World Languages
Goals
Linguistic fluency and cultural competency are the primary goals of Maret’s Languages program. Our students learn to adapt resourcefully to new situations and cultural contexts; to build relationships with others based on mutual respect and understanding; and to use their language skills to communicate, persuade, and negotiate.
How We Teach
Maret’s language program has two central goals—linguistic acquisition and cultural competency. Our teachers provide an immersive experience in the classroom and use English as little as possible. We believe that mastering a language is not limited to the acquisition of linguistic skills; this is why our classrooms are also a place where students cultivate and grow their ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with the individuals who speak the languages that we teach.
Curriculum Snapshot
LOWER SCHOOL
Students are introduced to Spanish starting in kindergarten. They practice speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills as they gain an understanding of a range of cultures and learn what it means to be a student of languages.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
The middle school program builds students’ confidence and develops their fluency and proficiency. Middle school students may continue Spanish studies or opt to pursue French starting in sixth grade. Latin is offered starting in seventh grade. It is possible for a seventh or eighth grader to take both Latin and a modern language.
UPPER SCHOOL
In Upper School, students are required to take three years of language (Spanish, French, Latin, or Chinese), or two years of two languages. There are numerous language electives—including Arabic—for students who want to further increase their multilingual aptitude. Advanced students in French, Latin, and Spanish have the opportunity to take dual credit classes which can count for either a Language or a Humanities credit.
Signature Projects
These sample projects show the exceptional learning experience inherent in Maret's World Languages Program.
TED Talks
In Comparative Literature (Spanish) and The Question of Evil (French), students craft 15-minute presentations in the style of TED Talks. They present in the target language and build public speaking skills. They learn how to connect with an audience through compelling language, speech rhythm, and volume, as well as non-verbal communication techniques. Previous topics have included “How I Grieved and Grew from the Loss of My 17-year-old Cousin,” “The Hidden Merits of Video Games,” “How I Became Fascinated by British Politics,” “The Canvas of Our Bodies,” “Rivalry is Not Hate,” and “How Climbing Grounded Me.”
Summer Language Immersion Trips
Maret in France
During the summer immersion trip to France, students live and travel together for a month to improve their language skills, deepen their cultural understandings, make personal connections and grow as independent travelers and community members.
Maret in Costa
This program focuses on language acquisition through linguistic and cultural immersion with an emphasis on the study of global warming. Over the course of one month, Maret students live in a full-immersion environment, learning Spanish in context through daily life, interactive lessons and cultural experiences.
Expand Your Language Proficiency Through Our MSON Program
Malone Schools Online Network (MSON) provides motivated students at participating Malone Schools with a variety of academically challenging courses beyond what would normally be available to them. These language courses are among the offerings:/span>
ANCIENT GREEK | ARABIC | CHINESE SEMINAR | CHINESE SEMINAR + LITERATURE | GERMAN I | PORTUGUESE FOR SPANISH LANGUAGE STUDENTS