Modern Languages & Latin 

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


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Moderns & Classical Languages - For Grade 8s.pdf

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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:

In French, grade 9 students can choose between Beginners, Academic, Gifted, or an accelerated placement (for former French Immersion/Extended French or Francophone students). Beyond grade 9, we offer two streams: Academic/University and pre-AP/AP (stands for pre-Advanced Placement/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

french options for grade 9

To choose the right French course for you, read the descriptions below or use this interactive tool for our recommended placement (just click on the image).

Intro to Questionnaire

FSF1D1 - Academic French

FSF1D6 - Gifted French

FSF1O1 - Introduction to French (Beginner's French)

FSF2D1 - Grade 10 Academic French

Post French Immersion & Extended French

Grade 8 students who have participated in French Immersion until the end of Grade 6 (or later) or Extended French until the end of Grade 8, and have achieved at the provincial standard/ level 3/ 70% or higher, may proceed directly to Grade 10 French. These students may select the course code FSF2D1 on their course selection sheets. Your middle school approval signature is required to indicate that you have met one of these thresholds.

Students from a Francophone household or a Francophone school

Grade 8 students from a Francophone household or who attended a Francophone school should contact Lori-Ann Moulton, Assistant Curriculum Leader of Modern Languages and Latin, at Lori-Ann.Moulton@tdsb.on.ca to discuss placement.

Questions about placement

If you have any questions related to placement, please contact Lori-Ann Moulton, Assistant Curriculum Leader of Modern Languages and Latin, at Lori-Ann.Moulton@tdsb.on.ca.

co-curricular connections

Contests:

French:

Latin:

Spanish:

Clubs:

French Club, Spanish Club, Latin Club

Guest Speakers:

French: 

ASL: 

Extra-help:

Field Trips:

French:

Spanish:

ASL: 

links & media