Learning a language empowers you to think, act and speak in diverse cultural settings and to move from one cultural setting to another with confidence.
Second Languages Department
Student success is the goal for all students in Second Languages and this is achieved through: personalized learning, flexible approaches, strong teaching tasks created collaboratively by teachers and meaningful outcome based assessment of student work. In addition, teachers are available for extra support for all learners during morning tutorials which helps build strong connections between second language learners and their teachers. At Henry Wise Wood High School, we offer French as a Second Language, IB French, Spanish as a Second Language and IB Spanish.
Course Challenges
Any students who are looking to challenge a 30-level language, please use the following link to help you prepare for the process. If you have any further questions, please see Ms. Pinnow in room 116
Student and Parent Language Course Challenge
Any student with experience in French or Spanish are invited to Henry Wise Wood in August and January to write a grade 10 level challenge exam. If successful, the student will move into the 20 level language course in the upcoming year.
Five-Week French-Language Bursary Program
Check out a spring or summer program to learn French, discover another region of Canada and meet new people! Explore is a five-week intensive language-immersion program. Participants in Explore receive a $2,200 bursary (taxable income) that covers tuition fees for the programs, instructional materials, meals and accommodations, workshops, and other mandatory activities. Check it out! www.myexplore.ca
Exchange Opportunities
The Government of Alberta organizes International Student Exchange Programs in France or Québec, Spain or Mexico. It is a perfect way to improve language skills and experience a new culture, while you live with a host family, attend school abroad, and build lifelong friendships. It’s a chance to grow, gain confidence, and live global citizenship. The recommended grade to apply for this program is grade 10. Find out more at https://www.alberta.ca/student-and-educator-exchange-programs
Why Study a Second Language?
With the world becoming more and more interconnected, communication is one of the most important parts of our lives. The advantages of being bilingual are endless, and you experience the world in entirely new ways. By being bilingual, travel is made easier in foreign countries and it is easier to converse with locals on a more compassionate and understanding level. Just having basic language skills can separate you from other applicants for the job you might be pursuing. More scholarships are available for any student, and as well as exchange programs.
Why Spanish?
Spanish is a dominant language in over 20 countries. It opens up the opportunity for you to communicate with around 300 million speakers globally. Spanish communication skills give an individual a better understanding of English, since both languages are closely related because of the fact that both languages are majorly based on Latin.
Why French?
French is a dominant language in over 35 countries (and Canada's second official language) and is also the only language aside from English that is taught in almost every country in the world. French is a good base for learning other languages as well since 50% of the current English vocabulary is borrowed from French.
Modern Languages - Supplement your language learning
Learning a new language presents a plethora of benefits, and holds the potential of improving your ability and stance in our increasingly interconnected world and economy. It has been scientifically proven to present multiple cognitive benefits such as improved memory and critical thinking skills, as well as signs of greater creativity and multitasking capabilities. Nevertheless, learning a new language can seem daunting, especially when you are starting from scratch. Contrary to popular belief, you are never too old to learn a new language, especially with the language app Duolingo. Duolingo is an American-based language learning website and mobile app that offers 106 different language courses such as French, English, and Spanish as well as more unique languages such as Hawaiian, Latin, and Scottish Gaelic. Duolingo has over 300 million registered users worldwide and operates under the slogan “Learn a language for free. Forever.”
Feel free to contact Ms. Alison Pinnow, Learning Leader for International Languages or Mr. Glenn Finockio, Learning Leader for the International Baccalaureate Programme, with any questions.
Learning a new language presents a plethora of benefits, and holds the potential of improving your ability and stance in our increasingly interconnected world and economy. It has been scientifically proven to present multiple cognitive benefits such as improved memory and critical thinking skills, as well as signs of greater creativity and multitasking capabilities. Nevertheless, learning a new language can seem daunting, especially when you are starting from scratch. Contrary to popular belief, you are never too old to learn a new language, especially with the language app Duolingo. Duolingo is an American-based language learning website and mobile app that offers 106 different language courses such as French, English, and Spanish as well as more unique languages such as Hawaiian, Latin, and Scottish Gaelic. Duolingo has over 300 million registered users worldwide and operates under the slogan “Learn a language for free. Forever.”
Feel free to contact Ms. Alison Pinnow, Learning Leader for International Languages or Mr. Glenn Finockio, Learning Leader for the International Baccalaureate Program, with any questions.