Gateway High School

Foreign Language Class Offerings

At Gateway High School, our foreign language program offers comprehensive Spanish and French courses designed to develop students’ communication skills and cultural understanding. From beginner to advanced levels, students engage in listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities that build proficiency and confidence. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application, cultural awareness, and preparation for higher-level courses such as Pre-IB and IB. Whether starting a new language or advancing existing skills, Gateway provides a supportive environment to help students succeed and connect globally.

The purpose of this course is to provide the development of ideas orally with accuracy and fluency. Course content includes the ability to comprehend formal and informal spoken Spanish, accurate reading of newspapers and magazine articles, as well as modern Hispanic literature, and the ability to compose expository passages.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Spanish language and its culture and to develop communicative skills and cross-cultural understanding. This course is designed primarily for those students who have no background in the Spanish language.
Spanish 2 builds on basic language skills by expanding vocabulary, grammar, and conversational abilities. Students practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing through engaging activities focused on everyday topics and cultural experiences. The course encourages greater fluency and confidence in using Spanish in real-life situations. By the end of Spanish 2, students can communicate more effectively and understand a wider range of spoken and written Spanish.
Spanish 3 is an intermediate-level course that enhances students' speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through more complex grammar and vocabulary. Students engage with a variety of texts and cultural topics to deepen their understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. The course emphasizes conversational fluency, grammatical accuracy, and cultural awareness. By the end of Spanish 3, students are able to communicate effectively in diverse situations and analyze authentic Spanish-language materials.
IB Spanish 4-B is an advanced language course designed to prepare students for the IB Spanish Language B exam and college-level proficiency. The course focuses on refining communication skills through analysis of complex texts, oral presentations, and written assignments. Students explore diverse Spanish-speaking cultures, current events, and global issues to deepen cultural understanding and critical thinking. By the end of the course, students demonstrate advanced fluency and are well-prepared for the IB exam and real-world Spanish use.
B Spanish 5-B is a rigorous advanced course focused on mastering language skills and cultural knowledge in preparation for the IB Spanish Language B Higher Level exam. Students engage with sophisticated literary and informational texts, participate in in-depth discussions, and produce complex written and oral work. The course emphasizes critical analysis of Hispanic cultures, global issues, and contemporary topics to enhance linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness. By the end of the course, students demonstrate near-fluent communication and are ready for college-level Spanish and IB assessments.
IB Spanish 6 is the highest-level Spanish course in the IB program, designed for students aiming to achieve advanced language proficiency and cultural mastery. The course focuses on refining complex communication skills through critical analysis of diverse Hispanic texts, discussions on global and cultural issues, and advanced writing and speaking tasks. Students deepen their understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures and develop nuanced perspectives on contemporary topics. By the end of the course, students demonstrate near-native fluency and are fully prepared for college-level Spanish and IB Diploma requirements.
Pre-IB Spanish 1 is an accelerated introductory course designed to develop foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. The course emphasizes immersive language learning alongside cultural exploration to prepare students for the rigor of the IB program. Students engage in interactive activities that build vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills. By the end of the course, students can confidently communicate basic ideas and are prepared for more advanced Pre-IB Spanish courses.
Pre-IB Spanish 2 is an accelerated course that builds on foundational language skills while preparing students for the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Students deepen their abilities in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through more complex grammar and expanded vocabulary. The course also integrates cultural studies to enhance global awareness and critical thinking. By the end of Pre-IB Spanish 2, students communicate more confidently and effectively in a variety of real-life contexts.
French 1 is an introductory course that teaches students the basics of the French language and culture. Students learn fundamental vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and conversational skills through listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. The course also explores French-speaking countries and cultural practices to build global awareness. By the end of French 1, students can understand and communicate in simple French on everyday topics.
French 2 builds on the foundational skills learned in French 1, expanding vocabulary and grammar knowledge for more complex communication. Students practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing to discuss everyday situations, personal interests, and cultural topics. The course deepens understanding of French-speaking cultures and encourages greater fluency and confidence. By the end of French 2, students can engage in more detailed conversations and comprehend a wider range of texts.
French 3 advances students' language skills by focusing on more complex grammar, vocabulary, and conversational topics. Students engage in discussions about abstract ideas, cultural issues, and personal experiences while improving their reading and writing abilities. The course emphasizes greater fluency, accuracy, and comprehension through diverse texts and multimedia resources. By the end of French 3, students are prepared to communicate effectively in a variety of real-life situations and appreciate Francophone cultures more deeply.
Pre-IB French 1 is an accelerated introductory course designed to build a strong foundation in French language and culture while preparing students for the rigor of the IB program. Students focus on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through immersive and interactive activities. The course emphasizes cultural awareness and critical thinking alongside language acquisition. By the end of the course, students are able to communicate basic ideas confidently and are ready for more advanced Pre-IB French coursework.
Pre-IB French 2 is a challenging course that builds on foundational language skills while preparing students for the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Students deepen their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through more complex grammar and expanded vocabulary. The course also emphasizes cultural exploration and critical thinking to enhance global understanding. By the end of Pre-IB French 2, students are able to express themselves more fluently and confidently in a variety of real-world contexts.
IB French 4-B is an advanced course designed for students preparing for the IB French Language B exam and college-level language proficiency. The course focuses on refining communication skills through in-depth study of complex texts, oral presentations, and written assignments. Students explore Francophone cultures, current events, and global issues to develop critical thinking and intercultural understanding. By the end of the course, students demonstrate advanced fluency and are well-prepared for the IB exam and real-world French use.
IB French 5-B is a highly advanced course focused on mastering language skills and cultural knowledge in preparation for the IB French Language B Higher Level exam. Students engage with sophisticated texts, conduct in-depth discussions, and produce complex written and oral work. The course emphasizes critical analysis of Francophone literature, current events, and global issues to enhance linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness. By the end of the course, students demonstrate near-fluent communication and are ready for college-level French and IB assessments.
IB French 6 is the highest-level French course in the IB program, designed for students aiming to achieve advanced proficiency and cultural mastery. The course focuses on refining complex language skills through critical analysis of diverse Francophone texts, discussions on global issues, and advanced writing and speaking tasks. Students deepen their understanding of French-speaking cultures and develop nuanced perspectives on contemporary topics. By the end of the course, students demonstrate near-native fluency and are fully prepared for college-level French and the IB Diploma Program requirements.