The tenet of the Modern Languages Department at Shawnigan Lake School is that the skill to function in more than one’s native tongue will broaden intellectual and cultural horizons. In all courses, we insist that students develop competence with the four language skills in the target language: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Accordingly, the final examination of the year and the mid-term examination contain separate oral and aural components, along with the written and reading comprehension paper. No one text or approach is used exclusively, as only a multifaceted approach allows language instruction to retain its vibrancy. TV, Internet, music, movies and computer programs have become essential tools used in each course. Our fully digital language laboratory allows access to myriad Internet resources. More importantly, it enables students to practice their speaking and listening frequently and effectively and to progress at their own rate.

Currently, the department offers a full program for French as a Second Language (grades 8 to AP), Spanish (grades 9 to AP), Standard Chinese (grades 10 to AP) and German (grades 10 to AP). Within each program, enriched as well as regular classes are offered at all grade levels. Advanced Placement courses in French, Spanish, Mandarin and German provide further opportunities to improve fluency and to gain additional credits for university entrance. To accommodate the growing number of students with French Immersion backgrounds, we also offer a separate program that allows these students with advanced aural, oral and reading skills to be challenged at their level of competency. Immersion students who stay with the program to the senior grades may qualify for the Francais Langue 12 credit.

We are committed to improving each student’s ability to communicate in another language.