Written by: Eadie Hahn and Keira Wilson
The spring semester round of the DELF will be taking place on April 13th and April 14th. Through interviews with students taking the exam, as well as staff in charge of the DELF, The Edge has additional information on what the exam will look like for students.
What is the DELF?
The DELF exam (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) is an internationally recognized exam from France that certifies a student's fluency in the French language. This exam is for grade twelve students hoping to validate and certify their French level, designed to assist in potential future opportunities that involve the French language. It is split up into four sections: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. There are two different levels offered for KCI students: the B1 and the B2. The B2 level is the most common level taken at KCI, and is also the more advanced level.
Even though the DELF is an optional exam, there are still many benefits to taking it. For instance, getting the valuable lifelong certification that the DELF offers. This certification is capable of being used in many different fields. For example, being able to put the certification of French on job applications and resumes, as well as strengthening communication skills within Francophone locations. Many KCI students feel as though taking the DELF is the next step to take after being in French Immersion for so long. Ben Dryland, a grade twelve French Immersion student, stated, "I've always known that this has been my end goal; like most french students it is the end goal to get to the DELF.”
How does the DELF work?
Students began the DELF process through an application via Google Form. This form had a very tight deadline and needed to be filled out within around five days, as said by Mme. Vording, a French teacher at KCI. Mme. Vording continued, "For the school board, we usually have about 500 students who take the DELF every year. KCI usually represents about 150 of those students, so we are by far the largest group of DELF certified students."
After confirming their participation in the DELF exam, students work to prepare a little bit in class, but mostly, the students put in effort outside of class to study. Eva Pawlicz, a grade twelve KCI student, said, "I'll be reviewing my notes from French class; our final project was very similar to the DELF, so I'll be reviewing the notes for that and looking back on the commentary from my French teacher to see what I can improve."
Many grade twelve French Immersion students agree that this exam is quite intense, and they worry that they are not properly prepared for it. However, students and staff alike also make it clear that taking the DELF comes with several benefits. Interviewees shared that it is a great way to improve communication skills abroad and to prepare for future jobs students may want to pursue. The DELF is also a way for French students to show how far they have come and how much they have achieved during their French studies.
Overall, the DELF exam allows grade twelve French students to demonstrate intelligence, diligence, and excellence. Best of luck to those taking the exam!