Students at Gann Academy learn Romance languages in order to embark on an adventure into different worlds while making connections with their own world.

From the earliest stages of learning a language, students acquire and apply the concepts and vocabulary set in the context of the culture. We find common bonds and compare our similarities and differences. Language gives meaning to our lives and influences how we communicate with others and how we interpret life.

The study of communications is a continuing process. Languages provide us with a window into other cultures, allowing us to be aware and to share. Understanding the world in its many facets and comprehending the impact of evolving language and culture are important components of the Romance language program.

The Romance Language program at Gann Academy allows us to explore world literature, philosophy, and culture as well as to explore our Jewish connections by learning about Jewish communities in other lands. We hope that students will continue to reflect upon the lessons learned here and that they will incorporate this knowledge into their future studies.

French II places emphasis on writing and conversational aspects of the study of French, and also includes developing the skills of listening and reading. The student is immersed in the language, and the course stresses strengthening communication skills. Vocabulary and grammatical structures are reviewed and expanded through the text as well as with supplemental readings. In addition, students study various Francophone cultures. The course varies with independent and cooperative learning both in class and outside of class. Discussions, compositions, and presentations are the core of the course work through paired activities and individual work. Supplementary work and reinforcement are achieved through use of the computer and internet sites.  

Spanish I emphasizes the conversational aspect of the study of the language, although the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing are all included. The student is immersed in the language and expected to develop the skills to communicate with a native speaker. Vocabulary and grammatical structures are taught and employed on a daily basis. Supplementary articles are read in order to expand vocabulary and grammar. Communication and practice along with cultural awareness are the areas of emphasis. Thematic vocabulary and useful expressions are the daily areas of concentration. The activities vary and include group work and cooperative learning. Paired activities and skits promote students’ learning and check their progress. Discussions, compositions and presentations are the core of the course work. Supplementary work and reinforcement is achieved through various uses of the computer and internet sites. 

Spanish II continues the immersion in Spanish that students began in Spanish I. The course will teach the following verb tenses and types of verbs: present, present progressive, preterite, the imperfect, and commands. Spanish II is based on four skills: listening and reading comprehension, writing and speaking skills. Students strengthen speaking and listening skills by engaging in class discussions in Spanish. The class builds on vocabulary and grammar in order to strengthen comprehension and writing skills. Supplementary work and reinforcement is achieved through various uses of the computer and internet sites. 

Spanish II (Advanced) places emphasis on writing and the conversational aspects of the study of Spanish, although the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing are all included and emphasized. The student is immersed in the language and the course stresses strengthening communication skills. Vocabulary and grammatical structures are reviewed and expanded through supplemental readings and the text. In addition, students study various Hispanic cultures. Themes and/or topics for discussion and projects are presented to the students to supplement the text. The course varies with independent and cooperative learning both in class and outside of class. Discussions, compositions, and presentations are the core of the course work through paired activities and individual work. Supplementary work and reinforcement is achieved through various uses of the computer and internet sites. 

In Spanish III students build on skills developed in Spanish II and further develop grammatical structures and vocabulary. They are exposed to the following verbs tenses and types of verb tenses: present, present progressive, preterite, imperfect, future, conditional, present subjunctive, and commands. The course is based on four skills: listening and reading skills, writing and speaking skills. The class continues to stress communication skills by speaking and writing extensively in Spanish. Also included is a study in greater depth of culture and literature. Supplementary work and reinforcement is achieved through various uses of the computer and internet sites. 

Spanish III (Advanced) places emphasis on the conversational aspect of the study of the language, although the four skills of listening, reading speaking and writing are all included. The student is immersed in the language. The class starts to read and to interpret literature as well as to study the culture of various countries in the Hispanic world, and there is an introduction of historical events that have had an impact on these countries. The En Espanol Tres text has supplementary tools for expansion of vocabulary and grammar. The text also presents themes and topics for discussions and projects. In addition, students read short literary representations. Students are expected to do more writing in this course than in previous ones. The course varies with independent and cooperative learning both in class and outside of class. Papers, discussions, projects and presentations are the core of the course work. Supplementary work and reinforcement is achieved through various uses of the computer and internet sites. 

Spanish IV places emphasis on listening comprehension and the conversational aspect of the study of the language, although the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing are all included. The student is immersed in the language. There is a deeper discussion of Hispanic culture than in previous classes. Students read and interpret literature as well as start a study of the art and music from various countries in the Hispanic world. The class also expands its knowledge of historical events. Students have the option of preparing for the SAT II in Spanish. Supplementary vocabulary, grammar and themes (or topics) are provided for discussion and projects, vocabulary and grammatical structures are reviewed and expanded, and the writing requirements and reading comprehension are increased in this course. The course varies with independent and cooperative learning both in class and outside of class. Essays, discussions, longer projects and presentations are the core of the course work. Supplementary work and reinforcement is achieved through various uses of the computer and internet sites. 

Spanish IV places emphasis on listening comprehension and the conversational aspect of the study of the language, although the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing are all included. The student is immersed in the language. There is a deeper discussion of Hispanic culture than in previous classes. Students read and interpret literature as well as start a study of the art and music from various countries in the Hispanic world. The class also expands its knowledge of historical events. Students have the option of preparing for the SAT II in Spanish. Supplementary vocabulary, grammar and themes (or topics) are provided for discussion and projects, vocabulary and grammatical structures are reviewed and expanded, and the writing requirements and reading comprehension are increased in this course. The course varies with independent and cooperative learning both in class and outside of class. Essays, discussions, longer projects and presentations are the core of the course work. Supplementary work and reinforcement is achieved through various uses of the computer and internet sites. 

Spanish V is an advanced conversational course with AP reading material and thematic topics. The student is immersed in the language, reading and interpreting literature, as well as studying the art and music from various countries in the Hispanic world. The students expand and apply their knowledge of historical events to the cultures of today. Vocabulary and grammatical structures are reviewed and expanded throughout the year. The writing requirements for this course are more demanding than in less advanced classes. The course varies with independent and cooperative learning both in class and outside of class. Essays, discussions, projects and presentations are the core of the course work. Supplementary work and reinforcement is achieved through various uses of the computer and internet sites.