HS French Program

Course Name:  French I

Grade Level(s): 9-12 

This introductory French course emphasizes the development of communication: Interpretive Communication, Presentational Communication, and Interpersonal Communication. Students will learn the language in an intercultural setting. The acquisition of listening and speaking skills is enhanced through situations requiring simple and functional grammar and vocabulary. Students use a variety of sources in the target language to build skills in comprehension and language production. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the following themes: the French-speaking world, salutations, personal tastes, shopping, the family and community, descriptions, daily life, food and leisure activities.

Course Name:  French II

Grade Level(s): 9-12 

Prerequisite: French I or French C (Middle School)

The emphasis in French II will be on further practice in developing oral and written proficiency, as well as interpretive communication. Students will enhance their ability to understand and speak French through conversations, discussions and simple presentations. The study of more complex structures is accompanied by an increased emphasis on the skills of reading and writing. Students will explore a variety of themes such as past events, future plans/events, likes and dislikes, daily life, weather bulletins, holidays and famous French people.

Course Name:  French III

Grade Level(s): 9-12 

Prerequisite: French II

This course enables students to build proficiency and increase their knowledge of the French language. The students further develop their language skills and deepen their understanding and appreciation of francophone culture around the world. Students will participate in oral communication, reading and writing activities as they study a variety of themes such as past and future events, the conditional tense, habits, health, ways of life, housing, descriptions and memories. Students will read short texts and stories. 

Course Name:  French IV

Grade Level(s): 9-12

Prerequisite: French III

This course emphasizes the expansion of students’ oral communication, reading and writing skills through the study of various themes such as values, the media, travel, activities, making predictions, citizenship, happiness, modern day issues and personal interests. Exploring these themes, students will develop and apply critical thinking skills in discussion, in their analysis and interpretation of texts, and in their own writing. The reading and discussion of current events and literature will also help support the acquisition of advanced grammar and vocabulary. 

Course Name:  AP French

Grade Level(s):  10-12

Prerequisite: French IV, or in 12th Grade a strong French III proficiency

In this course, students will use authentic French materials and sources to develop their language skills in multiple modes of communication, including two-way interactions in both writing and speaking, interpretation of audio, audiovisual, and print materials, and oral and written presentation of information and ideas. Students who enroll in AP French should already have a good command of French grammar and vocabulary and have proficiency in the three communication modes: Interpersonal, Interpretive and Presentational. In Interpersonal Communication, the students engage in conversations, express ideas, and exchange opinions using both spoken and written language. In Interpretive Communication, they understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics. In Presentational Communication, they present information and ideas to an audience using spoken and written language. We will explore 6 major themes: world challenges, science and technology, contemporary life, self-discovery, the family and community and esthetics. Students are required to take the French language AP exam.