Languages Course Descriptions

Languages

General outcomes

• Students will develop proficiency in the following skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and problem solving in a second language.

• Students will develop strategies which will enable them to communicate effectively in real life situations in the target language.

• Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the target language culture.

Course Descriptions

Core French 10 — 1 credit

As Canada's second official language, French is increasingly important in the global workplace. Job opportunities with government, the travel industry and education are enhanced by successful completion of these language courses. This course provides a strong level of fluency, which will allow students to further their oral and written communication skills in French. The Core French program is based on the learners’ need to develop their communication skills. Learners use the language instead of studying it as such. The goal of French as a second language instruction is to help the learners develop the skills that they will require in order to be able to communicate efficiently and independently in French and to encourage a positive attitude towards the target language and culture. Language thus becomes a communication tool.  Core French is recommended for all interested students, including those planning on continuing in the IB Programme.

Recommended Prerequisite

It is important to note that this program is designed for students who have successfully completed Grade Nine Core French. Former French Immersion students should consult Languages Department Head and Guidance.

Gaelic 10 — 1 credit

Gaelic language and culture have been a part of Nova Scotia's diversity since at least the late 1700s. Gaelic 10 introduces a heritage language that holds a special place in the Nova Scotia context.

Initially, students are taught common conversational phrases. The use of songs, games and stories supplements explicit language instruction. Students will have the opportunity to become familiar with historical events of particular significance to Canadians with a Scottish background.

Senior high students who have not had previous instruction in Gaelic will follow the Gaelic language program at a pace which allows the skills of reading and writing in Gaelic to support the aural/oral skills.

Gaelic language instruction encourages interest in and curiosity about the Gaelic heritage. Language, social studies, and cultural projects can be integrated as part of the Gaelic program.

Spanish 10 — 1 credit

This course is designed for students wishing to begin the study of Spanish at the high school level. Through situational dialogue, and using written exercises, the students learn language skills at the same time as they study Hispanophone culture.

Recommended Prerequisite

Previous success and interest in language is a definite asset.

Core French 11 — 1 credit

The course will follow the outcomes for High School Core French by focusing on communicative activities, French culture and reviewing written material. Students will read short stories and magazine articles, participate in group work and projects, and complete various writing tasks.

Recommended Prerequisite

Core French 10

Gaelic 11 — 1 credit

Gaelic 11 is a continuation of the work covered in Gaelic 10 and is designed to develop the learner's ability to communicate more effectively in Gaelic, using more advanced language skills. The curriculum integrates general language skills, linguistic elements, technology, culture, a history of the Gaels, drama, music and the arts.

Recommended Prerequisite

Gaelic 10

IB Spanish Ab Initio — 2 credits

Spanish is offered at the ab initio or Fundamental level and qualifies as a SL course. This course is a Group 2 subject and is designed for the student who has no previous experience in speaking Spanish. It is an excellent option for students who are new to Canada or for those who have no background in French. Both the aims and assessment of language ab initio focus on communication through the use of the target language. Linguistic communication takes place through oral and written language and involves a range of linguistic skills. Throughout the course, listening, speaking, reading and writing are referred to as the four primary language skills. The course aims to develop each of these four skills to a similar level of communicative competence. The course focuses on everyday situations and aspects of the culture related to them. This ensures that appropriate emphasis is placed on communication. For this reason, the course has been organized into a number of topics such as food and drink, or education, which provide both the teacher and the students with a context in which several communicative functions (or purposes) and the different grammatical structures and vocabulary can be practised.

Spanish 11 — 1 credit

The components of this second language course integrates general language skills, linguistic elements, technology, culture, history, drama, music, and the arts. Students will develop language learning strategies so as to better understand utterances in Spanish, clarify and negotiate meaning, and communicate more effectively. The course will follow the outcomes for High School Core French by focusing on communicative activities, Spanish culture and reviewing written material. Students will read short stories and magazine articles, participate in group work and projects, and complete various writing tasks.

Recommended Prerequisite

Spanish 10

Core French 12 — 1 credit

This program is designed for students who have successfully completed Core French 11. It will explore a variety of themes in which students will engage in letter writing, research, class presentations, individual and group dialogues. The creation of a French environment through role-play activities will also be part of the program.

Recommended Prerequisite

Core French 11

Gaelic 12 — 1 credit

Gaelic 12 is the culmination of a three-year study of the Gaelic language designed to make the learner able to communicate effectively and with moderate fluency. The curriculum integrates general language skills, linguistic elements, technology, culture, history, drama, music, and the arts. This course is organized into three strands: communication, creative works, and culture.

Recommended Prerequisite

Gaelic 11

Spanish 12 — 1 credit

The components of this second language course are communicating, acquiring information, experiencing creative works, and understanding culture and society.

Students will develop skills and strategies so as to understand Spanish utterances according to thematic organization, and to clarify and negotiate meaning according to communicative objectives of increasing complexity.

Recommended Prerequisite

Spanish 11

IB French Standard Level — 2 credits

IB French SL is a language acquisition course designed for students with some previous experience of the target language (Core French or equivalent). Students further develop their ability to communicate through the study of French language, 5 core themes and various texts.  The curriculum is organized around five prescribed themes with which students engage though written, audio, visual and audio-visual texts.  Students develop into successful, effective communicators by considering the conceptual understandings of context, audience, purpose, meaning and variation. Communication is evidenced through receptive, productive and interactive skills.  IB French SL is taken over two semesters and students complete exams at the end of course in May.