The Modern Language Department at Argyle offers courses in French, and Spanish. The primary aim of the Modern Language Program is to develop basic competence in both written and oral aspects of language. As the student progresses through the program, increasing emphasis is placed on written work and the quality of oral production.
SPANISH ENTRY 9, SPANISH 10, 11, & 12
There is a Spanish class available at every grade from nine through twelve. Spanish classes at Argyle are taught using the TPRS method (Teaching proficiency through reading, storytelling and role playing). Students learn to speak and write Spanish while inventing stories, as well as reading several short stories and novels. The stories and novels become more complex and longer as students progress from Spanish 9 to Spanish 12. The goal of TPRS is for students to "acquire" the language and not just learn about it. Students will be evaluated on written and spoken Spanish through vocabulary quizzes, projects, story dramatizations and several timed writing activities.
FRENCH 8
French 8 is a beginning language class designed to develop a second language foundation. The course begins with an emphasis on the acquisition of basic vocabulary while providing the students with ample opportunity to develop their oral communication skills; speaking, listening, and interacting. As the year progresses, increased emphasis is placed on understanding basic sentence structures so that students can develop quality writing skills and can express their ideas with more clarity. *French 8 is mandatory for all Grade 8s except for those in the French Immersion program or taking a support block
FRENCH 9
Students continue to strengthen their basic second language foundation skills learned in French 8. In this course, students will enrich their vocabulary and strengthen their skills of second language learning since this is a project based, interactive course. Most of the classroom instruction will take place in French. Students will be evaluated throughout the year on their reading, writing, speaking and listening ability. By the end of the year, students will have acquired spontaneous communication skills. Recommended: French 8.
CORE FRENCH 10
This is an intermediate language course that requires that the language foundation skills have been developed. This course is designed to enhance the fluency of both the oral and written language as the majority of the classroom instruction will be conducted in French. As the year progresses, students will learn to develop mature language skills, create complex sentences structures and enrich their language expression. This is a project based course so the students will be constantly evaluated on their meaningful language production throughout the year. Recommended: French 9.
CORE FRENCH 11
This is an advanced level course that is taught predominantly in French. It is expected that students can already express their basic ideas, opinions and daily activities in French. This course primarily focuses on the development of the students' ability to communicate using a larger variety of tenses and of sentence structures. Students will further develop language etiquette and provide some nuances to their expression. Recommended: French 10.
CORE FRENCH 12
Students develop their skills in written and oral expression by participating in spontaneous conversations and debate/discussion of topics of current interest. Themes include travel, work, ecology and health. Reading and comprehension skills are further emphasized with the reading of articles from magazines, newspapers, and short literary pieces, and the viewing of French films. Recommended: French 11.
