Languages at NWSS
The NWSS Languages Department offers a range of second-language courses with multiple entry points in some languages. These include:
- French (French Honours and French IB).
- French Immersion (including Physical Health Education, Humanities, Sciences and IB).
- Japanese (introductory).
- Korean (introductory).
- Mandarin
- Punjabi (introductory)
- Spanish (introductory and IB Ab Initio).
Our goal is to help students communicate confidently, appreciate different cultures, deepen their understanding of their own language and identity and that of others, as well as build skills for lifelong learning and global opportunities, all while having fun learning a new language.
Students can choose one or more languages from grades 9 to 12. Course offerings depend on student interest and enrollment.
Second language courses are designed for non-native speakers. Students with strong skills in a language other than English may earn extra credit by taking a Language Challenge Exam in grade 11 or 12. Families can learn more about this option from guidance counsellors each fall.
Courses
Languages courses offered by our department are based on the province’s languages curriculum. Examples of available courses (may differ from year to year) include:
| GRADE 9 | GRADE 10 | GRADE 11 | GRADE 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| French 9 | French 10, French 10 Honours (for students interested in enriched French Studies and who may enrol in French IB) | French 11 | French 12 |
| Japanese 9 | Japanese 10 | Japanese 11, Introductory Japanese 11 | Japanese 12 |
| Korean 9 | Korean 10 | Korean 11, Introductory Korean 11 | Korean 12 |
| Mandarin 9 | |||
| Punjabi 9 | Punjabi 10 | Punjabi 11, Introductory Punjabi 11 | Punjabi 12 |
| Spanish 9 | Spanish 10 | Spanish 11, Introductory Spanish 11 | Spanish 12 |
French Immersion Courses:
Grade 9
- Education Physique & Sante 9
- Francais Langue 9
- Sciences Humaines 9
- Sciences Naturelles 9
Grade 10
- Education Physique & Sante 10
- Francais Langue 10
- Sciences Humaines 10
Grade 11
- FILA: Communication orale 11
- FILA: Etudes du cinema et de la litterature
- FILA: Medias et communication numerique 11
- Explorations 11
Grade 12
- Francais Langue 12
- Justice Sociale 12
International Baccalaureate:
- French IB – Standard Level 11 (for non-French Immersion students)
- French IB – Higher Level 11 (for French Immersion students)
- Ab Initio Spanish 11 (for students with no knowledge/experience with Spanish)
- French IB – Standard Level 12 (for non-French Immersion students)
- French IB – Higher Level 12 (for French Immersion students)
- Ab Initio Spanish 12 (for students with no knowledge/experience with Spanish)
For detailed course information, requirements, availability, etc., refer to the most current course description booklet.