At DAAHS, we embrace a 21st-century approach to language instruction. Students may continue their study of Canada’s other official language through French-9Y or begin a new adventure in Spanish-3Y Language and Culture.
Students engage with a rich variety of resources and authentic materials to support diverse learning styles. To ensure our curriculum meets international standards of excellence, our course material is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). We focus on the four essential pillars of language mastery: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Beyond the classroom, our mission is to inspire a lifelong passion for language and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. By the end of the program, French-9Y students will have the confidence to comfortably navigate French-speaking environments. Meanwhile, those who complete Spanish-3Y will have developed the foundational skills to begin engaging with the Spanish-speaking world.
French as a Second Language 9-year 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 enrolling in this course 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.
Throughout our language programs, students engage in authentic cultural experiences by welcoming expert guest speakers and culture-bearers into our school. We bridge the gap between theory and real-world application by exploring global cuisines, analyzing international media, and staying current with modern trends in the Francophone and Spanish-speaking worlds. We maintain strong community roots, building lasting relationships with local language students, our junior high feeder schools, and through virtual exchanges with international partners.
We look forward to providing students with opportunities throughout the program to engage with cultural events taking place across our city where students can further develop their language competencies.
Students may also wish to take part in an Alberta Education student exchange program to further their exposure to the language and culture they are learning about.
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:
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