Glenburnie Private School French Curriculum

Bienvenue!

Welcome to the Primary/Junior French Program, where learning a new language is always exciting!

Objectives of our French Program

The overall objectives of our French program are:

• To introduce our young students to communicating in French through songs, dances and games
• To develop an appreciation of the French language and culture, integrating activities associated with traditional French celebrations, media links, as well as resourcing a variety of print materials
• To develop facility in effective oral and written communication, and an appreciation of the French language and culture through a variety of school wide events and associated class trips
• To ensure that our students are well prepared to meet the oral and written French curriculum expectations at the High School level, with students achieving at their personal best.
• For students who excel in their French studies, they have opportunity to work ahead to earn their Grade 9 High School credit.

Brief Curriculum Overview

Preschool/Kindergarten

The Preschool French program presents a child-centred, activity-based introduction to the French language and culture. Students have fun interacting with each other with basic French words and phrases as they sing French songs, repeat familiar rhymes and enjoy games and dramatic play. The French activities are related to familiar topics and classroom themes, introducing simple vocabulary and expressions. Students practice using appropriate language conventions in oral communication and in introductory written activities, based on songs, dances and conversations.

Primary French

Through the Primary years, Glenburnie students explore the French language through written activities, song, games and dramatic play. Students are encouraged to listen and respond to short, simple French words and phrases. These activities are related to familiar topics, using introductory vocabulary and expressions. Through role playing experiences, and in response to classroom conversations, students practise using appropriate language conventions during oral communications activities. They have opportunities to produce simple written material, short stories, and mini play presentations, as well as discuss a variety of familiar topics using their expanding French vocabulary. Through activities such as creating a menu for a French café, participating in skits like ‘Le Petit Chaperon Rouge’, and enjoying French cultural activities as in our Carnaval de Glenburnie.

Junior French

The Junior French Program encourages students to identify and apply appropriate language conventions during oral communication activities and in their written work. French language based activities also include games, dramatic role playing, and puppetry experiences. These are related to familiar topics and classroom themes, which may require the use of new vocabulary, expressions and grammar concepts. Students also have the opportunity to produce short pieces of writing in a variety of forms, and use visual and verbal cues to understand and convey meaning. Appropriate intonation and pronunciation is a continued focus.

Intermediate French

The Intermediate French Program encourages students to identify and integrate appropriate language conventions during oral and written communications exercises. French classroom practices and experiences are related to familiar topics and classroom themes, which encourage the development of new vocabulary, expressions and grammatical concepts. Students also have the opportunity to participate in oral French activities connecting their vocabulary to a variety of personal experiences through rehearsed and open-ended role playing situations. The use of oral communication becomes a strong focus at this level as students prepare lengthier oral presentations which reinforce appropriate intonation and speech patterns.

Extensions and Enrichment in French:

Tutorials are provided for students who have not had the opportunity of previous French instruction, or who require additional assistance with particular aspects of their French studies.

Upon completion of the main program, enrichment work is provided on an individual and ongoing basis. Students have opportunities to complete enrichment work appropriate to their personal level of achievement. Enrichment extension activities include French novel studies, enjoying French magazines, SmartBoard French media clips, classroom presentations, and personal research and projects.

For students who excel in their French studies, and who have been working ahead of their particular grade level, they have opportunity in Grade 8 to earn their Grade 9 High School French credit.