LANGUAGES 
Learning a second – or third – language proves to be invaluable for a number of reasons. Through learning another language, students can strengthen their first-language skills and enhance their critical and creative thinking abilities; they also tend to become more tolerant and respectful of other cultures. In addition, the ability to communicate in another language provides students with a distinct advantage in a number of careers, both in Canada and abroad. Thus, for the student with an interest in travel, the arts, history, sciences, politics, and more, possessing an additional language can be an important asset.
PROGRAM OFFERINGS:
At KCVI, students may choose courses in French (Core, Extended or Immersion), Latin and/or Spanish; these are full four-year (French) and three-year (Latin and Spanish) programs leading to the Grade 12 level. In addition, we offer three-credit focus programs in Japanese and Celtic Studies, both of which include a language component; these programs tend to be offered every other year, and are normally selected by students in Grade 11 or 12.
Students enrolled in all language classes at KCVI will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. They will also experience elements of culture and literary study that will enhance their appreciation of the target language.
FRENCH PROGRAM DEFINITIONS:
· Core French: is designed for those students who have had 600 hours of French instruction by the end of Grade 8. Students choosing this stream have typically taken core French courses in elementary school. The emphasis in Core French is on language acquisition: learning of vocabulary and language structures.
· Extended French: is designed for those students who have accumulated 1260 hours of French instruction by the end of Grade 8. Students choosing this stream have typically taken extended French in elementary school and may have studied other subjects such as history or geography in which French was the language of instruction. Emphasis in Extended French is on language acquisition through a variety of oral and written activities, along with some study of literature. French is the language of instruction.
· Immersion French: is designed for those students who have acquired 3800 hours of French instruction by the end of Grade 8. These students have typically been enrolled in an early or late French Immersion program in elementary school. Emphasis in this stream is on perfecting students’ language skills and on the study of literature and culture, through a variety of activities more demanding than those in Extended French. French is exclusively the language of instruction and communication.
Note: This is suggested programming. Students, in consultation with their parents and teachers, may be permitted to change streams.
FRENCH PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
· Core French: All students must achieve one credit in French in order to receive their secondary school diploma. However, students who complete the full four-year French program either in Academic French (FSF1DK, FSF2DK, FSF3UK, FSF4UK) or Applied French (FSF1PK, FSF2PK, FSF3OK, FSF4OK) will receive a Certificate of Core French Studies.
· Extended French: In order to complete the full Extended French program, students are required to take seven (7) courses: the four (4) language courses (FEF1DE, FEF2DE, FEF3UE, FEF4UE) and three (3) electives in which French is the language of instruction, including Geography, Physical Education, and Technological Studies.
· Immersion French: In order to complete the full French Immersion program, students must take ten (10) courses: the four (4) language courses (FIF1DI, FIF2DI, FIF3UI, FIF4UI) and six (6) other courses in which French is the language of instruction.
LANGUAGES PREREQUISITE FLOW CHART
FRENCH COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FSF1PK Core French, Grade 9, Applied
This course emphasizes the concurrent development of oral communication skills, using the theme of media; the development of oral communication skills will be integrated with the development of reading and writing skills. Students will expand their ability to understand and speak French through conversations, discussions, and presentations. They will also read media-related short stories, articles, poems, and songs and write brief descriptions, letters, dialogues, and invitations.
Through themes such as music and food, students participate in the discovery and comparison of cultural similarities and differences, and learn how to communicate fundamental ideas in French. Greater emphasis is placed on speaking rather than reading and writing.
Prerequisite: None
FSF1DK Core French, Grade 9, Academic
This course emphasizes the further development of oral communication, reading, and writing skills. Students will build on and apply their knowledge of French while exploring a variety of themes, such as relationships, trends, and careers. Thematic readings, which include a selection of short stories, articles, and poems, will serve as stepping stones to oral and written activities.
In this course, students are given opportunities to increase their vocabulary and oral and written French skills through themes such as mystery, monsters, inventions and time travel. They also gain a greater appreciation of Francophone culture, both here and abroad, and of the benefits of bilingualism.
Prerequisite: None
FEF1DE Extended French, Grade 9, Academic
This course emphasizes the expansion of students' oral communication, reading, and writing skills through the study of themes that reflect their interests. Students will apply their knowledge of French in discussions, debates, dramatizations, and oral presentations. Students will read and write in a variety of genres (e.g. poems, articles, brochures) and study at least one short novel intended for a French-speaking audience.
Through themes such as the arts, the environment and multiculturalism, students are given many opportunities to communicate their views and to develop their language skills in a variety of oral (skits, presentations, etc.) and written (poems, letters, posters) activities. Students also read a short novel.
Prerequisite: None
FIF1DI French Immersion, Grade 9, Academic
This course enables students to expand their language knowledge and skills through the study of twentieth-century North American Francophone literature and culture. Students will participate in oral communication, reading, and writing activities as they study a novel and selected poems, legends, songs, films, and newspaper articles from the French-speaking world in North America.
In this course, students develop their ability to understand various sources of French, both Canadian and European, in radio, television, music, etc. Students participate in class discussions, debates, improvised dialogues and play performances, debates, and further develop their linguistic skills through an integrated study of language and literature.
Prerequisite: None
FSF2PK Core French, Grade 9, Applied
This course emphasizes the further development of oral communication, reading, and writing skills using a broad-based theme such as adolescence. Students will expand their knowledge of French by studying a series of theme-related topics, such as students' rights and responsibilities, relationships with peers and adults, and part-time jobs.
Students continue to develop their language skills and are given opportunities to make connections with other courses such as Civics and Careers. This course also aims to provide students with the basic language knowledge to visit a Francophone community and be able to communicate effectively in restaurants, stores, public transportation, etc.
Prerequisite: FSF1PK or FSF1DK
FSF2DK Core French, Grade 10, Academic
This course enables students to increase their knowledge of the French language, further develop their language skills, and deepen their understanding and appreciation of Francophone culture around the world. Exploring a variety of themes, students will develop and apply critical thinking skills in discussion, in their analysis and interpretation of texts, and in their own writing.
In this course, students further develop their language skills through an examination of means of communication such as television, radio and newspapers. Students participate in a variety of activities such as preparation of a radio show, putting together a TV Guide, writing classified ads, horoscopes and advice columns. Students also read stories and a short novel.
Prerequisite: FSF1DK
FEF2DE Extended French, Grade 10, Academic
This course emphasizes the continued development and refinement of students’ oral communication, reading, and writing skills as they explore a variety of themes. Students will expand their knowledge and appreciation of Francophone culture through the study and interpretation of novels, poems, and plays intended for a French-speaking audience.
In this course, students further develop their language skills through an examination of means of communication such as television, radio and newspapers. Students participate in a variety of activities such as filming an excerpt of a TV show, preparing radio interviews, writing classified ads and newspaper articles. Students also read a novel.
Prerequisite: FEF1DE
FIF2DI French Immersion, Grade 10, Academic
This course enables students to increase their knowledge of the French language and to further develop their language skills through the study of twentieth-century European Francophone literature and culture. Students will participate in oral communication, reading, and writing activities based on a variety of French literary and media works. They will study at least one novel and a selection of poems, short stories, films, plays, and newspaper and magazine articles.
Students are given many opportunities to further develop their oral and written skills through activities such as presentation of dialogues and research projects, viewing of films, diverse writing tasks such as newspaper articles, opinion pieces and poetry. The curriculum includes the study of a French play (one act of which students perform) and the childhood memoirs of a French author (which allows students to reflect upon topics such as war, intolerance and the triumph of the human spirit).
Prerequisite: FIF1DI
FSF3UK Core French, Grade 11, University Preparation
This course draws on a variety of themes to promote extensive development of reading and writing skills and to reinforce oral communication skills. Students will gain a greater understanding of French-speaking cultures in Canada and around the world through their reading of a variety of materials, including a short novel or a play. Students will produce various written assignments, including a formal essay. The use of correct grammar and appropriate language conventions in both spoken and written French will be emphasized throughout the course.
In this course, students explore Francophone culture around the world by sampling food, music, stories and theatre from different regions. They are given many opportunities to express themselves creatively and thoughtfully in a variety of oral and written activities.
Prerequisite: FSF2DK
FEF3UE Extended French, Grade 11, University Preparation
This course focuses on developing French-language skills through the study of Canadian francophone authors. Students will analyse works in a variety of genres and will produce various types of written assignments, including a formal essay. The use of correct grammar and appropriate language conventions in both spoken and written French will be emphasized throughout the course.
In this course, students explore Francophone literature and culture around the world through the study of themes such as French / English relations in Canada, legends, and love and friendship. Students read short stories, folktales, poetry and a Canadian play, and are given many opportunities to further develop their oral and written language skills.
Prerequisite: FEF2DE
FIF3UI French Immersion, Grade 11, University Preparation
This course develops knowledge and language skills through the study of francophone literature and culture from around the world. Students will study novels, plays, poems, short stories, films, and non-fiction works and produce written assignments in a variety of forms, including critiques and précis. They will also write a formal research essay. The use of correct grammar and appropriate language conventions in both spoken and written French will be emphasized throughout the course.
Students in this course continue to perfect their oral and written skills through an integrated study of language and literature. Students explore topics such as French / English relations in Canada through poetry, songs, short stories and a full-length play; students also complete a unit of study on the south of France, gaining a greater appreciation of its language, literature and cultural traditions, as they read short stories, poetry and a novel.
Prerequisite: FIF2DI
FSF4UK Core French, Grade 12, University Preparation
This course draws on a variety of themes to promote extensive development of French-language skills. Students will consolidate their oral skills as they discuss literature, culture, and current issues. They will read a variety of texts and will write a formal essay. The use of correct grammar and appropriate language conventions in both spoken and written French will be emphasized throughout the course.
In this course, students continue their study of the Francophone world through the study of various genres: film, the novel and les bandes dessinées. They have many opportunities to perfect their oral and written French skills.
Prerequisite: FSF3UK
FEF4UE Extended French, Grade 12, University Preparation
This course emphasizes the refinement of French language skills through the study of Canadian and international francophone literature. Students will interpret literary works, produce written assignments in a variety of genres, and conduct research on a major topic for a written and oral presentation. The use of correct grammar and appropriate language conventions in both spoken and written French will be emphasized throughout the course.
In this final Extended French course, students are given many opportunities to perfect their oral and written skills, through a systematic review of fundamental language structures. Students also continue their examination of French literature and culture throughout the world as they complete units on film and les bandes dessinées and as they study a Canadian novel.
Prerequisite: FEF3UE
FIF4UI French Immersion, Grade 12, University Preparation
This course provides for extensive study of French literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the present. Students will study novel, plays, poems, films and non-fiction works produced in various historical periods and will write a formal research paper. The use of correct grammar and language conventions in both spoken and written French will be emphasized throughout the course.
In this final French Immersion course, students are given diverse opportunities to bring their oral and written skills to a near-native level of fluency; emphasis is on effective oral communication and giving students an understanding of the nuances of writing in French. As a class, students study two literary works: a play and a novel; they also complete an independent novel study and a research project on some aspect of Francophone culture.
Prerequisite: FIF3UI
LATIN COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
LVLADK Classical Languages, Level 1, Academic
This course introduces students to the achievements of the classical world through the study of Latin. Students will learn vocabulary and grammar essential for reading and translating classical texts. English is the language of instruction. Through a variety of enrichment activities, such as presentations, debates, and dialogues, students will explore such aspects of life in the ancient world as trade, commerce, education, entertainment, and social customs while improving their language skills.
In this introductory course, open to students of all grades, the class explores the worlds of the city of Pompeii and the Roman provinces of Britain and Egypt. As they do so, they acquire the fundamentals of Latin, make comparisons between ancient and modern cultural traditions and institutions, and increase their knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary. Students participate in activities such as simulations of a Roman election, gladiatorial games and a Roman feast.
Prerequisite: None
LVLBUK Classical Languages, Level 2, University Preparation
This course provides students with opportunities to continue their exploration of the achievements of the ancient world through the study of Latin. Students will read and translate more complex passages in the classical language and will learn the vocabulary and grammar essential for these activities. English is the language of instruction. Through a variety of methods, such as dramatizations, presentations, and hands-on activities, students will investigate aspects of the culture and beliefs of the ancient world, including science, religion, and customs.
Students increase their knowledge of Latin vocabulary and structures, all the while studying the impact of Roman culture on Britain, and the glories of the city of Rome itself. Among the diverse activities, students participate in discussion and debates on topics such as imperialism, cultural assimilation, religious tolerance and urbanization. In addition, students complete two independent projects: an analysis of a novel whose action takes place in classical times, and a research essay on a topic such as Roman philosophy, the expansion of the Empire or the role of women in Roman society.
Prerequisite: LVLADK
LVLCUK Classical Languages, Level 3, University Preparation
This course provides students with opportunities to further develop their knowledge of the achievements of the ancient world through the study of Latin. Students will read and translate a broad selection of classical prose and poetry and will learn the vocabulary and grammar essential for these activities. English is the language of instruction. Through a variety of enrichment activities, such as contests, seminars, and re-enactments, students will explore elements of the civilization of the ancient world, such as engineering, architecture, politics, and literature.
In this final course, students, all the while increasing their knowledge of Latin vocabulary and grammar and Roman society, are introduced to the works of authors such as Catullus, Ovid, Pliny and Virgil. Students, in addition to participating in dramatizations and debates, complete a research project on the life and impact of a Roman emperor, and a literary analysis of the works of a Roman poet, orator or historian.
Prerequisite: LVLBUK
SPANISH COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
LWSBDK International Languages, Level 2, Academic
This course provides students with the language learning experiences that will enable them to communicate in Spanish. Students will develop and apply their speaking skills in a variety of contexts, and will participate in activities that will improve their reading comprehension and writing skills. They will explore aspects of Spanish and Latin American culture by taking part in special events, and in activities involving both print and technological resources.
In this introductory course, we focus on clearly establishing the fundamental aspects of the language: the patterns, verb conjugations, and pronunciation. Students progress very quickly and are often impressed with the speed and ease with which they acquire the language. We produce plays, and explore food and festivals of various Spanish-speaking countries.
Prerequisite: None
LWSCUK International Languages, Level 3, University Preparation
This course offers students opportunities to further develop their knowledge of Spanish and to enhance their communication skills. Students will use increasingly sophisticated language in a variety of activities that will enable them to speak and write with clarity and accuracy. Students will also enhance their thinking skills through the critical study of literature, and continue to explore aspects of the culture of countries where the language is spoken through a variety of print and technological resources.
In this class, we continue to work on reading, writing, listening comprehension and speaking. Students are always excited about their growing facility with the Spanish language, and acquire greater fluency. We continue to explore the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.
Prerequisite: LWSBDK
LWSDUK International Languages, Level 4, University Preparation
This course prepares students for university studies in Spanish. Students will enhance their ability to use the language with clarity and precision, and will develop the language skills needed to engage in sustained conversations and discussions, understand and evaluate information, read diverse materials for both study and pleasure, and write clearly and effectively. Students will also have opportunities to add to their knowledge of the culture of countries where Spanish is spoken through the use of community resources and computer technology.
In this concluding class, students continue to develop their abilities with the language, enhancing their reading and listening comprehension as well as producing short essays, and an independent study. We continue to speak extensively in this class; students usually feel very good about their level of Spanish and are well prepared to continue in-depth literary, historical and cultural studies.
Prerequisite: LWSCUK
Special language certificates are awarded upon graduation to students who have completed a full Core, Extended or Immersion French program, as well as to those who have studied a third and/or classical language. The specific criteria for these certificates, which are issued by the Limestone District School Board, are as follows:
A Core French Certificate is awarded to students who have successfully completed the sequence of four courses in Core French.
An Extended French Certificate is awarded to students who have successfully completed the sequence of four courses in Extended French, plus a minimum of three courses in other subjects taught in French.
An Immersion French Certificate is awarded to students who have successfully completed the sequence of four courses in French Immersion, plus a minimum of six courses in other subjects taught in French.
An International Language Certificate is awarded to students who have earned six or more credits in a combination of French, Gaelic, Japanese, Latin or Spanish courses. Students must have studied at least two different languages, in which a minimum of two Grade 12 credits have been earned.
OTHER COURSES OFFERED IN FRENCH AT KCVI
To meet the requirements of the Extended French and the Immersion French certificates, students may choose among the courses listed below. For a description of course content, please see the relevant department section.
Note: Course codes ending in ‘E’ are Extended French courses, and those ending in ‘I’ are immersion courses. However, due to numbers, Extended and Immersion students are frequently combined within the same class, and the evaluation modified to meet the language skills of each group.
Grade 9
AVI1OE / 1OI Arts
BTT1OE / 1OI Applications informatiques
CGC1DE / 1DI Géographie
MPM1DE / 1DI Mathématiques
PPL1OE / 1O1 Éducation physique
TIJ1OE / 1OI Études technologiques
Grade 10
CHC2DE / 2DI Histoire du Canada
CHV2OE / 2OI Citoyenneté
GLC2OE / 2OI Exploration des choix de carrières
MPM2DE / 2DI Mathématiques
PPL2OE / 2DI Éducation Physique: La Vie Active
Grade 11
MCF3UE / 3UI Mathématiques
MCR3ME / 3MI Mathématiques
PPL3OE / 3OI Éducation Physique
Grade 12
PPL4OE / 4OI Éducation Physique
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN LANGUAGES
The KCVI Languages Department makes available and / or promotes many activities which can help students to improve their language skills and to gain a greater appreciation of other cultures. These may include:
· exchanges to France, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Germany and Spain (see page 99 for more information on exchange opportunities and protocol)
· day trips to Montréal and Ottawa
· longer trips (3-4 days) to Québec City
· French cooking classes
· opportunities to attend concerts, films and theatrical performances, in Kingston and in other cities, as the occasions arise
· visit to Cape Breton for Celtic Studies Focus Program students
· tours of the Royal Ontario Museum’s classical civilization collection for Latin students
· participation in the Ontario Student Classics Conference, held annually at Brock University