The Bishop Allen Academy offers 3 distinct pathways to French studies. Each pathway ensures students will develop their French language skills at a level that is best suited to their abilities. At the end of their studies, students have the opportunity to write the AP French exam as well as the DELF exam at their designated level. Students who complete the program requirements may receive a certificate demonstrating completion of the Core, AP or French Immersion program. By pursuing their studies in French, students will gain the opportunity to develop their communication skills, participate in a variety of curriculum opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom while gaining an insights and an appreciation of Francophone cultures around the world.
Core French
The Core French program will guide students to communicate and interact in French with increasing independence. Students will develop their oral, listening, written and reading skills in French. In addition, they will develop an appreciation of Francophone culture globally while developing skills necessary for lifelong language learning. As per the Ministry of Education, students must successfully complete 1 credit in French in order to obtain the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. After Grade 9, students may continue studying in the Core French pathway with French as an elective. In addition, students may opt to write the AP French exam in Grade 12.
AP French
In the AP French program, students will have the opportunity to develop their French language skills and learn about Francophone culture by studying engaging readings, short films, and audio broadcasts from a variety of informational, journalistic, and literary sources. The course will be structured based on the prescribed themes from the College Board: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities and Beauty and Aesthetics. The final goal of the AP French course is to enable students to gain advanced language skills, broadening their awareness of Francophone culture while preparing to write the AP French Exam.
French Immersion
The French Immersion program provides students with the opportunity to refine their language skills while broadening their appreciation of Francophone culture around the world. Students will read a variety of literature expanding their
knowledge and appreciation of French literature from around the world. In addition to French-language courses, students will also study courses in Social Sciences and Religion in French thereby expanding their vocabulary, developing their knowledge of various subjects and refining their oral language skills through various debates and discussions. In total, students will complete 11 courses in French thereby acquiring over a thousand hours of French language instruction. Finally, students may opt to write the AP French exam in either Grade 11 or Grade 12.