Foreign Languages

SPANISH
The goal of the QPCA Spanish Program is not only for our students to learn Spanish but to enjoy their language experience in an educational, musical, and enjoyable way. Students at all levels are immersed in the language and culture in a safe, interactive and engaging environment. Each grade builds upon the previous year.

In the lower elementary grades, students learn through songs, movement, interactive activities and lots of repetition. In the higher elementary grades, students begin to focus more on formal language skills such as sentence structure and grammar skills while reviewing learned skills through music and other appealing activities.

In Middle School, classes are more challenging and structured. We strive to keep the classes entertaining and alluring by using things such as technology and upbeat music. Students concentrate on grammar and conversational skills. They can be seen creating their own iMovie in Spanish or creating conversational skits.

No matter what grade, students learn and understand the Spanish culture, recognizing that there are vast differences in each individual Spanish speaking country. It is a culture full of wonder and diversity!

CHINESE
In the Chinese course, our purpose is to promote students’ awareness and appreciation of the Chinese culture as well as the Chinese language. Students learn about various aspects of Chinese culture, including geography, history, important holidays, foods, lifestyles, famous people, toys, customs and traditions, arts and crafts, songs and games. They also learn the Pinyin system, pronunciation, vocabulary, phrases, and written simplified and traditional characters to build basic language skills.

Prayers in Chinese have been incorporated to align to Catholic values as well. One of the highlights of this course is the celebration of the Chinese New Year, including dragon and lion dances, calligraphy, learning about zodiac animals, and dumpling making for Middle School. To broaden students’ world view, a Skype project has been developed for all students grades 6th, 7th, and 8th to use their language skills talking with children in Taiwan twice a year. This course is also intended to inform students about the Chinese culture both in America and around the world.