Page 104 - 1948 Wardlaw

LANGUAGE
Instruction in a language other than English is introduced in the eighth grade, where a two-year course in Latin is begun. Full courses in Spanish, French, and German were offered this year from the ninth through the twelfth grades. French was also taught on a limited basis in the lower school.
Mrs. Florence M. Senyk works with French students in new language laboratory.
ART
SHOP
A vital and significant contribution was added this year to the Wardlaw curriculum with the inception of a fully equipped art department.
For the first time this year, there was offered a special course in wood shop.
Mr. Theodore Torre-Bueno, head of the school art department, stressed art as a humanity rather than as a specific skill. He also felt that it was important for a student to think out and solve problems in an “art reference.”
Mr. Jacques E. LeGrand taught the course, which was divided into sections and met twice a week.
There was also offered, in addition to specific art courses, special instruction in architecture. Mr. Torre-Bueno also initiated, in conjunction with Mr. M. Gale Hoffman, history instructor, a series of well-received art lectures for senior history stu­ dents.
The work done in “shop” was especially helpful in providing the effective stage scenery used in the annual Drama Club production in February.
DRIVER ED
Under the leadership of Mr. A. John Vivano, driver education was much expanded this year. The state defensive-driving course was part of the Ward- law program.
Mr. Vivano was able to set a November test date for the state examination so that no one had to wait for his birthday before taking the test.
Behind-the-wheel training became part of the popular course.
Another "first” this year was the modern- language laboratory at the Inman Avenue school. The Cybervox system, serving as a complement to classroom instruction, enabled students to acquire, through taped drills of both new and review mater­ ial, greater and more accurate oral fluency and comprehension.
Spanish was taught by Mr. Eduardo E. Bofill and Mr. Lewis B. Timberlake. Miss Helene B. Foure and Mrs. Florence M. Senyk instructed French with Mrs. Ute C. Holmes teaching Ger­ man. Mr. Timberlake taught the Latin courses.
The main purpose of the course was to famil­ iarize students with all of the commonly used tools and their practical appliance.