Welcome to the Languages Department.

In an increasingly international world, language is the key to understanding. Pinetree’s Language Department provides opportunities for students to learn French, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish. All Grade 12 level languages include an optional Provincial Exam component.

FRENCH 9
French 9 builds on skills acquired in Grades 5-8. This is, however, an introductory language course. Students will learn effective language learning strategies and develop basic language skills. We hop that students will develop an appreciation of Francophone language and culture as they are exposed to written language, chanting, singing and games. This course is not designed for native speakers of French or students with an extensive French Immersion background.

FRENCH 10
French 10 expands on language strategies and language skills through story and song. Group-pair work is emphasized. Reading, writing, speaking and listening are developed through themes such as survival in a francophone environment, future professions, and the news. This course is not designed for native speakers of French.

FRENCH 11
By the end of this Language 11 course, students will be able to interact in French with flowing ease. Vocabulary development and the use of language strategies take on a greater importance. Students will exchange opinions, describe or narrate with more complex structures. Group/pair work continues to be a focus. This course is not designed for native speakers of French.

FRENCH 12
By the end of French 12, students will be able to interact comfortably in a variety of situations and formats. They will be able to express their opinions and debate them with a range of vocabulary and with some spontaneity. Using film and literature become more frequent at this level.. This course includes an optional Provincial Exam component.

JAPANESE 9
In this introductory course students will learn to talk about themselves and their lives in Japanese. This course assumes no prior knowledge of the language. Through projects and activities students will develop communication skills of speaking, listening reading and writing skills. They will learn one native script. Cultural awareness is also a key component. Note: Not intended for students whose first language is Japanese.

JAPANESE 10
Japanese 10 expands on concepts first introduced in Japanese 9. The focus is on reading, writing, speaking and listening. A variety of topics will be explored. Students will also develop a further appreciation for Japanese culture including a unit on the samurai. Students will also master a native script (Katakana) and some kanji. Note: Not intended for students whose first language is Japanese.

INTRODUCTORY JAPANESE 11
This is an accelerated course that includes the curriculum of both Japanese 9 and Japanese 10 in one semester. The course contains the fundamental elements of the language: listening, speaking, reading and writing with an emphasis on preparing the student for Japanese 11. Note: This course is not intended for native speakers of Japanese.

JAPANESE 11
Japanese 11 allows students to build upon what they have learned by emphasizing fluency in a variety of situations. The expression of more complex ideas will also be developed. Kanji characters continue to be introduced. Cultural awareness is also a component of this course. Note: Students considering Japanese 12 should consider taking Japanese 11 and 12 sequentially in the same year.

JAPANESE 12
By the end of Japanese 12 students should be able to interact comfortably in a variety of situations drawn from real life. They will have expanded their abilities in oral and written communication with an emphasis on speaking and writing. Kanji character knowledge is also increased. This course includes an optional Provincial Exam component. Note: Students considering Japanese 12 should consider taking Japanese 11 and 12 sequentially in the same year.

MANDARIN 9
This is a beginning course. Han Yu Pin Yin and simplified Chinese Characters will be introduced to help students master basic language skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. By the end of this course, students should be able to order Chinese food in a Chinese restaurant and write a book about their family.

MANDARIN 10
This course builds upon the work done in Mandarin 9. Students will further develop their language skills through a variety of projects and activities. Appreciation of the Chinese culture is also a vital part of this course.

MANDARIN 11
Students should be able to use the Chinese language in practical situations that are common to social interaction by the end of Mandarin 11. They will work on reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Pin Yin, simplified Chinese characters, and English translations will be emphasized. Cultural awareness is also a component of this course. Note: Students considering Mandarin 12 may take Mandarin 11 and 12 sequentially in the same year..

MANDARIN 12
More emphasis will be placed on grammar, Pin Yin, and English translations at this level, in addition to the four fundamental skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Cultural awareness is also a component of this course. Note: Students considering Mandarin 12 may take Mandarin 11 and 12 sequentially in the same year. This course includes an optional Provincial Exam component.

SPANISH 9
This is an introductory course, which focuses on effective communication. The students are taught basic grammar and vocabulary. Through a variety of activities, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills will be developed. The cultural component explores the life of Spanish speaking people in different countries. Note: This course is not intended for native speakers of Spanish.

SPANISH 10
This course builds upon the concepts taught in Spanish 9. The focus continues to be on communication, both oral and written. Students will participate in a variety of activities to help develop their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. They will also further develop their understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. Note: This course is not intended for native speakers of Spanish.

INTRODUCTORY SPANISH 11
This is an accelerated course that includes the curriculum of both Spanish 9 and Spanish 10 in one semester. The course contains the fundamental elements of the language: listening, speaking, reading and writing with an emphasis on preparing the student for Spanish 11. Note: This course is not intended for native speakers of Spanish.

SPANISH 11
This course provides development in listening, speaking reading and writing. Spanish speaking cultures, history and literature will also be components of the course. Students considering Spanish 12 may take Spanish 11 and Spanish 12 in the same school year.

SPANISH 12
Spanish 12 is a continuation of Spanish 11 and provides further development in listening, speaking, reading and writing. This course includes an optional Provincial Exam component. Note: Students considering Spanish 12 should consider taking Spanish 11 and 12 sequentially in the same year.