Last semester, our Year 8 French students embarked on an exciting journey through the Francophone world. With a strong focus on linking language to culture, students were encouraged not just to learn French vocabulary and grammar, but to dive deeper into the richness of the French-speaking world and its diverse communities.
Students began researching French-speaking countries around the globe. From Canada to Senegal, Belgium to Vietnam, students explored the geography, traditions, and cultural practices of each nation. This research not only expanded their understanding of the global French-speaking community but also sparked curiosity about how language evolves and connects people across continents.
Then, our linguists brought the focus closer to home with a project on la famille (the family). Each student created their own family tree, using French to describe relationships and ages, and to introduce family members by name. Building on this, students practised speaking and writing about the hobbies and interests of their relatives — a creative and personal way to reinforce vocabulary for leisure activities and sentence structures around likes and preferences.
Linking to current events and French traditions, students then turned their attention to one of France’s most celebrated sporting events — the Tour de France. Each student chose a professional cyclist to profile, learning about their background, achievements, and team affiliations. They created informative and visually engaging posters that not only showcased their athlete’s career but also integrated key French phrases and vocabulary related to sports and biographies.
These varied tasks have all been part of a broader goal: to help students see the French language as a living, breathing part of real-world culture, not just a subject in the classroom. By learning about people, sports, food, and families… through French, students are developing a deeper appreciation of how language reflects identity and culture.
Looking ahead, Year 8 students will be turning their attention to French cuisine. Their next project will involve making a French dish — researching regional dishes, understanding cultural mealtime traditions, and using authentic French language to name and describe meals. It promises to be a delicious end to the term!
In other year levels, language learning continues with purpose. Year 10 students are revisiting core grammar and vocabulary to strengthen their foundational skills. Through focused revision and practical communication tasks, they are preparing to step confidently into more advanced topics this term.
Meanwhile, Year 12 French students are developing their fluency as they approach the HSC. Their lessons are now centered on more sophisticated expression, comprehension, and language analysis. Whether writing essays or participating in discussions, they are applying their language skills in increasingly complex and authentic contexts.
Across all levels, the emphasis remains clear: learning French is not just about memorising words — it is about understanding people, exploring new perspectives, and engaging with a culture that has shaped art, cuisine, philosophy, and global conversation for centuries. Bon travail à tous nos élèves — keep up the great work!
