Academics

French Program

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Join Us On the Journey of Language and Discovery!

Our French program is a vibrant, multifaceted learning experience that supports students as they develop language skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. We invite you to explore the many opportunities our program offers for students to become fluent, confident, and informed global citizens.

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • Prep School French Program

    At Grammar, our French program begins with our four-year-old students in Junior Primary, with engaging, theme-based lessons full of music, games, and movement. With a dedicated French specialist, they enjoy activities like storytelling, imaginative play, and puppetry, fostering a love for language. As they progress to Senior Primary, classes increase to four days a week, allowing for deeper practice in grammar, early reading, and even creating videos. Starting in Grade One, our program shifts to the Accelerated Integrative Methodology (AIM), immersing students in French through gesture-supported storytelling. Each year culminates with a memorable student-created play turned into a movie.

    From Grades One through Four, students communicate entirely in French during class time. This early immersive experience fosters not only language skills but also a lasting love for French, setting them on a path to bilingual proficiency in a joyful and supportive environment.

  • Middle and Senior School French Program

    We are proud to offer a comprehensive, immersive French program for both Middle and Senior school students that targets all essential language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Our French curriculum is designed to engage students actively and holistically, ensuring that they not only gain proficiency in the language but also develop a deep appreciation for the rich francophone culture and its diverse expressions.

  • Preparation for the International Baccalaureate (IB) and DELF Exams

    Our French program is designed to prepare students for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, which emphasizes fluency in multiple languages and global awareness. Students are also encouraged to take the DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) exam, a recognized qualification for proficiency in French as a second language. While students can choose to take the DELF exam at any stage in their learning, most opt to do so toward the end of their Grade 12 year.

    By the time students complete our program, they will be equipped with the linguistic skills and cultural knowledge necessary to navigate the francophone world with confidence, both academically and in everyday life.

A Dynamic Learning Experience

Our French classes are dynamic and interactive, incorporating a wide range of activities that foster language acquisition and communication. These include:
  • Oral presentations, group discussions, and dialogues
  • Role plays and group work to practice conversational skills
  • Creative projects, such as creating movies in French
  • Interactive games to reinforce vocabulary, verbs, and grammar
  • The Rassias oral drilling method from Dartmouth College to build fluency
  • Jigsaw activities where students read texts and share insights with peers
  • Listening to audio clips, watching news reports, and engaging with authentic media content
  • Reading newspaper articles and engaging in dictées (dictations) for spelling and grammar practice
  • Writing essays to develop written expression and argumentation skills
  • Watching films and studying songs to deepen cultural understanding and language comprehension
We also ensure that students stay connected with current events in the francophone world. By analyzing news reports and discussing topics such as politics, art, environmental issues, immigration, sports, and social relationships, students not only expand their vocabulary and comprehension but also develop a broader global perspective.

Learning Through Culture and Context

Our French program is more than just grammar exercises—it is an opportunity to explore the francophone world through a variety of themes, including:

  • Art, culture, music, and literature
  • Environmental issues and social justice
  • Sports, hobbies, and volunteer work
  • Immigration and global citizenship

Through these themes, students engage with language in meaningful contexts, making connections between the language and real-world issues, both local and global. This approach helps them develop critical thinking skills while deepening their understanding of the world around them.

Halifax Grammar School

945 Tower Road,
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2Y2