Page 47 - Catholic Memorial 2020-2021 Education Guide

Placement in a world language

ALL students who have had regular study of French, Latin, or Spanish for one year or more at the elementary/middle school level
should register for a level 2 course. Upon registering for level 2, students will automatically be contacted to take a placement test at
the end of May or the beginning of June. The aim of the placement test is to avoid placing students in a class that is not challenging
enough, leading to a potential loss of interest. The test is a reliable measure of skills that helps determine the best placements.

Advantages of learning to the highest level possible

The world is becoming ever smaller due to technology. The need for people who can communicate in more than one language
is continually growing. This does not mean the ability to say “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Please,” and “Thank you,” but to maintain an
intelligent conversation expressing original thoughts and ideas. It takes years of study to reach this level of achievement.

Personal fulfillment, the sense of pride in accomplishment and the doors that can be opened by becoming fluent in another
language are all advantages that enrich for a lifetime.

Which Language?

All world languages are challenging in that they all require a commitment to daily study and to the learning of new vocabulary
and language concepts. Language study involves drills and memorization, and because of its cumulative nature, a student
must be willing to put in daily time and full effort to succeed. Students who achieve higher levels of language achievement
in high school place higher on college entrance exams. The University of Wisconsin system, among others, gives credits for
accomplished work and/or for testing into higher levels of language study. Many students earn from 12 - 24 college credits,
depending upon the level they achieved as high school students. These vary by school and by major. In general, students
interested in preparing for college should expect to commit to 3 to 4 years of high school world language study, either for
admission to or graduation from a university. In addition, students wishing to earn IB certificates have the opportunity to earn
college credits. Those students must check with each college/university about potential credits.

French 1 310/311 perspectives from the French-speaking world. Themes include
health, technology, social relationships, leisure activities,
Level 1 students learn about the language and culture of the and language and identity. Students will continue to grow
French-speaking world, with an emphasis on France. They in their oral proficiency. They will learn to read French more
begin with basic vocabulary to describe themselves, their fluently by reading and analyzing authentic texts. French
likes and dislikes and daily activities. Grammar includes verb literature is introduced through the use of poetry and short
conjugations and adjective/noun/gender agreement. Students prose works. Major grammar topics include: the future tense,
practice all three modes of communication: interpretive, the conditionnel, the subjonctif, as well as the use of y and en.
interpersonal and presentational. Current French films are used for cultural discussion. In the
course, students will work toward and IBDP SL certificate or
French 2 312/313 and IBCP diploma. French is expected in both instruction and
conversation.
French 2 students continue learning to speak about
themselves. Themes include clothing, house, furniture, food, IB French 4*SL 316/317
and shopping. Students practice oral communication skills-
both speaking and listening. Grammar topics include irregular Prerequisite French 3 and recommendation of teacher
verbs, the passé compose and imparfait, and direct and
indirect objects. Cultural identity is examined through viewing The final year of the IB curriculum, French four covers more
classic French films. culture themes from perspectives of the francophone world.
These include: nature and the environment, current events,
IB French 3*SL 314/315 stereotypes, the Impressionism movement and art history
and world music. Students will analyze authentic text types-
Prerequisite: French 2 and recommendation of teacher interviews, surveys, essays, report, brochures. Students will
regularly write reflections in a journal.
This two-year IB curriculum is divided into cultural themes
which ask students to consider and reflect on various Students will use all verb tenses, including the combined

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