Learning a language empowers you to think, act and speak in diverse cultural settings and to move from one cultural setting to another with confidence. 

Second Languages Department

Student success is the goal for all students in Second Languages and this is achieved through: personalized learning, flexible approaches, strong teaching tasks created collaboratively by teachers and meaningful outcome based assessment of student work. In addition, teachers are available for extra support for all learners during Wise Time which helps build strong connections between second language learners and their teachers. At Henry Wise Wood High School, we offer French as a Second Language, IB French, Spanish as a Second Language and IB Spanish. 

Course Challenges

Any students who are looking to challenge a 30-level language, please use the following link to help you prepare for the process. If you have any further questions, please see Ms. Pinnow in room 116

https://www.cbe.ab.ca/programs/program-options/language-programs/Documents/French-Intl-Languages-Course-Challenge-Guide-Students-Family.pdf

Five-Week French-Language Bursary Program

Check out a spring or summer program to learn French, discover another region of Canada and meet new people! Explore is a five-week intensive language-immersion program. Participants in Explore receive a $2,200 bursary (taxable income) that covers tuition fees for the programs, instructional materials, meals and accommodations, workshops, and other mandatory activities. Check it out! www.myexplore.ca

Why Study a Second Language?

With the world becoming more and more interconnected, communication is one of the most important parts of our lives. The advantages of being bilingual are endless, and you experience the world in entirely new ways. By being bilingual, travel is made easier in foreign countries and it is easier to converse with locals on a more compassionate and understanding level. Just having basic language skills can separate you from other applicants for the job you might be pursuing. More scholarships are available for any student, and as well as exchange programs..

Why Spanish?

Spanish is a dominant language in over 20 countries. It opens up the opportunity for you to communicate with around 300 million speakers globally. Spanish communication skills give an individual a better understanding of English, since both languages are closely related because of the fact that both languages are majorly based on Latin.

Why French?

French is a dominant language in over 35 countries (and Canada's second official language) and is also the only language aside from English that is taught in every country in the world. French is a good base for learning other languages as well since 50% of the current English vocabulary is derived from French.

Modern Languages - Supplement your language learning

Learning a new language presents a plethora of benefits, and

holds the potential of improving your ability and stance in
our increasingly interconnected world and economy. It has
been scientifically proven to present multiple cognitive
benefits such as improved memory and critical thinking
skills, as well as signs of greater creativity and multitasking
capabilities. Nevertheless, learning a new language can seem
daunting, especially when you are starting from scratch.
Contrary to popular belief, you are never too old to learn a
new language, especially with the language app Duolingo.
Duolingo is an American-based language learning website
and mobile app that offers 106 different language courses
such as French, English, and Spanish as well as more unique languages such as Hawaiian, Latin,
and Scottish Gaelic. Duolingo has over 300 million registered users worldwide and operates
under the slogan “Learn a language for free. Forever.”

Feel free to contact Ms. Allison Pinnow, Learning Leader for International Languages or Ms. Barb McKay, Learning Leader for the International Baccalaureate Programme, with any questions.