Bienvenue/Welcome to the Department of Modern Languages!
Our FSL and Modern Languages Department offers a variety of courses, options and experiences to meet the needs and interests of our students. We provide programming in French for both the French Immersion, and Core French programmes.
Our Department Philosophy:
We are pleased to offer innovative, inclusive and action-oriented language learning that focuses on helping students achieve language proficiency in the areas of oral communication, auditory comprehension, reading comprehension and written expression.
Our framework for learning is a focus on developing our students’ 21st century competencies and fostering intercultural understanding.
Our Programs:
Our students develop their learning skills in the areas of critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration through complex modes of inquiry, problem-solving, analysis and real-life applications.
The language acquisition/refinement process is grounded in Authentic Communicative Tasks to engage adolescent learners and help them to make real world connections in their learning.
French Immersion
Focus on Increased Language Proficiency in the areas of:
Listening: authentic, current French auditory materials, exposure to different regional accents, exploration of formal and informal communication “registers”
Speaking: for different communicative purposes and situations (ex: to exchange information, to persuade, to share opinions, etc.
Reading: exposure to Québecois literature, media texts, modern drama, graphic texts, formal and informal letters, etc. (Grade 9), exposure to classic and modern French literature and literature from the French colonies, information/graphic texts, news reports, editorials and various media texts (Grade 10)
Writing: for practical/real-life situations (ex: sending a formal letter or email, advertising for a roommate, etc.) and for literary analysis (character analysis for novel study, etc.)
Learn more about the French Immersion Program and Requirements.
Core French
Focus on Language Acquisition and Increasing Vocabulary
Listening: authentic, current French auditory materials, exploration of expressions used for daily communicative activities
Speaking: for different authentic communicative purposes and situations (ex: to describe, to ask questions, to retell events in the past, etc.)
Reading: exposure to short informational and short narrative texts (Grade 9) Exposure to classic French literature and various media texts (Grade 10)
Writing: for practical/real-life situations (ex: giving written directions/instructions, writing an email to a friend, writing a greeting card) and for literary analysis (character analysis for novel study, etc.)
We are dedicated to providing experiences which enable our students to communicate and interact in French with confidence in an engaging and supportive environment. Students develop the skills necessary to become culturally literate global citizens.
Fundamental concepts addressed in our programs equip our students for an ever changing global society. Literacy skills, (including cultural and digital literacy), in addition to oral competence, flexible groupings and authentic learning, allow ample opportunities for students to interact and be involved “socially” with the language. Students also gain a better knowledge of themselves as learners and co-learners in their journey of language acquisition and competence.
All students who complete the Core French Programme from grades 9-12 will receive the French Proficiency Certificate from the York Region District School Board at Graduation Ceremonies. This certificate is recognized by universities, colleges and employers as a certification of completion of the Core French program.
English as a Second Language
Courses in English as a Second Language support English language learners to develop the literacy skills needed in order to continue their education and contribute to the social, economic and political life of Canada.
Requirements For ESL
Students' English proficiency, both oral and written, is formally assessed so that a suitable program may be selected. A mathematics assessment may also be needed to provide an indication of the students' educational background and learning potential. This assessment is conducted at the York Region District School Board Reception Centre. An interview at the school with the student and parents will be arranged to review the assessment information and to recommend a program of study. Finally, the students' progress will be monitored on an ongoing basis, even after he/she formally leaves ESL classes and/or until becoming integrated into the mainstream English program.