Learning another language develops logical thinking skills and clarity of expression. In the process, learners strengthen their first-language skills and enhance their critical and creative thinking abilities. It also introduces students to a whole new way of seeing the world through the study of another culture, resulting in a growth of tolerance and understanding of others.
French is not only one of Canada’s two official languages, but is also widely used around the world. In Canada employment opportunities and promotions are enhanced by a knowledge of both English and French. With developing world trade patterns, knowledge of languages opens up many employment and business opportunities as well.
The Modern Languages Department at Thornlea offers courses in French, for core and immersion. The essential aim of our program is to develop communication skills in both the receptive and expressive aspects of the language. Students will develop the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through the interaction of speaker, listener, reader and writer.
Linguistic and thematic structures are covered in an eclectic manner through the communicative approach, which allows the students to develop communicative competence. Teachers encourage students to be accurate within the limits of their command of the language, and pay attention to the form as well as the message.
In addition, the interdisciplinary nature of language allows students to explore such related areas of study as history, geography, music, art, literature, business, and world issues.
French Immersion
Thornlea Secondary School is proud to offer French Immersion. As one of Canada’s two official languages, the study of French is an important part of the secondary school curriculum. The French Immersion program will prepare our students for life in a wide variety of ways, and is a wonderful opportunity for these students who have been in French Immersion since grade 1. Learn more about our French Immersion Program.
Advanced Placement
The Moderns Department is proud to offer AP French to Grade 12 students. This course offers enriched curriculum that prepares students for both the assessments at Thornlea and the AP exams administered by the U.S. College Board. Students, who receive a level 4 or 5 in the Advanced Placement examinations in May, may be eligible to receive credit or advanced placement at university. Learn more about Advanced Placement courses.
Teachers
- N. Pilaram (Head of International Languages Department + FI/Core)
- G. Fu (FI/Core)
- N. Bendavid (Phys-Ed)
- H. Hannah (FI/Core: 2020-2021- on leave)
- V. Awad (Business/Careers-Civics/FI/Core)
- D. DeLuca (Geo/History: 2020-2021- on leave)
- I. Bern (Visual Arts/ACAM FI)
- S. Volfovsky (History FI/Core)
Opportunities
Exchanges
All of our students have the opportunity to participate in a three month or one month exchange through the ISE (International Student Exchange) Program. There are exchanges to France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain. More information can be found the the ISE website.
Field Trips
The Moderns Department hosts a variety of field trips throughout the school year in order to provide out students with authentic language opportunities. Our field trips change as new and exciting language opportunities arise. Some examples of past field trips include: visits to restaurants, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Ontario Gallery of Art, the Plaza Flamingo, the Lula Lounge salsa dance club, a French movie, and in-school concerts.
Summer Programs
Are you looking for a summer program to learn French in Canada? "Explore" offers a five-week bursary program where the cost of tuition, meals, and accommodation is covered. For more information visit the Explore website.
Would you like to participate in a YMCA summer French exchange program in Canada which employs you for the duration of your exchange? Check out the exchange program website.