Language and communication are central to our everyday interactions.  Global trends and technological advances have reduced distances, bringing nations and languages into our homes, connecting us with every part of the globe and increasing opportunities for trade, travel and employment.

Language must be seen as integrally linked to culture.  The study of French and Spanish provides an opportunity for Caribbean students to develop an understanding and appreciation of the cultural and historical contexts of Caribbean societies.  Students will acquire certain skills, attitudes and knowledge that will contribute to their growing understanding of themselves and their environment.

The Modern Languages syllabus focuses on developing students’ ability to communicate in two of the languages in use in the Caribbean region.  As students develop the competence to listen, speak, read and write in French and Spanish and interpret aspects of the culture in which the languages are embedded, they acquire the means to facilitate deeper interaction with our Caribbean neighbours.  The topics selected for the syllabus reflect areas of interest to secondary school students.  Language learning, therefore, provides an opportunity for student to compare their own experiences with those of their peers in Francophone and Hispanic Caribbean countries.

In designing the syllabus care has been taken to ensure that it reflects current trends in the teaching an assessment of modern languages at the secondary level.  Ultimately, students will be equipped to meet the needs of living, studying and working in a  multilingual region and in a culturally and linguistically diverse world.

The syllabus aims to:

• Encourage the acquisition of fundamental language skills needed to function successfully in practical everyday situations requiring the use of the target language(s);
• Develop an understanding of the standard spoken and written forms of French and Spanish;
• Encourage communication in French and Spanish in a manner acceptable to native speakers;
• Encourage students to appreciate their own culture and those of their neighbouring Francophone and Hispanic countries;
• Develop a foundation for further study and the world of work.

The syllabus covers four broad areas:

• Establishing and Maintaining Social Relationships
• Giving, Seeking and Responding to Information
• Expressing Opinions
• Expressing Emotions, Attributes and Other Responses
• Connectives