Grade 9 Immersion/Extended – Course Descriptions

Geography of Canada – CGC 1DF

This course explores Canada’s distinct and changing character and the geographic systems and relationships that shape it. Students will investigate the interactions of natural and human systems within Canada, as well as Canada’s economic, cultural, and environmental connections to other countries. Students will use a variety of geo-technologies and inquiry and communication methods to analyze and evaluate geographic issues and present their findings.

French Immersion and Extended French, Academic – FIF 1DI / FEF 1DI

This course provides opportunities for students to speak and interact in French independently in a variety of real-life and personally relevant contexts. Students will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as their ability to communicate in French with confidence, by using language learning strategies introduced in the elementary French Immersion program. Students will enhance their knowledge of the French language through the study of Monsieur Ibrahim et les fleurs du Coran by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt. They will also increase their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities, and will develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning. For further enrichment, join the French Club.

Visual Arts – AVI 1OF 

What does KCI Arts have to offer you? Take this course and experience a little bit of everything including painting, drawing, sculpting, graphics, and art history. We recommend that you take this foundation course before any other art course at KCI.

Launching and Leading a Business – BEP2OF

The majority of French immersion students take this course in grade 9.  This course introduces students to the world of business and what is required to be successful, ethical, and responsible in today’s economy. Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to be an entrepreneur who knows how to respond to local and global market opportunities. Throughout the course, students will explore and understand the responsibility of managing different functions of a business. This includes accounting, marketing, information and communication technology, financial management, human resources, and production.

Individual and Family Living – HIF 1OF

This course explores the challenges faced by all people: how to meet basic needs, how to relate to others, how to manage resources, and how to become responsible members of society. Students will acquire knowledge and skills that are needed to make the transition to adulthood. Teachers will instruct students in developing interpersonal, decision-making, and practical skills related to daily life. Students will explore the functioning of families and the diversities found among families and within society.

Healthcare – TPJ2OF 

The majority of French immersion students take this course in grade 9.  This course introduces students to personal health promotion, child and adolescent health concerns, and a variety of medical services, treatments, and technologies. Students will become familiar with various instruments and equipment and will learn about human anatomy, organs, and body chemistry, as well as the effects that lifestyle choices can have on personal well-being. They will plan recreational activities for youth, perform a dietary analysis, and evaluate health care practices. Students will develop an awareness of environmental and societal issues related to health care, and will explore secondary and postsecondary pathways leading to careers in the field.

Grade 10 Immersion/Extended – Course Descriptions

Canadian History – CHC 2DF

This mandatory course will take you through two world wars, the roar of the twenties and the depression of the thirties. You’ll learn about beatniks and hippies, communists and dictators, sovereigntists and separatists as you travel the decades of the 20th Century.

Civics – CHV 2OF 

What is the objective of this course? For students to become more informed, responsible and active citizens locally, nationally, and internationally. Students explore the role of citizens and the government of Canada. Subjects to be explored include the basic responsibilities of citizens, how decisions are made, and the different levels of government and their functions. Global citizenship will also be considered.

Career Studies – GLC 2OF 

This course readies students for the work world of the 21st century as it teaches them to develop and achieve personal goals that are education, career, and community oriented. Students will evaluate their interests, abilities and their personalities before undertaking a career search, as well as preparing for work life through résumés, cover letters, interviews, and creating their own personalized portfolios.

French Immersion and Extended French – FIF 2DI, FEF 2DI 

This course provides students with extensive opportunities to communicate, interact, and think critically and creatively in French. Students will use a variety of language learning strategies in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and will respond to and interact with print, oral, visual, and electronic texts. Students will develop their knowledge of the French language through the study of contemporary French literature. They will also increase their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities, and will develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning. This course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 11 course. For further enrichment, join the French Club.

Grade 11 Immersion/Extended – Course Descriptions

Current Indigenous Issues  – NDA 3MF

This course focuses on existing and emerging issues of importance to Indigenous peoples in Canada. Students will investigate issues related to identity, relationships among Indigenous peoples and between Indigenous peoples and other Canadians, sovereignty principles as presented by Indigenous peoples, and the contemporary challenges posed by these issues. Students will also examine such topics as language preservation, the responsibilities of Indigenous women and men, and the need for dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Entrepreneurship – BDI 3CF 

This course focuses on ways in which entrepreneurs recognize opportunities, generate ideas and organize resources to plan successful ventures that enable them to achieve their goals. Students will create a venture plan for a school-based or student-run business. Through hands-on experiences, students will have opportunities to develop the values, traits, and skills most often associated with successful entrepreneurs.

World History to the Sixteenth Century – CHW 3MF 

This course is a survey of ancient and medieval history to the Renaissance. While focusing largely on the Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Medieval experience, the students also study the development of other civilizations around the world. Key components of this course are effective note taking and essay writing, skills relevant to postsecondary studies.

Presentation and Speaking Skills – EPS 3OF

This course emphasizes the knowledge and skills required to plan and make effective presentations and to speak effectively in both formal and informal contexts, using such forms as reports, speeches, debates, panel discussions, storytelling, recitations, interviews, and multimedia presentations. Students will research and analyze the content and characteristics of convincing speeches and the techniques of effective speakers; design and rehearse presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences; select and use visual and technological aids to enhance their message; and assess the effectiveness of their own and others’ presentations.

French Immersion and Extended French – FIF 3UI (University), FIF 3OI (Open), FEF 3UI (University)

The grade eleven course explores the francophone identity in Canada and Europe. Students explore these identities through news media, the literature of Guy de Maupassant, and modern plays from the Théâtre Français de Toronto. Ultimately, students analyse how these far-away cultures contribute to their own intercultural understanding of who they are, and how they fit into the larger francophone community here at home. For further enrichment, join the French Club.

Grade 12 Immersion/Extended – Course Descriptions

French Immersion and Extended French – FIF 4UI (University), FIF 4OI (Open), FEF 4UI (University)

You’ve made it! This is the culminating course in the French Immersion program. What better way to celebrate than to take a road trip! Students take the 401 to La belle province, where we spend time learning about the similarities and differences we have with our Québécois cousins. Next, we hop on a plane to Paris where we rent our own apartments, and find jobs to fund our vacations to the Côte d’Azur and the Cannes International Film Festival. Lastly, we cross the Mediterranean to Africa, home to a majority of the world’s Francophones and the setting for our novel, Je préfère qu’ils me croient mort… Round table discussions, a film critique, seminars and passion projects permeate our course, all as we prepare to continue our journey of bilingualism at the postsecondary level. For further enrichment, join the French Club or sign up for the DELF and/or AP exams.

Core French – Course Descriptions

Students in Ontario must complete at least grade 9 Core French at either the Applied or Academic level.  Students at KCI may then choose to continue in French at the grade 10, 11 and 12 academic levels. Note: A 2^nd credit in languages satisfies a “Group 1” Compulsory Credit. A 3^rd credit in languages satisfies a “Group 2″ Compulsory Credit.

Core French, Grade 9 Academic – FSF 1DI

This course emphasizes the further development of oral communication, reading, and writing skills. Students will build on and apply their knowledge of French while exploring a variety of themes, such as relationships, trends and careers. Thematic readings, which include a selection of short stories, articles, and poems, will serve as stepping stones to oral and written activities. Prerequisite: Minimum of 600 hours of elementary Core French instruction, or equivalent

Core French, Grade 10 Academic – FSF 2DI

This course is designed to enable students to increase their knowledge of the French language, further develop their language skills and deepen their understanding and appreciation of francophone culture around the world. Exploring a variety of themes, students will develop and apply critical thinking skills in discussion, in their analysis and interpretation of texts and in their own writing effectively.   This course is intended to prepare students for the grade 11 University preparation course. Prerequisite: Grade 9 Core French, Academic

Core French, Grade 11 University – FSF 3UI

This course draws on a variety of themes to promote extensive development of reading and writing skills and to reinforce oral communication skills. Students will gain a greater understanding of French-speaking cultures in Canada and around the world through their reading of a variety of materials, including a short novel or a play. Students will produce various written assignments, including a formal essay. The use of correct grammar and appropriate language conventions in both spoken and written French will be emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisite: Grade 10 Core French, Academic

Core French, Grade 12 University – FSF 4UI

This course provides extensive opportunities for students to speak and interact in French independently. Students will apply language-learning strategies in a wide variety of real-life situations, and will continue to develop their creative and critical thinking skills through responding to and interacting with a variety of oral and written texts. Students will also continue to enrich their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities and to develop the skills necessary for life-long language learning. Prerequisite: Grade 11 Core French, University Preparation

Spanish – Course Descriptions

Students may choose to take elective courses in Spanish in grades 10, 11 and 12. Note: A 2^nd credit in languages satisfies a “Group 1” Compulsory Credit. A 3^rd credit in languages satisfies a “Group 2″ Compulsory Credit.

Spanish, Grade 10 Academic – LWS BDI

This course is designed as an introductory language class for non-native speakers.  The instruction, application and review are highly interactive and develop essential skills to handle daily situations.  During this course the emphasis is on the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. At the end of the semester, students will be equipped with the necessary language to understand native speakers and communicate effectively. This course is intended to prepare students for the next course in sequence, LWS 3UI.

Spanish, Grade 11 University – LWS CUI

This course offers students opportunities to further develop competence and confidence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the language of study. Students will participate in interactive activities (e.g., discussions about literature, travel, shopping) in which they will further develop their knowledge of linguistic elements. They will continue to explore aspects of culture in regions of the world where the language is spoken, including fashion, historical figures, art, and architecture. Students will enhance their critical and creative thinking skills through reading diverse materials, including original literature, and will explore a variety of personal and professional contexts in which knowledge of the international language is required. Prerequisite: LWS BDI or approval from the Languages Department Head.

Spanish, Grade 12 University – LWS DUI

This course prepares students for postsecondary studies in the international language being studied. Students will continue to refine and enhance their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the language, with the goal of using these communication skills in a variety of personal, academic, and professional contexts. Using a wide variety of sources, including original texts in the language, students will consolidate their language skills as they use increasingly complex linguistic elements and language conventions. Students will also have opportunities to enrich their knowledge of aspects of culture in regions where the language is spoken, including issues related to popular culture, linguistic communities in Canada, literature, history, geography, and the arts. Prerequisite: LWS CUI or approval from the Languages Department Head.

Enrichment – Exchanges, Travel, Club, Exams and Activities

The Languages department is dynamic, thriving and continually evolving to provide students with authentic experiences and to meet their needs. On top of the French Immersion, Core French and Spanish programs offered, there are a number of cultural opportunities available to enrich language learning.

Specialist High Skills Major: French Education: Non profit  

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a unique program offered in Ontario high schools that provides students with the opportunity to focus their studies on a specific career path while still fulfilling their graduation requirements. This program may be completed at the University, College, Apprenticeship or Workplace level starting as early as Grade 11. Of particular note: The French Education SHSM is especially useful for students pursuing French Immersion studies who may be interested in employment opportunities in French or in the educational field. For more information, read the SHSM Education Flyer.

French Club

KCI runs a French Club, where interested students meet to explore francophone culture from throughout the world. Activities include making crêpes and other delicacies, playing pétanque and various other games, discovering French humour through media, and enjoying French stories, music and films.

Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)

The DELF provides internationally-recognized French language accreditation. This diploma is offered by the French Ministry of Education and certifies the level of language proficiency of a second language learner in French. KCI’s Grade 12 students have the option to take this test. They may complete this test for personal, academic or professional purposes, and can include the DELF qualification on their résumés as a competitive advantage. The DELF also provides life-long certification and is recognized as a certified language assessment for acceptance into a French university (level B2 or higher). For more information, visit the Alliance française. (Link: http://www.af.ca/ottawa/exam-centre/delf-dalf/) Ontario’s new Languages Curriculum is also based on the same framework as the DELF, the Common European Framework of Reference. (Link: http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/cadre1_en.asp). See the new Languages Curriculum here: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/fsl912curr2014.pdf.

Advanced Placement (AP)

KCI offers the French Language AP exam. The AP program is an American standard of academic excellence. Students who achieve a level 4 or above on the exam may be awarded an elective credit upon advancement to a university that recognizes AP test results.

Field Trips

Experiential learning is an important part of a student’s secondary career. KCI is centrally located in our community which gives students the ability to walk to many off campus events. The school also directly faces the ION on King Street and is located near many GRT routes. 

KCI has well-established links with its surrounding community. This enables the Languages department to arrange field trips and other authentic experiences for its students such as special viewings of foreign-language films at the Princess Cinemas and the Gorge Cinema in Elora. Business classes have a variety of guest speakers and field trips to places such as D2L, the Working Centre and Google.

Point Pelée

All grade 9 geography students are invited to participate in an overnight excursion to Point Pelée National Park, situated at the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland. Activities include geocaching, exploring the ecology of all 5 of its ecosystems, and a tour of a kilometre-long greenhouse.  All services are available in both languages of instruction for students enrolled in English stream courses or French Immersion courses. 

Théâtre français de Toronto

As a component of the Grade 11 course, French Immersion students have the opportunity to write and publish a written play. Students from all over Southern Ontario submit their work to the contest in the hopes of seeing their work realised. The top 5 playwrights head to Toronto to attend a workshop to refine their work. One student is selected and a professional team takes over to interpret and produce the play for the public. 

Art/ L’Art 

Students enrolled in French Immersion art will have many opportunities to explore the impact of art in the school community and the larger community. In 2018, a collective art piece created by grade 9 Immersion students was featured at Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery (Norval Morrisseau inspired mural). In 2019, students have worked with kindergarten students from King Edward Public School teaching them some of their first words in French and doing art with them. Students also partook in the creation of a Santa Claus parade float and help painted sets for the school musical. 

Third Party Opportunities: 

International Student Exchange – Ontario

International Student Exchange – Ontario is a registered not-for-profit corporation offering Ontario students reciprocal, school-board approved exchange programs with countries in Europe. Exchanges are available during the school year (for 9 or 12 week duration) or during the summer (for 3 week duration). Students immerse themselves in a culture, expand their ability to communicate in the target language, and host their exchange partner as a member of their family. Popular destinations include France, Spain, Italy, and Germany. To learn more, please visit iseontario.on.ca

YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange Program  

This YMCA program offers students aged 16 and 17, the opportunity to participate in a 6 week exchange over the summer. Students improve their second official language skills but also gain important employment experience in the target language. Outside of their work placements, students participate in group excursions and activities with other youth participating in the program. For more information, please visit http://my.ymcagta.org/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=539. 

Explore Program 

This French Language Program allows students to explore another region of Canada for a relatively low cost. Meals, accommodations, activities, workshops are all designed to provide an immersive experience for students. Classes are adapted to individual’s language level and the program is designed to have students explore a francophone region while meeting students from across the country. To find more information, visit https://www.myexplore.ca.   

Francophone University Visits 

KCI promotes and supports students in their continuation of French studies following secondary school. Students are invited to attend francophone university presentations like that of the University of Ottawa, hosted at KCI, or attend information sessions about opportunities in French Studies at our local universities.  

Recent accolades:

Les Zinspirés

Since 2019, our grade 11 French Immersion students have been competing in Les Zinspirés, a playwriting competition for the Théâtre Français de Toronto. Four KCI students have won the competition, refining their plays in multi-day workshops, becoming published playwrights, and having their plays staged for public audiences. Clara KS., Sofia V., Lily T., and Grace F. are the only non-Francophone winners of this competition from hundreds of submissions across the province — a testament to the strength of our program and students.

DELF

Each year, KCI encourages grade 12 French students to partake in the DELF; an internationally recognized test designed to evaluate students’ ability to understand and produce both oral and written texts in French. Typically our students write the A1, A2, B1, or B2 levels but we have had two students successfully achieve the C1 exam (designed for proficient French users).   

Poetry in Voice / Les Voix de la Poésie

Poetry in Voice offers two competitions yearly, where students from across the country compete in memorizing and reciting poetry. Competitions begin at the school level before moving on to online qualifiers and the national finals. KCI students placed 5th nationally in 2016, and 2nd nationally in 2017. Over $7,500 in travel and prizes are awarded annually. 

French Olympics / Les olympiques de français

In 2017 as part of Canada’s 150th anniversary, Glendon College offered a French Olympics for grade 11 students enrolled in French language schools or French Immersion programs across Ontario. KCI students placed 3rd in the province, beating our many francophone schools in challenges that centered around linguistic skills, dramatic arts as well as cultural and historical knowledge. 

Adam Smit : Published Author and National Teaching Coach

Our department members are dedicated to learning more about how our French language learners learn and how language teachers can impact confidence and student learning. In 2021, our Department Head of Languages, Adam Smit, published Vers une identité bilingue, vers un Canada bilingue? in Le Journal de l’Immersion. The article looks at building bilingual identities and supporting French Immersion students to gain confidence in using their French. He has also published articles in 2022 and 2023.

Nicole Verhoeve : Teacher 5 Étoiles (ACPI) 

In 2020, our own Nicole Verhoeve was selected by l’Association canadienne des professionnels de l’immersion (ACPI) as a spokesperson for the “Teacher 5 étoiles” campaign, a national campaign aimed at promoting careers in French Immersion education across the country. The teachers chosen for the campaign are known to have an expertise in teaching and in languages: exploring cultures, encouraging progress, testing innovative teaching methods, and turning learning into a passion. At KCI, Madame Verhoeve is a French Immersion teacher of geography, Indigenous studies, and French Immersion language courses.