade 5, Spanish is taught one class period a week for 43 minutes. In grade 6, Spanish is taught two class periods a week for 43 minutes each class period. The curriculum for these grade levels addresses the foundational concepts in Spanish as well as introduces students to the culture of the Spanish speaking world. Components of instruction include greetings, numbers, days of the week and the culture of Spanish-speaking people in different regions of the world.

In grades 7-8, students can choose to continue their study of Spanish, or they can choose to study French, Italian or Latin. Students receive daily instruction in the world language of their choice for 42 minutes each class period. Students study the same world language over two years at the middle school, as the level 1 curriculum is covered over 2 years at this level.

In grades 9-12, students sequentially study Chinese, French, German, Italian, Latin, or Spanish.  Students may opt to continue to study the language they chose to study in the middle school, or they may opt to study a different language. In high school, world language courses are a full year with different levels available based on preference and placement. In grades 9-12, students receive daily instruction in the world language of their choice for 40 minutes each day. The high school graduation requirement for world languages is one year of world languages, which upon completion, will satisfy the state requirement of five credits of world languages.