Languages

At DAAHS we approach language instruction in a comprehensive 21st-century way. Students may continue to study Canada’s other official language through French as a Second Language or begin to learn a new language by enrolling in Spanish Language and Culture.

Students have access to specialized textbooks and websites designed to provide language practice tailored for each student. Check them out at home: Quizlet, Conjuguemos, RAZ-kids, and FlipGrid! Videos, TV shows, and music emphasize global cultural perspectives. For example, we watched the show Lupin this past year to learn about speaking and writing in the past tense.

Assessment through projects emphasizes important vocabulary and grammar while using creative and critical thinking skills. This past year, students designed their ideal city, created comic books and a class newspaper, researched their own personal superheros, and raced around the school in a high-stakes scavenger hunt. We strive for a balance of function and fun!

When you leave our courses, our hope is that you will have developed a love for the language you study, that you will be able to function competently in French or Spanish speaking countries, and that you will know much more about diverse areas of the world.

French as a Second Language is the continuation of a student’s academic journey through the French-speaking world as they develop their language skills, and cultural & intercultural awareness. Students should have taken French as a Second Language since Grade 4.

Spanish Language & Culture 3-Year is for students beginning to learn Spanish with a focus on interaction, interpretation and the production of the Spanish language. No previous Spanish learning (courses) are required as prerequisites.

Both French as a Second Language and Spanish Language and Culture contribute to the diploma requirement for option courses.

Through language study at DAAHS we will have opportunities to connect with cultural experiences and groups across the city, and welcome expert visitors and culture bearers into our classrooms. We build relationships with other language students and teachers in the city, our junior high feeder classes, and through virtual exchanges among Francophone and Spanish-speaking areas.

After years of no field trips, we will start to take advantage of the cultural events and food opportunities across the city, exploring restaurants and activities like the canoe volant festival. Within our own building we can take advantage of our wonderful culinary teachers and programs to directly experience the flavours of the world.

Possible Careers:

• Language Instructor/Teacher

• Translator

• Multilingual Customer Service (any industry)

• Canadian Government (French)

• Travel Agent/Tour Guide

• Foreign Services/Politics

• English Teacher living in a French/Spanish-speaking country

Microcredentials:

Beginning in the 2022/2023 academic year, grade 12 students will have the opportunity to prepare for and complete the DELF or DELE exams. These are internationally recognized diplomas that open doors for students to many exciting educational and employment opportunities.

Postsecondary Pathways:

Both French as a Second Language and Spanish Language and Culture contribute to the diploma requirement for option courses. Knowledge of French or Spanish can help you achieve your goals in many post-secondary degrees and work opportunities. Three pathways in particular focus specifically on language:

• Bachelor of Arts

• Bachelor of Education

• Translation Certificate