World Language
About
The World Language Department offers a five-year sequence of study in Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Latin, and Spanish. Beginning in Level II, students may choose the honors level sequence of instruction, based on their performance and teacher recommendation. Honors level courses will typically move more quickly and in greater depth than other courses. Highly-motivated students may elect to enroll in any of our AP classes. Successful completion of the AP exam offers the potential for college credit. Study of a second world language is strongly encouraged for those students who have already been successful in the study of one language. In world language courses, students develop speaking, reading, writing and listening skills within a cultural context, using the target language as the primary means of communication. Evaluation is based primarily on performance assessments in the three modes of communication: Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational. Barrington High School is proud to offer all world language students the possibility of receiving the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy or a Commendation toward the Seal of Biliteracy as a culminating part of our program. Student test scores determine eligibility in the junior and senior years. Recognition appears on student diplomas and transcripts upon graduation.
Blended Learning
The World Language Department is proud to offer several courses in a blended format. Blended learning is an instructional strategy that gives students shared ownership in the time, pace, path, or place of their learning. This initiative combines in-class student-centered learning strategies with occasional release from the classroom environment. Most courses offered in the blended format use release time as needed to allow for small group and individualized instruction. Students who are released participate in independent and small group work in supervised but less structured environments such as the library or commons. Blended offerings for younger students are more structured and have less release time than those offered to upper level students who are preparing for the rigors and independence of college. Check individual course offerings and talk to your counselor to find the blended offerings best suited for you.
Kathryn Wolfkiel
Department Chair
kwolfkiel@barrington220.org
847.842.3223