Languages

The unifying goal of the study of languages is to facilitate students to understand themselves and the world around them by enabling them to communicate effectively.

English Language Arts

The English Language Arts program is designed to create readers and writers able to understand the ideas of others and synthesize those philosophies with their own to create rich, thoughtful writing. Students at all levels read a diverse selection of short stories, poems, novels, and essays to widen their knowledge of literary themes and styles. Media literacy is also an area of focus, as is the development of oral skills. The curriculum is adapted to suit the reading and writing levels of individual students.

French Language

The French Second Language program aims to have students become functionally bilingual and at ease within the French milieu. Students at all levels focus on the four areas of the language: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Consistent with Bialik’s focus on the individual needs of our students, students have opportunity for both acceleration and enrichment, with many completing MELS requirements at the end of Secondary IV and then studying Francais, langue maternelle, in Secondary V. The “ Diplôme d’étude en langue française” is an opportunity offered by the French Ministry of Education to all students who wish to receive official certification of their proficiency in French, recognized around the world.

Hebrew

Hebrew is the language of the Jewish people and the primary vehicle for the understanding of Jewish heritage and the study of classical and modern Jewish sources. This is the raison d’etre of the study of Hebrew language and literature at all grade levels. In keeping with the focus on individual needs, the study of Hebrew language is streamed throughout the Secondary I to V program. The Hebraica Track allows students the opportunity to study Ivrit B’Ivrit.

Yiddish

The study of Yiddish language, culture, and literature is firmly rooted in our history and our philosophy. Students learn to speak with sufficient fluency to participate comfortably in general conversation. The reading component not only allows them to read with comprehension but also, through the study of great classics of modern Yiddish literature, enhances their understanding of Jewish History and, in particular, the immigrant experiences of American, Canadian, and South American Jewish communities.