In Grades 6, 7, and 8, the students will be covering units and activities by theme. Each theme lasts approximately 3 to 4 weeks.  These themes will integrate the three primary strands of the Core French Ontario Curriculum (reading, writing, and oral communication).  Oral communication and reading comprehension will be heavily weighted during the first semester.  This is to ensure that the students acquire confidence and comfort before studying rigorous grammar, language conventions, and sentence structure.  These will come more naturally once the students cultivate a richer repertoire in communication and comprehension of the French language.  Nonetheless, we will be commencing with all strands of the curriculum from September and students will be asked to perform in all three strands.

In French class, participation and a positive attitude are indispensable to create a rich learning environment.  Students are given a participation grade and are encouraged to speak out (en français, bien sûr!) as much as possible.  A significant component of the grade is also based on the improvement each individual makes throughout the year and class discussions will be part of our daily routine.  For example, students are asked to answer a semi-closed ended question at the start of most classes.  For example, “Would you rather play hockey or play football? Why?”  Answering the question with a short class debate is a stimulating opener where all learners can defend his or her point of view in teams or individually.  Following this active class discussion, we will begin the main topic of the lesson.  Developing a vocabulary appropriate to the students’ level and ‘youth culture’ will benefit retention and motivate interest in the subject.  We strive for our students to be enthusiastic about coming to French class and give them all the tools needed to ensure attainment of their learning goals.

Topics of study

Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

Grade 6

• Friends and family
• The lives of youth in Québec and France
• At work
• At a restaurant
• At camp
• Under water world

Grade 7

• Virtual galaxy
• The rhythm of life
• At the wax museum
• Winter destinations
• A world for everyone
• Underground adventure
• Special occasions and holidays

Grade 8

• Snack bar menu
• Being a detective
• The animal kingdom
• Careers
• Art in all its forms
• Legends and myths
• Modes of transportations
• Shipwrecks
• Community service

Course Assessment and Evaluation

The students are evaluated in September to assess their level – some of our students come from French Immersion and Francophone backgrounds, while others are new French learners – with a large portion of the students’ grade being based on improvement.  Improvement of all students, regardless of their initial proficiency level, is demanded.

Assessment is continuous across every unit; we evaluate our students’ progress bi-weekly. Offering multiple forms of both formative and summative assessment ensures all student-learning styles are evaluated.  Examples include:

• Oral assessment – dialogue, games, vocabulary circles, presentations, interviews, and debates
• Listening assessment – listening to others, listening to the teacher, listening to movie clips and cd’s
• Reading assessment – guided reading, reading circles, poem recitals, and play reading
• Creative assessment – presentations, creativity of work, and projects
• Writing assessment – journals, dictations, spelling tests, and writing assignments