English
In the 21st Century, new generations need to develop learning, literacy, and, mainly, life skills to succeed in the Information Age. One of those skills is learning other languages and, although English is not the most spoken language in the world, it is considered and used as a lingua franca to communicate back and forth (by any means) with others around the globe. Therefore, mastering the universal language provides better academic, professional, and employment opportunities.
Being aware of nowadays necessities and requirements, English language learning at Liceo Javier is focused on providing students the use of functional language in context and in-depth content understanding. Therefore, the language learning journey conveys the use of different methodologies, considering their stage of cognitive development and depending on their English level.
So, from preschool to 4th grade, students learn through Total Physical Response (TPR) and Task-Based Learning (TBL). Moreover, from 1st to 3rd grade they have an extra class at the English Lab, where in learning centers, they practice the four skills to deepen their knowledge and abilities in small groups.
From 5th to 9th grade, our students are placed strategically, through external examination, according to their English level based on the Common European Framework -CEFR-. At this stage, students learn and improve their language skills using the Communicative Approach, emphasizing interaction in the target language. Finally, in Bachillerato (High School) they work on Project Based Learning (PBL).
Our students from V Bachillerato take the TOEFL ITP at the end of their studies at Liceo Javier to help them avoid receiving further courses in English at the university and to serve as a research tool to continue assessing and updating our curriculum and to make improvement decisions to enhance even more the teaching-learning process of this foreign language.
At Liceo Javier, the English team provides students the opportunity to learn through holistic approaches and meaningful material integrating productive and receptive skills. Therefore, this learning journey allows them to manage the language efficiently and effectively, being ready to face the challenges of today´s world as professionals, and to succeed as productive global citizens.
Correo para comunicación: marlene.fajardo@liceojavier.edu.gt