|
This Issue’s Feature: College Prep & The World Languages Department
The World Languages curriculum provides students the opportunity to begin or continue their study of Chinese, French, and/or Spanish. In accordance with the National World-Readiness standards for Learning Languages from the American Council on the Teacher of Foreign Languages, the curriculum is designed to foster communication in the target language, to stress knowledge of the target culture, to encourage connections with other disciplines, to make comparisons between the target language and culture and their own, and finally, to participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world.
Department Chair Elizabeth Brand: “The benefits to learning a second language, first, supports our SFHS mission to develop responsible world citizens. We create a community that supports cultures and languages in order to understand our diverse and interesting world. Additionally, research has shown a correlation between learning languages and higher academic success at the college level as well as higher achievement on standardized tests. Lastly, many cognitive benefits relate to bilingualism.”
WORLD LANGUAGES – BEYOND THE CLASSROOM OPPORTUNITIES
International Trips
The World Languages Department hosts international trips. The next offering is a 10-day trip to France and Spain, taking place in June 2025. The benefits of educational travel are far-reaching, enriching students’ understanding of the world and of themselves. Students experience full itineraries including unique cultural experiences with expertly-trained, knowledgeable tour managers while staying at centrally located hotels near famous sites.
Elizabeth W. ’25: “When I heard about the trip, I was super excited, and it’s been a dream of mine to go abroad. We had weekly meetings with chaperones and students ahead of time to prepare us about all things from the culture to important safety tips to what was expected of us. The meetings helped me feel prepared and gave my parents peace of mind. Once we arrived, I realized I was naive about the fact that not as many people speak English as I thought. The best way to experience the culture is to immerse yourself, so I was grateful for my teachers’ advice to try. Our tour guide was great and gave great insights. She took us to museums, churches, and historical sites. It was a very in-depth experience, and I grew more proficient in the language. The experience made me excited to continue learning languages, but to also continue learning about different cultures and world history. It was a very well-rounded experience – from trying new foods and having fun – and also really learning the languages and cultures. The trip also taught me more about independence, money management, learning how to navigate with maps and subways. The experience was one of the best times of my life and a favorite St. Francis moment!”
Seal of Biliteracy
The Seal of Biliteracy program celebrates students’ ability to speak multiple languages. Being able to speak another language opens the doors for greater communication and connection. Students can earn the Seal of Biliteracy from the State of Illinois. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, “The Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy is an award presented at graduation in recognition of attaining a high-level proficiency in English and one or more other languages. It is officially designated on a student’s transcript and high school diploma. In Illinois, the seal also translates into Foreign Language course credit at public colleges and universities.”
Kyle Z. ’24: “St. Francis has given me the foundation from freshman year to now (even before that with Mrs. K in middle school) that has helped me succeed in obtaining the Seal of Biliteracy. I feel prepared to effectively communicate with future employers and colleagues as I continue on in my adult journey. I can gain college credit and if I study abroad, I can use my Spanish skills, and I’ll be confident and prepared to do so.”
Chinese, French, and Spanish Honor Societies
Congratulations to the students inducted into the World Language Honor Society and those who earned the Illinois Seal of Biliteracy or a Commendation which demonstrates their functional fluency. The students were recognized in a ceremony on Wednesday, April 10. Click here to view the program and list of students recognized.
Chinese Summer Camp
Campers will have the opportunity to practice and improve their Chinese language skills through interactive activities. Plus, the camp will offer cultural crafts that will give campers a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and enroll your child in our Chinese Summer Camp; click here to register.
| 
