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Program Overview

At the Junior High level Louis offers French as a Second Language beginning in grade 7. In keeping with the Alberta Education mandate, and our MYP subject area requirements, all students take French from grade 7 through 9.

Program Features

Junior High

MYP FRENCH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE This program of studies aims to promote in students: • a desire to learn French for personal benefit and to develop communicative skills in French • a willingness to experiment with a second language and to participate in a variety of learning experiences in French • an acceptance and appreciation of French language learning as one of the many subject area experiences in which they engage and respect for cultural and linguistic diversity • a recognition that learning French supports and reinforces knowledge and skills acquired in other subject areas • the acquisition of learning strategies that are also applicable to English Language Arts and other subject areas and can be transferred to the acquisition of other languages • an awareness that the French language is used outside the classroom as a medium for learning and communication

Science students are introduced to geology—the kinds of materials and changes that occur on Earth’s crust and in the interior of Earth. They apply physical science concepts like heat, temperature and forces to analyze, design and build safe and stable structures and devices that reduce heat loss. Students investigate how organisms interact within ecosystems and how these systems are affected by human activities. They also consider decisions and actions for sustainability of the environment and agricultural industries.

From machines that use energy, to the transport of solutions, to the functioning of the eye, students will see first-hand how science affects their daily life, their career and their future. They will investigate the structure of living things, from the smallest cells to the more complex systems in the human body. Science 8 students will also examine the interactions among water, land and climate to better understand the distribution and health of living things, and they’ll learn to appreciate how the knowledge and skills they are applying in class have led to advances in medical and mechanical technologies.

Students will begin to unravel the significance of DNA in genetics—including its role in determining traits like hair colour—and they’ll identify the scientific and technological advancements that led to human exploration of the moon and beyond! They will be energized as they problem-solve and experiment with electricity and evaluate the benefits and impacts of energy use. Science 9 students will continue to develop as a scientist as they conduct and analyze chemical reactions and apply their understanding of chemistry to the world around them.


Senior High

FRENCH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE The French as a Second Language (FSL) curriculum outlines the way in which learners demonstrate their acquired communicative, linguistic, cultural, intercultural and strategic competence along a language competency continuum. Students use their life experiences, knowledge, skills and attitudes as a basis for developing their second language communicative abilities for real-life purposes. This program of studies aims to promote in students: • a desire to learn French for personal benefit, • a desire to develop communicative skills in French, • a willingness to experiment with a second language, • a willingness to participate in a variety of learning experiences in French, • an acceptance and appreciation of French language learning as one of the many subject area experiences in which they engage, • a recognition that learning French supports and the acquisition of language learning strategies that can be transferred to the acquisition of other languages, • an awareness that the French language is used outside the classroom as a medium for learning and communication, and respect for cultural and linguistic diversity.

Spanish as a Second Language:

The value of learning the Spanish language is enormous for Alberta society as a whole. Apart from the common advantages related to the learning of an international language, it permits an insight into the rich and varied cultures developed in the Spanish-speaking world (with over 20 countries) and bestows more opportunity to communicate directly with Spanish-speaking people. 

The learning of Spanish, as any other language, develops awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural and linguistic diversity. This fact, in addition to preserving cultural identity, is also a means of cultural enrichment and is the best means of fostering understanding and solidarity among peoples and countries. Furthermore, it gives individuals the opportunity to identify, question and challenge their own cultural assumptions, values and perspectives and to contribute positively to society.

French 10, 20 and 30 are part of a nine-year course sequence for students who are beginning their study of French in Grade 4, and who will continue programming at the junior and senior high levels. Students who complete their FSL studies at the junior high school level and continue into high school will enroll in French 10–9Y, French 20–9Y and French 30–9Y. French 10 –9Y MYP (5 credits) The content of this course will review the basic language skills students have already attained and will continue to develop these skills to a higher degree of proficiency. Students use their life experiences, knowledge, skills and attitudes as a basis for developing their second language communicative abilities at this level. Recommended prerequisite: 60% in French 9. French 20-9 or French 20-9Y IB DP (5 credits) The content of this course will continue to develop the language skills students have already attained to a higher degree of proficiency. Students use their life experiences, knowledge, skills and attitudes as a basis for developing their second language communicative abilities at this level. Recommended pre- requisite: 60% in French 10-9Y. French 30-9Y or French 30-9Y IB DP (5 credits) This course increases oral and written accuracy through structured exercises and compositions. Recommended prerequisite: 60% in French 20-9Y.

Spanish 10-3Y MYP (5 credits) This beginning, course of a 3-year program, is intended for second language learners (not native speakers) with little or no previous instruction in Spanish. The course is designed for students to attain a basic understanding of the grammatical structures necessary to engage in simple oral interactions. The focus is on building the student’s confidence to be able to use the language in every- day situations. Students will also begin to explore the Hispanic culture through a variety of materials and experiences.

Spanish 20-3Y and 30-3Y (5 credits)

Spanish 20 and 30 are the continuation and final courses of Spanish Language and Culture 3-year program.  In these courses, students continue to build on their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as their exploration of the Hispanic and Spanish culture through a variety of materials and experiences to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be effective global citizens. Recommended prerequisite: 60% in their previous Spanish course.

Students extend their study of the biological, chemical, physical and Earth sciences and apply their knowledge to real-life problems. They investigate Newton’s laws of motion, the properties of hydrocarbons and the chemistry of solutions. They examine evidence of how Earth’s surface, climate and life forms have changed and continue to change and cycle in response to natural and human actions.


Important Links

Teachers

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