World Language at CDH

The World Language Department of Cretin-Derham Hall recognizes that all students are citizens of a global society. To live more fully in this society, it is important that students be able to communicate in multiple languages. As students learn to communicate in other languages, their appreciation of other cultures adds dimension and depth of understanding to their view of the world. When students learn there is more than one manner of communication, they grow in appreciation peoples and culture.   

  • Curricula and instruction are guided by ACTFL proficiency benchmarks along with a focus on Muliple Intelligence Theory for differentiated lesson design.
  • Students are assessed in their verbal, written, and listening and reading comprehension, cultural competency and presentation skills, using the target language in authentic, real life contexts.
  • In developing linguistic skills, they learn to better understand and appreciate their native language.

  • Students who effectively communicate in more than one language will be globally literate and increase their own communication skills.   

World Language in the Classroom

Graduation Requirement: 6 credits (Each student must take 6 credits sequentially of the same language, equivalent to 2 years)

Each student is required to complete two years sequentially of a world language. However, 75% of our students take three or four years of the same language.

French

  • French 1
  • French 2 - Advanced
  • French 3 - Honors
  • French 4 - Honors
  • AP French Language/Culture – Honors

Mandarin Chinese

  • Mandarin (Chinese) 1 - Advanced
  • Mandarin (Chinese) 2 - Advanced
  • Mandarin (Chinese) 3 - Honors
  • AP Mandarin (Chinese) 4 - Honors
  • Mandarin (Chinese) 5 - Honors 

Spanish

  • Spanish 1
  • Spanish 2 - Advanced
  • Spanish 3 - Honors
  • Spanish 4 - Honors
  • Spanish 5 - Honors
  • AP Spanish Language/Culture - Honors
  • Travel Opportunities
    • Trips support language fluency and cultural exploration
    • Trips vary in focus: sightseeing, a pilgrimage, and many justice education trips
    • First-hand use of the world language

The World Language Faculty

Contact our World Language faculty though our Staff Directory.