World Languages About Us

The World Language Department in Norwood offers sequential programs in French, Latin, and Spanish. 

While World Language is not a graduation requirement, for those students considering college, a minimum of 2 years of study at the high school level is necessary. To be competitive in the admissions process we strongly recommend taking 3, 4 and 5 years. Colleges express no preferences among the languages offered.  We also encourage students to study more than one language.  Knowledge of one world language facilitates and accelerates the learning of an additional world language.

French and Spanish courses in Norwood adhere to the proficiency model of language instruction as set forth by the Massachusetts State Curriculum Frameworks and the National Standards for Foreign Language Education. Students are presented with both grammar and vocabulary in context and are encouraged to express themselves in the target language as soon as possible. Each level of instruction develops skills in the following four areas:  listening, speaking, reading and writing.

It is important to note that the Massachusetts State Curriculum Frameworks for Latin have been modified to stress reading and writing over speaking and listening. Projects, games and historical lessons complement traditional grammar and vocabulary lessons. In addition, students learn to recognize parts of speech and vocabulary derivatives which enhance their understanding of their native language.

The exploration of culture is also essential to a complete language education. Through computers, video, music, literature, and art, students will gain a better understanding of the target culture’s lifestyle, history, customs and traditions.