LANGUAGES
YEARS 11 & 12 FRENCH EXCURSION TO THE MELBOURNE FRENCH THEATRE
Last week, 27 of our Years 11 and 12 French students had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in French culture with an excursion to the Melbourne French Theatre. The highlight of the trip was a performance of “La surprise de l'amour”, a French classic from the 18th century, entirely in French. To ensure everyone could follow the storyline, English surtitles (like subtitles but above the stage) were provided, allowing students to appreciate the richness of the French language while understanding the nuances of the play.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the theatre company for their extraordinary work in bringing this production to life.
BERTHE MOUCHETTE COMPETITION - YEARS 11 & YEAR 12 ORAL EXAMS
Two weeks ago, our Years 11 and 12 students took part in the Berthe Mouchette Competition, an event that tested their French-speaking skills in a formal setting. The oral exams, which took place between 9:40 am and 2:30 pm, consisted of two parts: a 4-minute general conversation followed by a 5-minute discussion on a specific topic chosen by the student, supported by a visual document.
Two assessors from the Alliance Française conducted the exams, providing an authentic and challenging experience. Although our students were understandably nervous, they emerged from the exam rooms feeling empowered and proud of their achievements. This experience not only tested their linguistic abilities but also built their confidence in using French in real-life situations. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and dedication!
Monsieur Cédric Chamontin
French Teacher
AFTV FRENCH TRIVIA SOIRÉE- YEARS 9 & 10
Bonjour!
On Friday 9 August our school took place in the AFTV Trivia Soiree, an evening dedicated to French trivia. Eight students from Years 9 and 10 were selected to represent our school in this event. We convened at Sacre Coeur, joining students from various other schools and commenced our French trivia night.
The AFTV Trivia Soiree provided a highly engaging and interesting experience for all. We answered all kinds of questions related to French culture including the recent Olympics, history, language, and geography and took part in many bonus-point games.
This event provided us with an excellent opportunity for us to enhance our French language skills, connect with other peers in the French cohort, and immerse ourselves in authentic French culture. Additionally, we got the chance to interact with other frenchies, meet new people, learn about interesting French facts and eat delicious food. Overall, it was a wonderful experience that we all enjoyed.
Dimitra Ioannidou, Year 9
FRENCH CONVERSATION PROGRAM
In the lead-up to the French Oral Exam, Year 12 students got the chance to participate in the Conversation Program for the first time. This program paired us with native French-speaking students from McKinnon, ranging from Years 7 to Year 10, who helped us practise our conversational skills. We covered topics like family and hobbies, and I even got to learn a bit about my partner along the way.
Speaking a new language with confidence is always a challenge, and for me, it meant stepping out of my comfort zone of just talking to my French assistant and teacher. Despite the nerves and the occasional awkward moment, ultimately, I was glad to have signed up for the program, and I found myself more immersed in the language, definitely making up for the missed opportunity of a French exchange in previous years! It was a great way to sharpen my skills and get ready for the pressure of the upcoming exam. A big thank you to the students (and my partner) who volunteered to help us and to Mr Chamontin for organising this valuable opportunity!
Jenny Cheon, Year 12
YEAR 8 FRENCH: ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE OLYMPIADS
On Wednesday 31 July, we took part in a French excursion organised by the Alliance Française. Throughout the day, we engaged in various activities related to the Olympics and focused on teamwork. The excursion required us to use our memory and French-speaking skills. An Alliance Française instructor accompanied us the whole day, and upon returning to our starting point, we enjoyed a French snack consisting of brioche and waffles.
Before wrapping up the day, we had a quiz to test our knowledge of Olympic history. Everyone on the trip was friendly, and our instructor was very inclusive, teaching us new French words throughout the day. I especially enjoyed the interactive and educational nature of the quiz.
Arav Nambiar, Year 8