French Immersion
Core French
Watch Our French Immersion Presentation
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.
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)
Special Program Opportunities
In addition to the Core and Beginner French courses, Thornlea's International Languages Department offers a French Immersion Program (which launched in the fall of 2011) and an Advanced Placement course for Gr. 12 French students.
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.
The aim of the program is to develop and refine students’ ability to communicate in French as well as to expand their knowledge of the language through the study of francophone literature. By the end of the four-year program, students will participate easily in conversations and discussions; will be able to take courses at the college or university level in which French is the language of instruction; and will be able to accept employment in which French is the working language.
Students who earn 10 or more credits in the French Immersion Program (including 4 French credits) are eligible to receive a French Immersion Certificate. Certificates are presented at the Graduation Ceremonies.
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. AP courses are designed to provide students with background and knowledge equivalent to a first-year university course. They allow students the opportunity for enriched, intensive study in one or more subjects of interest and strength. AP courses are recognized by many Canadian and International universities as advanced standing for first-year study in specific courses. For further information about AP courses go to: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com
AP courses make substantial academic demands on students. However, the AP experience offers numerous benefits including helping students develop the intellectual skills and self-discipline needed for success in university.
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 at http://www.iseontario.on.ca
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.
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 http://www.myexplore.ca
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 http://www.summer-work.ca
Careers and Post-Secondary Studies
Alphabetical Listing of Careers related to the study of Languages (from My Pathway Planner):
- Adult Education Teacher
- Anthropologist
- Community Worker
- Curriculum Specialist
- Early Childhood Educator
- Elementary School Teacher
- ESL Teacher
- Foreign Language Instructor
- Foreign Service Officer
- High School Teacher
- Immigration Officer
- Interpreter
- Mediator
- Middle School Teacher
- Political Aide
- Professor
- School Superintendent
- Sign Language Interpreter
- Social Worker
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Translator
Links to Post-Secondary Institutions Offering Business-Related Programs:
Ontario Universities Application Centre
The University of Ottawa haws a great opportunity for students who would like to get a degree (in a variety of disciplines) with a French Immersion designation.
Are you interested in a bilingual or trilingual degree? Visit Glendon College at York University's website.
Interested in which careers are available to you if you study languages? Visit this website from the University of Toronto.