French
| Subject | Senior French |
| Course Name | Jeunesse en Action! |
| Core or Elective | Core |
| Prerequisite | None |
| Texts | AIM DVD (optional) and student workbook (provided) |
| Course Outline | Aberdeen Hall has implemented a French Second Language Program based on the Accelerative Integrated Method (AIM). The use of high-frequency vocabulary – introduced with gestures and contextualized in stories, drama, songs and dance – allows students to achieve high levels of oral and written fluency. Students are exposed to a classroom environment in which they will speak only French and they are spoken to only in French. This methodology enables most students to express themselves with ease at a basic level (capable of carrying on conversations and able to write a text of several pages) in less than 100 hours of instruction!This program enables the students to: • express themselves orally in French from the first lesson, using high-frequency vocabulary; • learn vocabulary in visual, auditory and kinesthetic ways; • participate in literature- and drama-based activities in the target language • learn to think and write creatively, while practising oral communication; • engage in activities that support Balanced Literacy in FSL; • learn to apply and understand grammar concepts through error analysis. Examples of some of the grammar, language conventions and vocabulary: • present tense of irregular verbs including vouloir, pouvoir, partir, sortir and devoir with both singular and plural subjects; |
| Suggested support material or extension reading | It is highly recommended that student purchase the optional DVD associated with the play they are studying. The DVD includes the play the students will be required to memorize and perform, all the vocabulary studied along with their associated gestures, as well as all the songs and raps studied in class. The DVD is used to enhance the quality of at home study.Enrichment activities offered include literature studies to enhance the students’ understanding of more advanced grammatical concepts as well as their ability to comprehend vocabulary used in a variety of contexts. |
| Exams | Students write two major exams per year, one in the December exam period and the other in the June exam period. These exams focus on reading, writing, listening and oral abilities. |
| Major assignments and due dates | As students move through the program, bi-weekly quizzes are administered to give the students feedback of their understanding of the material covered. In-class assignments are given weekly and students work at their own pace through the activities as they work with their peers and their teacher in the French-only environment.
The major assignment of the year is the production of the play(s) under study. Students are graded on their ability to produce the language in a fluent and confident manner as well as their ability to re-tell the story in their own words without the use of pre-written aids. |
| Fieldtrips | Students will perform their play in front of the younger students of Aberdeen Hall and they may also have the opportunity to perform for various French Immersion schools within the community . |
| Co- curricular activities | Students will utilize their art skills in set creation for the play performances. They will also integrate their IT skills in the creation and editing of their performance in DVD format.Students will be exposed to many cultural elements of French-speaking communities around the world and within our own community. |
