Course Guide

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World Languages

In 2023, Paul VI received the prestigious honor of the 2023 Distinguished K-12 Chinese Program in the U.S. by the Chinese Language Teachers Association (CLTA). CLTA is an organizational member of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), devoted exclusively to the study of the Chinese language, culture, and pedagogy in the United States. Click to read the CLTA K12 Journal (PVI is on pages 38- 39)
  • CP French 1

    610-FRENCH 1                                                         1 CR
                                                            9, 10, 11, 12
    French 1 is designed to introduce the student to basic concepts and structure of the French language. Classroom activities are varied & interactive while focusing on acquiring all four language competencies (listening, speaking, reading, writing).  The course emphasizes communicative proficiency, with special attention to development of speaking and listening skills, self-expression, and cultural insights. French 1 is intended for students with little to no previous experience with the French language.  PREREQUISITES: None.

  • CP French 2

    612-FRENCH 2                                                         1 CR
                                         9, 10, 11, 12
    French 2 will expand upon the skills developed in French 1.  Cultural studies of the Francophone world are solidified via project-based learning. Grammar concepts are reinforced via the online curriculum. Students will read and discuss a short novel in French. Students continue to develop and expand speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in an interactive classroom environment.  Classes will be conducted in French.
    PREREQUISITES: French 1. Summer studies to strengthen skills are REQUIRED for students with a D average in French 1.
  • CP French 3

    614-FRENCH 3                                                         1 CR
                                                      10, 11, 12
    French 3 will expand on the vocabulary and grammar skills learned in the first two years of French. Emphasis will be placed on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The students will read and discuss a short story and will study French history. Classes and discussions will be conducted in French.
    PREREQUISITES: C+ or above in French 2 and permission of the teacher.
  • HN French 3

    615-HONORS FRENCH 3                                          1 CR
                                                                  10, 11, 12
    This course offers an intensive and rigorous review of previous years and will introduce new concepts of grammar and vocabulary. Emphasis will be placed on French conversation and the students will develop reading skills through selections from French literature and periodicals. Students will learn to write short compositions and will read a short novel. Through the text and audiovisual materials, the students will gain knowledge of French history and culture. Classes will be conducted in French.
    PREREQUISITES: B+ or above in French 2 or teacher recommendation.
  • AP French Language & Culture

    617-ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH
    LANGUAGE & CULTURE                                            1 CR
                                                                                 11, 12
    Advanced Placement French Language is designed to help students use the language for active communication and to prepare them to take the Advanced Placement French exam in the spring. Students will organize and write formal compositions, submit oral compositions on tape, read magazine articles and works by contemporary writers, and watch news broadcasts in French. Students will study French grammar and vocabulary, especially idiomatic expressions. NO ENGLISH is spoken in this class.

    PREREQUISITES:  A- or above in HN French 4. Current teacher recommendation. Successful completion of an oral and written test as well as an interview with the AP teacher.
    Please review AP policies on page 5.

  • HN French 4

    618-HONORS FRENCH 4                                          1 CR
                                                           11, 12
    Conducted entirely in French, this course reviews and expands the students’ knowledge of grammatical concepts previously studied and introduces advanced grammatical concepts. Students broaden their appreciation of French culture through the study of French and Francophone literature, as well as the study of French history. NO ENGLISH is spoken in this class.
    PREREQUISITES: B+ or above in French 3 or HN French 3 or teacher recommendation.
  • CP German 1

    620-GERMAN 1                                                        1 CR
                                                                       9, 10, 11, 12
    German 1 promotes active learning in an interactive classroom that familiarizes students to hearing and using German from the onset.  Instruction progresses logically while introducing grammar and vocabulary to support the communicative functions.
    PREREQUISITES: None.
  • CP German 2

    622-GERMAN 2                                                          1 CR                              9, 10, 11, 12
    German 2 provides a review and continuation of the skills introduced in German 1. Students are expected to interact in the German language in this course. Most instruction is delivered in the German language.  Students develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in German. The course also increases the student’s knowledge and appreciation of diverse cultures in German speaking countries.
    PREREQUISITES: C or above in German 1 and/or permission of the teacher.
  • CP German 3

    624-GERMAN 3                                                           1 CR
                                                     10, 11, 12
    German 3 is conducted entirely in German. Students must speak and converse using German. This course is a review of previously learned grammatical concepts and introduces the students to authentic German texts. German 3 emphasizes creative composition and conversation. Cultural elements will continue to be presented. Assignments include regular writing assignments and oral presentations.
    PREREQUISITES: B or above in German 2 and/or permission of the teacher. Students must have demonstrated a consistent effort of conversing at the German 2 level.
  • CP Latin 1

    630-LATIN 1                                                                 1 CR
                                                 9, 10, 11, 12
    In Latin 1, a presentation of forms, syntax and vocabulary is stressed. The student will develop an ability to read and comprehend elementary Latin.  An introduction to Roman life, culture and mythology is included.
    PREREQUISITES: None.
  • CP Latin 2

    632-LATIN 2                                                                 1 CR
                                                 9, 10, 11, 12
    Latin 2 provides a brief review of vocabulary, inflections, and grammatical principles learned in the first year. New syntax and forms, which are essential for the reading of Latin authors, are developed. The students will read adapted stories with limited exposure to ancient authors. 
    PREREQUISITES: Latin 1 and permission of the Latin teachers. Summer studies to strengthen skills are REQUIRED for students with a D average in Latin 1.
  • HN Latin 5

    633-HONORS LATIN 5                                                 1 CR
                                                        11, 12
    Honors Latin 5 students will review and expand their knowledge of grammar previously studied with more advanced syntax and vocabulary. The students will read selections from a variety of Latin authors from ancient times and become familiar with the development of literary genres, including poetry.   .  
    PREREQUISITES: B- or above in HN Latin 4 and permission of the teacher.
  • HN Latin 3

    635-HONORS LATIN 3                                                 1 CR
                                                     9, 10, 11, 12
    Honors Latin 3 provides a brief review of vocabulary, inflections and grammatical principles. Students should have a solid grasp of Latin at the Latin 2 level. New syntax, forms, and rhetorical devices for the reading of Latin prose authors are developed. Students develop and refine specific critical thinking skills necessary for the AP curriculum. A variety of selections from the works of ancient Latin authors are covered at an accelerated, in-depth rate. 
    PREREQUISITES: B- or above in Latin 2 and permission of the teacher.
  • HN Latin 4

    637-HONORS LATIN 4                                                 1 CR
                                                      10, 11, 12
    Honors Latin 4 students will review and expand their knowledge of grammar previously studied with more advanced syntax and vocabulary. The students will read selections from a variety of Latin authors from ancient times and become familiar with the development of literary genres, including poetry.      
    PREREQUISITES: B- or above in HN Latin 3 and permission of the teacher.
  • AP Latin

    639-ADVANCED PLACEMENT LATIN                     1 CR
                 11, 12
    AP Latin involves an in-depth concentration of Vergil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s Gallic Wars. Extensive translation and sight reading is involved.  The students will develop a critical appreciation for the literary style and will become familiar with the figures of speech and literary devices used.
    PREREQUISITES:  A- in HN Latin 3, A- in HN Latin 4, or A- in HN Latin 5 and current teacher recommendation.
    Please review AP policies on page 4.
  • CP Spanish 1

    640-SPANISH 1                                                           1 CR
                                                 9, 10, 11, 12
    Spanish 1 is designed to introduce the student to the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing the language using basic grammatical structures. Cultural notes are introduced to enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of the Hispanic culture.
    PREREQUISITES: None.
  • CP Spanish 2

    642-SPANISH 2                                                            1 CR
                                                 9, 10, 11, 12
    Spanish 2 develops and intensifies the four basic skills presented in Spanish 1 with a more in-depth development of grammatical patterns and vocabulary. Spanish will be spoken in the classroom to develop listening and oral proficiency. Cultural notes are presented through the text and through selected projects.
    PREREQUISITES: Spanish 1. Summer studies to strengthen skills are REQUIRED for students with a D average in Spanish 1.
  • HN Spanish 2

    642A-HONORS SPANISH 2                                         1 CR
                                                 9, 10
    Honors Spanish 2 develops and intensifies the four basic skills presented in Spanish 1 with a more in-depth development of grammatical patterns and vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on listening skills and creative expression in Spanish. Starting in the second quarter, NO ENGLISH will be spoken in this class. Spanish will be spoken in the classroom to develop listening and oral proficiency.
    PREREQUISITES: For ninth graders: 95% or above on Diocesan Spanish placement exam and a passing grade on the additional PVI writing/speaking exam. For tenth graders: A in Spanish 1, current teacher recommendation, and successful score on oral and written placement test.
  • Introductory Spanish 2

    643-INTRODUCTORY SPANISH 2                               1 CR
                                                                                       10, 11
    Introductory Spanish 2 is designed for students who have scored below the 40th percentile on reading and language sections of the HSPT Diocesan test.  Introductory Spanish 2 reinforces skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing the Spanish language using basic grammatical structures. The course is designed to allow students to complete their second and final year of the two year world language requirement.  Students in this course will not be permitted to pursue further study of this language beyond this course.
    PREREQUISITES: Completion of Spanish 1 and placement by Spanish1 teacher and the Department Chairperson.
  • Spanish 3 Foundations

    SPANISH 3 FOUNDATIONS          1 CR

                                                     10, 11, 12

    This course is designed for students who scored below 80% in Spanish 2. The course offers an extended review of Spanish 2 grammar structures and vocabulary and introduces some of the most relevant concepts of Spanish 3 to expand students’ usage of the language. Students will also explore the everyday life practices of Spanish-speaking peoples and countries.

    Students enrolled in this course will not be permitted to pursue further study of this language beyond this course.

    PREREQUISITES: C or C+ in Spanish 2 and current teacher recommendation.

  • CP Spanish 3

    644-SPANISH 3                                                            1 CR
                                                     10, 11, 12
    Spanish 3 is conducted primarily in Spanish.  This course clarifies and refines all previously presented grammatical patterns and introduces more complex concepts. Emphasis is placed on listening skills and creative expression in Spanish. Conversation, writing, and reading skills are more highly developed.
    PREREQUISITES: B+ or above in Spanish 2 and current teacher’s recommendation. 
  • HN Spanish 3

    645-HONORS SPANISH 3                                            1 CR
                                                     10, 11, 12
    NO ENGLISH is spoken in this class!  This course provides an accelerated and rigorous review of grammar with emphasis on expanding the student's knowledge of the four basic skills of the Spanish language. Oral proficiency and more complex grammar structures are integral to this course.
    PREREQUISITES: A in Spanish 2, current teacher recommendation, and successful score on oral and written placement test. B+ or above in HN Spanish 2 with teacher recommendation.
  • CP Spanish 4

    646-SPANISH 4                                                        1 CR
                                                          11, 12
    Spanish 4 expands the student’s knowledge of grammatical concepts previously studied and introduces advanced grammatical concepts and vocabulary.  Students utilize and further develop auditory comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills through the study of Hispanic culture, art and literature. NO ENGLISH is spoken in class.
    PREREQUISITES:  B or above in CP Spanish 3 or Honors Spanish 3 and recommendation from current Spanish teacher.
  • AP Spanish Language & Culture

    647-ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LANGUAGE 
                                     1 CR
    11, 12
    This course prepares students to take the AP Spanish Language Exam by exposing them to a variety of authentic sources. Students will develop an array of projects in correlation with the various authentic topics covered in class. Knowledge of advanced grammar concepts and understanding of spoken Spanish is crucial for success in this class.
    PREREQUISITES: A- or above in Honors Spanish 4. Current teacher recommendation, successful completion of an oral and written test as well as an interview with the AP teacher. Please review AP policies on page 4.
  • HN Spanish 4

    648-HONORS SPANISH 4                                            1 CR
                                                           11
    This is a pre-AP course that prepares students for the study of AP Spanish Language. Students will develop auditory comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills through reading, summarizing, analyzing and discussing authentic selections. Students are expected to speak only in Spanish, as the course is taught exclusively in Spanish.
    PREREQUISITES: A- or above in Honors Spanish 3 and current teacher recommendation. A SERIOUS commitment to learning Spanish in a fast-paced, upper-level course. Please review AP policies on page 4.
  • CP Mandarin Chinese 1

    670-MANDARIN CHINESE 1                                        1 CR
                                                 9, 10, 11, 12
    Mandarin Chinese 1 is designed to introduce the student to the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing the language using basic grammar structures. Cultural notes are introduced to enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of the Chinese culture.
    PREREQUISITES: None.
  • CP Mandarin Chinese 2

    672-MANDARIN CHINESE 2                                        1 CR
                                                 9, 10, 11, 12
    Chinese 2 provides a review and continuation of the skills introduced in Chinese 1. Students will reinforce and further develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing Chinese. This course increases the student’s knowledge and appreciation of the Chinese culture and modern history.
    PREREQUISITES: C or above in Mandarin Chinese 1.
  • HN Mandarin Chinese 3

    HONORS MANDARIN CHINESE 3                              1 CR
                                                   10, 11, 12
    This course builds on language skills developed in Chinese 1 and 2 and is designed to improve students’ abilities to communicate effectively and appropriately in real life social contexts. It will complete and review basic grammar and key sentence patterns of Chinese, provide practice in the appropriate use of idiomatic expressions, and further develop skills in reading and writing Chinese characters. The class will cover additional aspects about Chinese culture and history.
    PREREQUISITES: B or above in Mandarin Chinese 2.
  • AP Chinese Language & Culture

    677-ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHINESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE
          1 CR                                                     
                                                                               11, 12
    This course is designed to provide students with various opportunities to further improve their proficiency in the four language skills to be ready for the AP Chinese exam. The goal of this course is to enable students to master conventions of communication through the exploration of topics reflecting multiple aspects of Chinese society and culture. Units comprise vocabulary, sentence patterns, text analysis, application of vocabulary and patterns, supplementary reading, and typing assignments on laptops.
    PREREQUISITES: A in HN Chinese 3 with current teacher recommendation.  Please review AP policies on page 4.
  • Intro to Mandarin Chinese

    Introduction to Mandarin Chinese
    .5 CR
    Grades 10, 11, 12
    The semester-long course is designed to introduce students to some basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills of the Mandarin Chinese language.
    Prerequisites: None
  • Intro to ASL

    Introduction to American Sign Language
    .5 CR
    Grades 10, 11, 12
    The semester-long course is designed to introduce students to some basic American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills.
    Prerequisites: None
  • Intro to ASL 2

    INTRO TO AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE 2              .5 CR

                                                                                    10, 11, 12

    The semester-long course is designed to continue to help students build their knowledge of basic American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills.
    PREREQUISITES: Completion of Intro to American Sign Language.

  • DE Beg. German 1 (GER 101)

    DE11 - BEGINNING GERMAN 1 (GER 101)               .5 CR
    DE12 - BEGINNING GERMAN 2 (GER 102)               .5 CR
                                                                                 11, 12
    These are Dual Enrollment courses offered through Northern Virginia Community College. GER 101 and GER 102 are each 4 credit college courses. These college-level courses introduce cultural awareness, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and emphasize basic German sentence structures. German is used in the classroom.
    PREREQUISITES: A in current PVI German course and recommendation of Frau Joyner. 3.0 or above cumulative GPA. Please review Dual Enrollment information on pages 5 and 38.
  • DE Beg. German 2 (GER 102)

    DE11 - BEGINNING GERMAN 1 (GER 101)               .5 CR
    DE12 - BEGINNING GERMAN 2 (GER 102)               .5 CR
                                                                                 11, 12
    These are Dual Enrollment courses offered through Northern Virginia Community College. GER 101 and GER 102 are each 4 credit college courses. These college-level courses introduce cultural awareness, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and emphasize basic German sentence structures. German is used in the classroom.
    PREREQUISITES: A in current PVI German course and recommendation of Frau Joyner. 3.0 or above cumulative GPA. Please review Dual Enrollment information on pages 5 and 38.
  • DE Int. German 1 (GER 201)

    DE6 - INTERMEDIATE GERMAN 1 (GER 201)          .5 CR
    DE7 - INTERMEDIATE GERMAN 2 (GER 202)          .5 CR
                                                                                       12
    These are Dual Enrollment courses offered through Northern Virginia Community College. GER 201 and GER 202 are each 3 credit college courses. These college-level courses continue to develop cultural awareness, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and emphasize complex sentence structures. German is used in the classroom. No English is spoken in this class.
    PREREQUISITES: 3.0 or above cumulative GPA. Completion of GER 101 & 102. Please review Dual Enrollment information on pages 5 and 38.
  • DE Int. German 2 (GER 202)

    DE6 - INTERMEDIATE GERMAN 1 (GER 201)          .5 CR
    DE7 - INTERMEDIATE GERMAN 2 (GER 202)          .5 CR
                                                                                       12
    These are Dual Enrollment courses offered through Northern Virginia Community College. GER 201 and GER 202 are each 3 credit college courses. These college-level courses continue to develop cultural awareness, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and emphasize complex sentence structures. German is used in the classroom. No English is spoken in this class.
    PREREQUISITES: 3.0 or above cumulative GPA. Completion of GER 101 & 102. Please review Dual Enrollment information on pages 5 and 38.
  • DE Int. Spanish 1 (SPA 201)

    DE13 - INTERMEDIATE SPANISH 1 (SPA 201)         .5 CR
    DE14 - INTERMEDIATE SPANISH 2 (SPA 202)         .5 CR
                                                                                       12
    These are Dual Enrollment courses offered through Northern Virginia Community College. SPA 201 and SPA 202 are each 3 credit college courses. These college-level courses continue to develop cultural awareness, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and emphasize complex sentence structures. Spanish is used in the classroom. Grammar is taught in English.
    PREREQUISITES: B+ or above in HN Spanish 3, HN Spanish 4, or CP Spanish 4. 3.0 or above cumulative GPA and current teacher recommendation. Please review Dual Enrollment information on pages 5 and 38.
  • DE Int. Spanish 2 (SPA 202)

    DE13 - INTERMEDIATE SPANISH 1 (SPA 201)         .5 CR
    DE14 - INTERMEDIATE SPANISH 2 (SPA 202)         .5 CR
                                                                                       12
    These are Dual Enrollment courses offered through Northern Virginia Community College. SPA 201 and SPA 202 are each 3 credit college courses. These college-level courses continue to develop cultural awareness, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and emphasize complex sentence structures. Spanish is used in the classroom. Grammar is taught in English.
    PREREQUISITES: B+ or above in HN Spanish 3, HN Spanish 4, or CP Spanish 4. 3.0 or above cumulative GPA and current teacher recommendation. Please review Dual Enrollment information on pages 5 and 38.

Faculty

St. Paul VI Catholic High School is a private Diocesan Catholic preparatory school for girls and boys in grades 9-12 in Chantilly, Virginia, seeking to help our students Grow in Grace and Wisdom. Our school is part of the Diocese of Arlington and offers rigorous academics, an inclusive community focused on spiritual and leadership formation, and a proud athletic tradition featuring nationally renowned programs competing in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association.

St. Paul VI Catholic High School is an accredited member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.