Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) is dabbling with the idea of having a third language class instated at the high school level.
French, English and Spanish could be offered to students as early as 2014-15’s second semester. Although no decisions have been approved for a Spanish class yet, it’s an option for students that CRPS is actively exploring.
During a CRPS trustee meeting on Oct. 21, Superintendent Chris MacPhee spoke on the possibility as part of his report. Research will be done to understand all the details and see if it’s a viable option to be proposed at CRPS for second semester.
MacPhee said a CRPS teacher fluent in Spanish brought the idea to his attention and has stepped up to teach the class, should it be approved.
Kate Belford, CRPS assistant superintendent, spoke with the Outlook after the meeting and said CRPS will have a look at what it would take to offer a Spanish course in 2015, and thinks the class would broaden international possibilities for students.
“I think what they (CRPS) want to do is open up and create as many options as possible for students and sort of connect it to Inspiring Hearts and Minds with the whole world connection,” Belford said.
“We do have more students coming in from Spain … so maybe it opens it up to other kids. I mean, Spanish is one of those languages that is really helpful for students who want to go overseas and travel.”
The top two demographics for English as a Second Language (ESL) students who have been coming to learn at CRPS are Spain and Germany.
