overview

Northern’s Modern Languages & Latin Department is proud to offer rich and exciting full language programs in French, Latin, Spanish, and American Sign Language.

French:

We strongly encourage all students to continue studying French after grade 9 by selecting grade 10 Academic French (FSF2D1). Beyond grade 10, we offer two streams: University and pre-AP/AP (Advanced Placement). 

In our program, French is used to explore a wide range of topics, from familiar topics related to daily life and personal interests in grade 9, to global and social justice issues in grade 12. Our goal is to provide students with the tools needed to acquire strong language skills across all four strands (speaking, listening, reading, writing), with a focus on a strong oral foundation and the use of authentic materials. Students explore Francophone cultures from around the world, developing intercultural understanding and global citizenship. 

Latin:

The Latin program at Northern emphasizes learning the language of the Romans, but also finds room to accommodate study of both the culture and history of Greco-Roman antiquity, and the influence of Latin on English. In Level 1 Latin, students learn vocabulary and grammatical concepts essential for reading and translating adapted classical texts, while also developing their oral communication, reading, and writing skills in both English and Latin. A grade twelve counterpart to the Latin language program is a course entitled “Classical Civilization”, where students explore ancient Greek and Roman myths, literature, history, philosophy, art, and religion.

Spanish:

Northern’s Spanish program focuses on building strong oral communication skills while learning about Spanish-speaking cultures around the world. In Level 1 Spanish, students can conduct practical conversations related to themselves and daily life. As students move through the grades, their growing proficiency in the language allows them to explore more advanced Latin-American and Spanish literature, culture, sociopolitical issues and history.

American Sign Language (ASL):

Our American Sign Language program provides students the unique opportunity to use the language, or see it in use, right here in the school thanks to our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Department. Our Level 1 ASL course offers hearing students the opportunity to learn basic sign language and learn about Deaf culture. Students learn conversational and cultural behaviours that would enable them to converse in ASL at a beginner’s level with users of ASL who are deaf or hard of hearing.

course listings

Grade 9 Courses:

• FSF1D1 - Grade 9 Academic French

• FSF1D6 - Grade 9 Gifted French

• FSF1O1 - Grade 9 Open French / Introduction to French (i.e. Beginner's French)

• LVLBD1- Grade 10 Latin (Level 1)

• LWSBD1 - Grade 10 Spanish (Level 1)

• LASBO1 - Grade 10 American Sign Language (Level 1)

Grade 10 Courses:

• FSF2D1 - Grade 10 Academic French

• LVLBD1- Grade 10 Latin (Level 1)

• LWSBD1 - Grade 10 Spanish (Level 1)

• LASBO1 - Grade 10 American Sign Language (Level 1)

Grade 11 Courses:

• FSF3U1 - Grade 11 University French

• FSF3U0 - Grade 11 pre-AP French

• LVLCU1- Grade 11 Latin (Level 2)

• *LVV4U1 - Grade 12 Classical Civilization (grade 12 course but pre-requisite is grade 10 English, so open to grade 11 students)

• LWSCU1 - Grade 11 Spanish (Level 2)

• IDC3O1 (INTASL) - Grade 11 American Sign Language (Level 2)

Grade 12 Courses:

• FSF4U1 - Grade 12 University French

• FSF4U0 - Grade 12 AP French

• LVLDU1 - Grade 12 Latin (Level 3)

• LVV4U1 - Grade 12 Classical Civilization

• LWSDU1 - Grade 12 Spanish (Level 3)

• IDC4O1 (INTASL) - Grade 12 American Sign Language (Level 3)

co-curricular connections

Contests:

French:

• French Public Speaking Contest / Concours d’art oratoire

• Ontario Universities’ French Contest

• French for the Future National Essay Contest

• OSSTF Student Achievement Award - French Category

Spanish:

• Ontario Secondary School Spanish Contest

Clubs:

French Club, Spanish Club, Latin Club

Guest Speakers:

French: 

• York - Glendon Campus

• YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange Program

ASL: 

• Gary Malkowski (First Deaf MPP East York)

• Chris Kanopic (former Canadian Association of the Deaf President)

• Mike Cyr from Silent Voice

Extra-help:

• via Northern Peer-Tutoring Program

• Available with subject teacher

Field Trips:

French:

• Cinéfranco French Film Festival

• Concours d’art oratoire (participants only)

• French for the Future - Local Forum (participants only)

• We have gone to see Operas & French Plays as an optional field trip in the evening

• Some of our students have participated in international exchanges to Europe

• In past years, our department organized French exchanges to France

Spanish:

• Lunch & Salsa Lesson

• Gardiner Museum: Early Societies of the Ancient Americas

• Si Si Cine Toronto Latin Film Festival

ASL: 

• Deaf Culture Centre

• Ontario Association of the Deaf

• Mayfest

links & media

Moderns Department Website link: 

https://sites.google.com/tdsb.on.ca/northernmoderns