PFHS: World Languages & Cultures
Purpose of Taking World Language and Culture Course
By learning another language and by developing a deeper understanding about other cultures, these
experiences will better prepare you to interact appropriately in diverse linguistic and cultural settings.
Those could include communities abroad, in the US or here in northern VA. You will also develop a better
understanding of your own native language through the study of vocabulary and root words, writing and
reading strategies. Our hope is that you enroll and remain in a language for at least 4-5 years. Many
competitive colleges look most favorably on applicants who have the diligence and persistence to continue
learning a language at an advanced level. Beyond that, developing communication and presentational skills
in another language will help you in multiple volunteer, study abroad or work abroad opportunities (and
other professional endeavors). We know that learning a language is rigorous, but we believe you can be
successful! The benefits of being culturally competent and multilingual are endless!
Our Approach to Learning Languages
Learning another language is a challenging process that requires diligent study, focused goals and
academic readiness (ie: study skills). You will develop language skills through scenario-based learning,
partner dialogues, group projects and skits, and individual work. We use native texts, works of art and
music, artifacts and other significant items to help students see meaning in what we are learning and to
provoke interest and meaningful discussion. Class activities include vocabulary-building activities,
translation, dictation, essay writing, art projects with a presentational-component, and guided reading and
listening passages to build comprehension. We hope you are excited to interact with other students, as a
major component of our courses includes speaking to each other in the target language and/or
collaborating on the meaning of written texts. We believe in you and are here to help support your
language journey!
The Six Themes
We focus on engaging students through fun, creative and meaningful activities from level 1 through the AP
program. There are six themes developed at a national level in all world language courses:
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Beauty and Aesthetics
Contemporary Life
Families and Communities
PFHS Course Offerings 2015-2016
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Global Challenges
Personal and Public Identities
Science and Technology
We offer many courses here at Potomac Falls! We encourage you to reflect on your interests and
motivations when selecting your language course(s) for next year. We offer:
Levels
American Sign
Language
French
German
Latin
Spanish
1
2
3 (2016-2017)
1
2
3
4H
5H
AP
1
2
3
4H
5H
AP
1
2
3
4H
5H
AP
1
2
3
4H
5H
AP
Spanish for
Fluent
Speakers
1
2
3H
Points of Contact
Your counselor and the teachers in the WLC department will be able to visit with you to answer any
questions!
WLC Teachers
ASL
Mrs. Coy
Kerri.Coy@lcps.org
Counselors (By Last Name)
French
Mrs. Beavers
Maryvonne.Beavers@lcps.org
Mrs. Bennett A-B and ELL
Mrs. Massey
Patti.Massey@lcps.org
Mr. Bader
C-GK & CAMPUS
German
Dr. Lothe
Radhika.Lothe@lcps.org
Dr. Brom
GL-Mar
Mr. Boland
Harold.Boland@lcps.org
Ms. Weiss
Mas-R
Latin
Mr. Perrot
Paul.Perrot@lcps.org
Mrs. Burgess S-Z
Spanish
Mrs. Lopez
Meredith.Lopez@lcps.org
Mr. Mora
John.Mora@lcps.org
Mrs. Nathan
Sally.Nathan@lcps.org
Mrs. Patelunas Susan.Patelunas@lcps.org
Ms. Santamaria Kimberly.Santamaria@lcps.org
Spanish for
Mr. Mora
John.Mora@lcps.org
Fluent Speakers
Additional Language Opportunities
There are many opportunities to practice the skills you are learning in virtual spaces and in areas
outside of the classroom. After successfully completing three years of a world language, students who
continue into upper level courses are eligible to be inducted into a national language honor society.
Additionally, there are WLC Clubs who engage in activities inside and outside of school that are exciting
and meaningful---and also work to develop your understanding of the language(s) and culture(s) of study.
Mrs. Beavers sponsors French Club; Mr. Perrot sponsors Latin Club, and Mrs. Patelunas sponsors the
Spanish Club. We also offer opportunities to take field trips during the school year, particularly in German
and Latin!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to take a world language class?
If you are planning on earning a standard diploma, you are NOT required to take a world language class. If
you are planning on earning an advanced diploma, you must successfully complete 3 years of one language
or 2 years of two different languages.
2. Who takes Spanish for Fluent Speakers? Should I take that?
SFS is taken by students who are already fluent in speaking Spanish and/or who use Spanish as the
dominant language at home. You should enroll in this course if you want to continue studying Spanish or if
you want to use Spanish to fulfill graduation requirements. We encourage native speakers of Spanish to
consider enrolling in other languages beginning in level 1.
3. What’s the difference between levels 4, 5 and AP?
Levels 4 and 5 are rigorous, but rewarding, classes. Because of the demanding nature of upper level
courses, you will earn a 0.5 weight towards your GPA. Advanced Placement courses are also very rigorous;
successful completion of the course will award you a 1.0 weighted score on your GPA . Students who enroll
in AP are expected to take the AP exam in the spring. Passing the AP with a 3 or better often grants you
college credit. Some colleges accept a 3, while other more competitive schools require a 4 or a 5.
4. Last year I signed up for a language class, but it got cancelled. How do I know if a course will
be offered next year?
Student-interest determines the schedule for the next school year, which is why course selection in the
spring is so important! We cannot guarantee you will be enrolled in the courses you select, but we make
every effort to do so.
5. What do language courses require as far as study time? Can I get extra help when I need it?
All language classes require diligent study-time to solidify foundational skills and to practice
vocabulary and grammar . We expect that students spend a minimum of 20 minutes a night outside of
class preparing for presentations or projects, actively studying vocabulary and/or practicing grammar.
Students who are behind due to lack of foundation, missed school days or other reasons are expected to
attend tutoring. Teachers are available before or after school AND during PriROARities on B-days. We
believe you can and will succeed and are here to help you!