World Language

The World Language program at PDS opens the doors for our boys to become global citizens. Through meaningful, enthusiastic Spanish instruction, boys grow to appreciate new cultures and perspectives while learning one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Research continues to show that learning another language improves communication and cognitive skills, enhances creativity, strengthens memory, and builds problem-solving skills. With this in mind, Spanish classes are presented in the target language a majority of the time, and activities in class are based around vocabulary acquisition, through the recycling of words used in a variety of contexts.

All Spanish classes are designed to encourage students’ thinking about the following essential questions:

How can the study of Spanish help me investigate the world in a new way?
How can Spanish help me recognize perspectives and show me how my view of the world is similar to and different from others?
How can I communicate ideas in Spanish to others around the world?
How can developing skills in Spanish help me take action to improve conditions in the world?

All language instruction at PDS is centered upon the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century, set forth by the American Council for Teaching of Foreign Language. Widely known as the “Five Cs,” these standards overlap with our essential questions by asking students to communicate in “real-life” situations, understand culture, connect language with other subject areas, compare languages and culture, and extend learning to outside communities.