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French as our Language other than English
French as our Language other than English
The foreign language taught at APC is French and this is compulsory for all students in Year 7 and Year 8. As students move to Year 9, French becomes an elective. However, students and parents should note that the study of a language is a compulsory part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) in the senior years and those considering the IB are advised to maintain their French studies.
The study of a non-native language is critical not only to the development of communication skills, but also to the development of cognitive skills as well as one's global citizenship. Furthermore, students will develop their awareness of and capacity in their first language literacy thanks to their study of the French language.
French bilingual program
French bilingual program
Students in the junior years who are native speakers of French or who have a bilingual background thanks to schooling or family, are invited to join our French Immersion Program (FIP). The 'Programme d'Immersion française' provides a differentiated, culturally rich and challenging curriculum which develops French reading, writing, grammar and analytical skills.
French Immersion Program structure and curriculum
In years 7-9, in place of beginners French classes, our background speakers in the French Immersion Program are brought together in small group classes with fellow background speakers from their year level to work with our native speaking Assistante. In addition to those 2 hours of timetabled classes, a third after-school class once a week brings together all our year 7-9 French background speakers to build a broader sense of community and collaboration for their French studies.
In years 7 & 8, we have designed a curriculum that follows the structure and themes of the French National Curriculum. With limited hours of study, we have carefully curated the essential and engaging elements of that curriculum. In addition, the after-school class which brings together all year 7-9 FIP students has a focus on developing awareness of French history and contemporary French culture.
Preparation for the DELF B2 and accelerated studies
In year 9, in the 2 timetabled hours, students will focus on the key linguistic skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking. This focus will prepare them for high level studies of French at APC and, for families contemplating a return to France, this will also allow them to reintegrate into the French education system. All year 9 students are encouraged to enrol in the internationally recognised Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française (DELF) B2 junior exams, which are run each November by the Alliance Française on behalf of the French Ministry of Education. The year 9 students will be supported in their classes to prepare for those exams.
After year 9, students in the French Immersion Program will be ready for acceleration into year 11 French in the following year.
Program costs
The total cost of the program, including any written materials, access to online curriculum platforms and 3 hours of specialist support per week with our native-speaking Assistante is approximately $1530 per annum, plus excursion or DELF examination costs where applicable.
Bilingual French speakers and the IB
Bilingual students interested in completing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme should contact the Head of Languages to discuss their study options. Students and families should be aware that students who complete their Diploma in three or more languages are eligible for the Bilingual Diploma.
Please contact reception for any enquiries.
Victorian School of Languages
Victorian School of Languages
While French is the compulsory foreign language taught from Year 7, we encourage students to maintain and strengthen all family or community languages. Many additional languages can be studied via the Victorian School of Languages (VSL).
Some courses are available face-to-face, typically run on Saturdays, and parents are responsible for those enrolments. Some courses are available online and our school needs to process those enrolments. The cost is approximately $200 per year.
Students who continue their VSL studies into Year 10 and beyond can include their chosen language study as part of their timetables allotment. Prior to Year 10, students are required to undertake their VSL studies in addition to the full APC program. Families should contact the Head of Languages with any further queries.
Parents should note that, to improve equity, there are rules regarding the year-12 VCE assessment of students who have been educated in the target language for significant parts of their education in recent years. Furthermore, please note that the VSL will not accelerate a student by more than one year level irrespective of bilingualism.
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