Modern Language
The modern languages taught at Brunswick are Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian and Spanish. Classes are conducted in the target language; the use of English is kept to a minimum. The goal is to lead students to a level of proficiency that enables them to interact with linguistic and cultural accuracy with native speakers. 
Audio-visual materials (laser disks, videos, and audio material available on the intranet and internet) are used frequently in the classroom and at home to strengthen students’ language skills, to provide them with immersion experiences, and to present culturally authentic material. As part of this emphasis Brunswick encourages students who choose to spend time abroad. In addition, Brunswick currently offers two exchange programs, one to China and one to the Ecole Alsacienne in Paris. Both involve total immersion, stay with a family, and time spent in a school. These programs are reciprocal in nature, as Brunswick students then host the foreign student at our school for the same amount of time. It is anticipated that there will be affiliations established for similar exchanges in Spain and South America in the near future. In addition there are cultural/academic trips sponsored by faculty to enhance the immersion experience. To date there have been trips to China, Italy, Spain and more are being planned for the near future. Click here for information on exchange programs and language immersion programs.
Level I courses can be taken by 9th—11th graders at any time during their career. Starting with level II courses, students are placed in Regular or Honors sections, according to their achievement in level I. School year 2006-2007 is the first year that Arabic is being taught so at this point only Level I is offered.
9th graders are encouraged to continue the study of the two languages they have studied in the Middle School (Latin and French or Spanish) by taking the appropriate level II courses, Regular or Honors; they can also choose to keep only one of these languages and to add a new one (including Chinese I or Italian I).
In the required sequence (levels I—III), all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) are stressed with varying priority depending on level and section. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of vocabulary, the fundamentals of grammar, and on the development of cultural awareness, sensitivity, and appreciation.
The elective sequence (levels IV—V) offers two paths: one that expands on communicative skills, and another that goes deeper into the study of language (AP Language courses) and culminates in the study of literature (AP Literature courses).
Students are encouraged to take the SAT II examination upon completion of a level IV course.
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