World Languages
Silvia Kurlat Ares
Upper School World Language Department Chair, Middle School DEIJ Coordinator
CESJDS offers two world languages, Arabic and Spanish, as electives. Students may opt to take a language as an elective, in addition to their Hebrew Language requirement.
Spanish
The Spanish Program at the World Languages Department offers beginners, intermediate, and advanced classes, which provide progressively more challenging conversational and grammatical skills, increasing a student’s ability to communicate in Spanish. All classes are highly interactive, and place great emphasis on communication. Students expand their knowledge and respect for other cultures, while improving their critical thinking skills through the analysis of art, literature and movies, and by familiarizing themselves with key historical figures. Students work towards proficiency in an environment that encourages risk taking and fosters lifelong learning, as stated in the ACTFL National Standards for Foreign Language Education. Proficiency is measured externally, and students take the AVANT exam at key points in the program to assess their progress. In addition, students at the top of our classes are invited to join the Spanish National Honor Society. The program also offers workshops, field trips, and an optional a triannual cultural immersion program in Argentina. Students can also collaborate with the award winning magazine, Melting Pot.
Core Skills
- To use the Spanish language skillfully, accurately, efficiently, and effectively.
- To reflect on a wide range of global issues and highly abstract concepts.
- To use persuasive and hypothetical discourse for representational purposes.
- To become familiar with the customs, cultures, and arts of the Hispanic World.
- To develop insights into the students’ own languages and cultures.
- To use the Spanish language skills beyond the classroom walls.
Arabic
The Arabic Program at the World Languages Department offers beginners and intermediate classes, which provide progressively more challenging conversational and grammatical skills, increasing a student’s ability to communicate in Arabic. All classes are highly interactive, and place great emphasis on communication. Students expand their knowledge and respect for other cultures, while improving their critical thinking skills through the analysis of short literary pieces and movies, and by familiarizing themselves with key historical figures and works of art. Students work towards proficiency in an environment that encourages risk taking and fosters lifelong learning, as stated in the ACTFL National Standards for Foreign Language Education. Proficiency is measured externally, and students take the AVANT exam in their 3rd year in the program to assess their progress. In addition, students at the top of our classes are invited to join the Arabic National Honor Society. The program also offers workshops and field trips, and students can also collaborate with the award winning magazine, Melting Pot
Core Skills
- To read, speak, and write in the present and past tenses.
- To become familiar with the cultures and customs of the Arabic World.
- To reinforce concepts already learned in other classes.
- To develop insights into the students’ own language and culture.
- To use their Arabic language skills beyond the classroom walls.