Curriculum
In immersion programs, English is not an option. How do teachers help students learn content from all subject areas while developing students' use of the target language? Our teachers identify what works in creating comprehensible input, emphasizing learning the cultural content through a second language. With a focus on younger learners, we will identify ways to adapt those strategies for language learners at any age and level. According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Proficiency (CEFR) we refer to 6 learning levels. In order to be reached, each level could take at least one year with a 1 class per week, or less with an intensive course, according with the personal learning style and pace of each student. We use different resources/input for each level, based on the students age, divided in K (kindergarten grade), EL (1st-5th grades) and MSHS (7th-12th grades). All our resources are original and created by our teachers, we do not use language books. This allows us to better meet the needs of our students.
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Proficiency (CEFR)
The CEFR organises language proficiency in six levels, A1 to C2, which can be regrouped into three broad levels: Basic User, Independent User and Proficient User.
Curriculum Description
Level A (Basic)
A1 Beginner (Class K1, EL1, MSHS1):
Understand and use everyday expressions and basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know and possessions. Interact in a simple way, as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to cooperate.
A2 Pre-Intermediate (Class EL2, MSHS2)
Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of one's life and immediate environment; can express immediate needs.
Level B (autonomy)
B1 Intermediate (Class EL3, MSHS3):
Understand the main points of familiar topics relating to school, free time, etc. Can deal with situations that may verify while traveling to a country where the language in question is spoken. Can produce simple related scripts on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, hopes and ambitions and briefly explain the reasons for your opinions and plans.
B2 Upper-Intermediate (Class EL4, MSHS4)
Can understand the main ideas on both concrete and abstract topics. Can interact with a certain fluency and spontaneity, making it possible to interact with native speakers. Can produce clear, detailed scripts on a wide range of subjects; can express an opinion on a topical issue giving the pros and cons of the various options.
Level C (Mastery)
C1 Advanced * (Class KNS, ELNS, MSHSNS):
Can understand a wide range of complex and long scripts/essays and can recognize implicit meaning as well. Can express themself with fluency and naturalness, without a continuous effort to find the right words. Language is used flexibly and effectively for social, professional and academic purposes. Can produce clear, well-constructed and detailed scripts/essays.
C2 Proficiencies * (Class KNS, ELNS, MSHSNS):
Can understand with ease virtually everything you hear or read. Can summarize information from a variety of spoken and written sources, rearranging information into a coherent presentation. One expresses oneself spontaneously, in a very fluent and precise way, identifying and rendering the most subtle nuances of meaning even in complex situations.
*These levels are part of our native speaker program, for native-speaker students, living in the US and practicing a second native language at home.