Spanish in Third Form

By Charlie Hutchison '25

Article from the Winter Carnival 2024 Hearth Issue

Learning languages is very important. Eaglebrook has a vast variety of languages you can take as a student. In the past, Third Form students were required to take Latin, an ancient and influential language that holds significant importance in various fields, including history, literature, religion, and science. Learning Latin offers numerous benefits, and understanding its importance helps motivate individuals to take up the study of this classic language. Many of the Third Formers have said it is important to learn Latin because it is the base of most languages and has helped students to learn them.  However, this year, there was a change to the Third Form languages curriculum. Eaglebrook has added Spanish as a language option that you can take as a Third Former. Students believe that the Spanish language is a good addition for academics in the Third Form because they get exposed to different languages and cultures. Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 460 million native speakers. It is an official language in 21 countries and increasingly important in global business and diplomacy. Learning Spanish provides students with practical communication skills that are valuable in diverse professional settings. Additionally, it offers insights into Hispanic culture and literature, enriching students’ understanding of the global community. Learning languages is indeed very important for various reasons. It not only enhances communication skills but also provides cognitive, cultural, and academic benefits. The Third Form Spanish teacher this year is Mrs. Trimbach-Rios, and the Third form is very exciting. When I was in Third form, I had to take Latin. I enjoyed it, but for the coming years in Fourth Form and Fifth Form, I switched to Spanish. The Third Form is happy to have different languages to choose from to experience a broad range of cultures.