World Languages
Head of Department: Claudia Sandler Tel. (206) 252-5887
As part of the International Curriculum, Hamilton offers students three years of World Language which is considered a core class. All language classes, including those using the immersion model, meet for one class period each day and are designed to deepen students understanding of another culture.
Most students take a traditional world language program at Hamilton: three years of language instruction are offered in Japanese and Spanish. Students learn fundamental skills in speaking, understanding, reading, and writing the target language, along with a focus on the geography and culture of the countries where those languages are spoken. The teachers use a variety of methods and resources that go beyond the textbooks, including Total Physical Response. The goal of these programs is to prepare students for the second level of language in high school.
The three year Spanish and Japanese Immersion Programs offers a World Language option for advanced speakers of Spanish or Japanese. The focus is on increasing written and oral fluency, including comprehension, production, and correct usage, as well as increasing understanding of Spanish and Japanese speaking cultures. The curriculum builds on the K-5 language immersion programs at John Stanford International School. Instruction is conducted exclusively in Spanish or Japanese and presumes a high initial level of comprehension. Heritage speakers of Spanish or Japanese and other students with advanced language skills are eligible to take these classes. Students should leave the program prepared to enter at least the third level of language in high school.
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