Curriculum by Department

PSG - Languages

WPGA's language programs use a communicative approach to develop students' receptive (listening, reading, viewing) and productive (speaking, writing, interacting) language skills. We foster effective communication, cultural appreciation, and lifelong language learning. Courses align with the Ministry of Education curriculum and offer enriched content for advanced learners in French, Spanish, and Mandarin. 
 


EXTERNAL COURSE POLICY - MODERN LANGUAGES
 

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  • AP Pathway

    Students wishing to enroll in an AP Language course should complete a Grade 12 language course or Grade 11 Honours course in the previous year.  Honours language courses prepare students for the challenges of AP. AP language courses require a strong skills base, excellent work habits, and a high level of commitment from students.  AP language course requests are thoroughly reviewed by the department to address individual learning needs and help students excel.  All requests for AP language courses must indicate alternates.  Students in AP courses write the College Board Exam in May at a cost of $203.  

    In Canada, young people need to be given opportunities to communicate in French. In addition to bringing personal satisfaction and competence in French, it also expands national and international career opportunities. An ability to communicate in French also encourages the development of an open-minded attitude towards Francophones and other cultural groups, which increases students’ awareness of their own cultures. At WPGA, French 8 through 10 are required courses. Additionally, students have the opportunity to study Mandarin or Spanish.
FRENCH, MANDARIN, SPANISH

FRENCH

French classes are divided into three different streams: Foundations Support (French 8 only), Standard, or Honours .
 
French Standard classes. This program is designed for students who have successfully completed mandated Core French the previous year. 

French Honours classes. Students demonstrating advanced skills have the opportunity to enroll in the Honours  course the following year. A student’s placement in French Honours  classes is also subject to recommendation by the current French teacher, and consultation as needed with students, parents, and the Modern Languages Department Head. 

French 8 Foundations Support Program. This program is designed for students who are new to WPGA and/or have never taken French prior to grade 8 or had limited exposure. It is also intended for students who would benefit from reinforcement and have been recommended by their grade 7 teachers. The selection process of students for this program is based on, but is not limited to:
 
  • Observable challenges with content retention with respect to grammatical concepts, verb tenses and vocabulary, and the need for a more individualized approach towards language learning.
  • Persistent challenges in one or more of the 5 language skills (i.e. listening, reading, speaking, writing, and interacting).
  • Referral by a student’s French 7 teacher and Modern Languages Department Head.  The selection process may also be initiated at the request of a parent or student during the spring reporting period of the grade 7 year.
In addition to taking French up to grade 10, students have the opportunity of studying Mandarin or Spanish.


    
MANDARIN

The Mandarin Chinese program at WPGA offers students with and without Mandarin home language the opportunity to learn and grow as Mandarin speakers.  The Mandarin Chinese program includes two streams: Standard Mandarin Chinese Courses and Honours  Mandarin Chinese Courses.
Standard Mandarin Chinese courses. The Standard Mandarin Chinese courses (Mandarin 8-12) are designed for students who do not speak Mandarin at home, and/or students wanting to focus on oral communication in Chinese and exploration of the culture.

Honours Mandarin Courses. The Honours  Mandarin Chinese courses (Mandarin 8/10/11/12 Honours  and AP Chinese Language and Culture) are designed for students with Mandarin home language and/or students wanting to focus on both oral and written communication in Chinese and the exploration of the culture, through Chinese literature and authentic material.

  
SPANISH

The Spanish program offers students a comprehensive and engaging pathway to develop their proficiency in Spanish as a foreign language. Beginning with Spanish 8, students progress through sequential levels, including Spanish 9, Spanish 10, Spanish 11, and Spanish 12, building their skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture. For those seeking a greater challenge and deeper understanding of the language and culture, students may opt to take AP Spanish Language and Culture instead of Spanish 12. This allows motivated learners to expand their knowledge and achieve advanced proficiency. The program emphasizes meaningful communication and cultural awareness, providing students with the tools to succeed in real-world contexts.

 
 
INTERNATIONAL OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ACCREDITATIONS 

The French program supports students in their preparation for the DELF exam (levels A2, B1, and B2), based on interest.  The DELF (Diplôme d’Études de Langue Française) is a certification of French language proficiency for non-native speakers of French, administered by the 'Alliance Française’ in Vancouver.
 
The Mandarin Chinese program offers all students the opportunity to attend the preparation classes (level A1, A2, B1, B2, C1) for the internationally accredited Mandarin Chinese test for non-native speakers, the HSK Test.
 
The Spanish program offers all students the opportunity to attend DELE preparation classes (levels A1, A2, and B1).  The DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is a certification of Spanish language proficiency for non-native speakers of Spanish, administered at WPGA.


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Since 1996, West Point Grey Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.

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West Point Grey Academy

4125 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C., V6R 4P9
Tel: 604-222-8750