French Immersion Course Descriptions

French Immersion 

The Immersion Program provides opportunities for students to improve their ability to think and to communicate effectively in French as well as to appreciate and enjoy French language and culture. Speaking and listening are particularly emphasized as these constitute the most prevalent modes of communication in everyday life. However, an increased emphasis is placed on reading and writing through meaningful and varied activities. All courses are conducted in French and students are expected to communicate exclusively in French.

French Immersion students must complete 9 credits in French to receive their French Immersion Certificate. Français 10F, 11F, and 12F are mandatory. Students must register for a minimum of 2 French Immersion courses per year.

French Immersion students interested in IB certificates can sign up for IB HL French and IB SL Histoire.

For more information contact Elizabeth Downie, Department Head of Languages edownie@hrce.ca

Course Descriptions

Arts dramatiques 10F — 1 credit

Completes the Fine Arts requirement

Arts Dramatiques 10 is an introductory course designed for students who would like to learn more about drama and theatre arts. The focus of this course is the personal, intellectual, and social growth of students as they explore a variety of dramatic styles, techniques and forms. The course entails in-class exercises to develop concentration, self-confidence, imagination, openness and sensitivity. Students will experience improvisation, work with scripted plays and some script writing, character development and role-playing as well as various technical aspects of the theatre. This is an activity-based class, requiring collaborative participation. Attention is paid to French language development which serves the objectives of the course.

Français 10F — 1 credit

This immersion course is designed to improve French mastery and expression. Students listen to and speak French in varied situations, and in studying a variety of documents. Reading experience includes articles, poems, short stories and novels. Writing activities cultivate accuracy of form, and explore procedures that best present information, record notes, and express feelings. Classroom interaction is integral to the course, such that active participation is the key to success.

Histoire 10F — 1 credit

This course focuses on ancient history and allows students the opportunity to develop an understanding of the concept of civilization through the examination of the origins of civilization and a comparison of some civilizations that have contributed to the nature of the modern world. There are five broad chronological divisions in the course: The Evolution of Human Beings, the Birth of Civilizations, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Each of these divisions can be considered from a number of points of view including geography, archaeology, society, language, religion and politics. Development of Social Studies skills, such as researching, writing essays and analysis of documentary evidence will be emphasized.

This course will be delivered in French. 

Sciences 10F — 1 credit

Completes the first Science requirement
or Completes the additional Science requirement
or Completes a Science/Tech/Math requirement

In Sciences 10, students are given an opportunity to explore foundation topics in four disciplines of science - biology, chemistry, meteorology and physics - in four separate units of study. Within each unit the students practice and strengthen the skills required to participate in the activities of science, and develop an understanding of concepts within that science discipline. An exploration of the relationship among science, technology, society, and the environment, provides a unifying theme across the four areas of science. Broad topical areas include: sustainability of ecosystems, chemical reactions, weather dynamics and linear motion. This course serves as a foundation for further studies in science, particularly in biology, chemistry and physics.

Études canadiennes contemporaines 11F — 1 credit

Completes the Canadian History requirement

Contemporary Canadian Studies 11 is a preparation course for students to gain a better understanding of the skills and knowledge required to engage in the humanities.  The goal of Contemporary Canadian Studies 11 is to examine the resilience of cultures that have widely been ignored over the past several centuries of Canada’s existence.As with its English equivalent, the main goal of the course is to examine questions or problems that have been recurring throughout Canadian history. The course follows an outcome based approach meaning that each and every assignment is important and should be given the attention it deserves. An outcome based approach means that there will not be units, there will be themes and projects, tests, quizzes, essays and anything else that we believe will help you to understand the concepts. 

Français 11F — 1 credit

In the Grade 11 French Immersion course, students continue to listen and respond to a variety of texts and to communicate orally on various topics. Students are involved in such activities as presentation, drama and interviewing. Reading and literature include articles, biographies, poems, short stories and novels. Writing activities include letters, tales, short stories, reports and research papers.

IB French Higher Level 11 and 12— 2 1/2 credits

French is offered at the Higher and Standard Level. If students wish to complete the requirements of the French Immersion Certificate they must complete the French HL course. (the HL course will contribute 2 1/2 credits towards the French Immersion Certificate.) HL French course will span grade 11 and 12 with IB evaluations being completed in May of the grade 12 year.

These communicative courses place equal emphasis on high level speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills for 4 specific purposes. First: for the purpose of communicating in written and oral form in a wide range of authentic situations using appropriate register, syntax and style. Second: for the purpose of acquiring information from current authentic sources and to use the information for numerous activities such as formal written reports, impromptu oral discussions, formal oral reports, and general personal interest. Third: for the purpose of experiencing creative works in literature, film and music to aid in reading and aural comprehension, and to provide rich cultural exposure. Fourth: for the purpose of understanding cultural influences, by bringing the diversity of the Francophone world into the classroom.

French Pathway

Students who have Core French 10 should enroll in IB French SL. Students who have Français 10F, should enroll in IB French HL. Consult with Mme Downie, Department Head of Languages for further information if needed.

IB Histoire SL —1½ credits

Completes the Global Studies requirement

Immersion students in the IB Programme must take IB Histoire SL in order to satisfy the requirements for the French Immersion Certificate

Non immersion students may choose either HL or SL History (In English(. These courses are scheduled in the same class with the final IB exam being written in May of grade 12.

The history course allows candidates to study history from an international perspective with the aim of explaining trends in developments, continuity and change through time and through individual events. The course is concerned with individuals and societies in the widest context: political, social, economic, religious, technological and cultural. Students will be challenged to be critical of historical sources and to examine a variety of sources to determine accuracy and reliability of historical knowledge. An aim of the course is to foster international awareness and understanding and to construct historical knowledge from the point of view of different cultures.  Histoire SL is taken in Grade 11, with exams taken in May of the Grade 11 year.

Mode de vie actif 11F Open — 1 credit

Completes the Physical Education requirement

This full-credit course is designed to engage students in a wide range of physically active experiences, with an overall theme of exploring options and opportunities for being active for life, both in school and in their community. Physically Active Living 11 encompasses both an activity component and a theory component, with an emphasis on engagement in physical activity. The activity component of the course is designed to provide opportunities for students in active experiences that engage youth in traditional and non-traditional forms of physical activity. The theory component of the course will enhance student understanding of healthy eating, injury prevention, mental and emotional health, and addiction prevention highlighting the connection between healthy living and being physically active.

Droit 12F — 1 credit

Law 12 is designed to introduce high school students to the area of law and to provide them with skills and understandings that will enable them to better understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Law 12 is organized with three compulsory units—Foundations of Justice and the Law, Criminal Law, and Civil Law—and a fourth unit that enables students to sample from a variety of legal topics. Foundations of Justice and the Law looks at the roots and history of law, especially in Canada. Criminal Law examines the procedure and parties involved in investigating and trying a criminal case, as well as sentencing options. Civil Law focuses torts, contractual obligations, and family law. The fourth unit provides opportunities to look at Aboriginal Law, International Law, Immigration Law, Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, Employment Law, Consumer Law, as well as Media and Internet Law. Law 12 students will also be expected to employ research methods appropriate to the discipline of law.

Français 12F — 1 credit

In Français 12 immersion students continue to develop their listening and oral skills in French while engaged in a wide range of activities. Reading and literature include many forms and genres, such as articles, position papers, poetry, legends, short stories, novels and drama. Students write informative reports, opinion papers and expressive texts. The course also explores film and other technologies for viewing and representing information.

Géographie planétaire 12F — 1 credit

Completes the Global Studies requirement

This course features eight compulsory units, which are based on the standard themes and skills of the discipline of geography. These units are: Our Fragile Planet, Environmental Hazards, The Peopled Planet, Feeding the Planet, Global Resources, Global Factory, Urbanization and The Future Planet. Each unit is based upon a theme which is fundamental to the key question upon which the course is built: 'How did the world arrive at its current state?'

IB French HL — 2½ credits

French is offered at the Higher and Standard Level. If students wish to complete the requirements of the French Immersion Certificate they must complete the French HL course. (the HL course will contribute 2 1/2 credits towards the French Immersion Certificate.) The SL course will be completed in grade 11 while the HL course will span grade 11 and 12. Please note that SL students will write their final exam in May of their grade 11 year. In addition, students will complete oral exams in both the SL and HL courses.

These communicative courses place equal emphasis on high level speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills for 4 specific purposes. First: for the purpose of communicating in written and oral form in a wide range of authentic situations using appropriate register, syntax and style. Second: for the purpose of acquiring information from current authentic sources and to use the information for numerous activities such as formal written reports, impromptu oral discussions, formal oral reports, and general personal interest. Third: for the purpose of experiencing creative works in literature, film and music to aid in reading and aural comprehension, and to provide rich cultural exposure. Fourth: for the purpose of understanding cultural influences, by bringing the diversity of the Francophone world into the classroom.