7410 Blackfoot Trail SE Calgary, ABadmissions@westislandcollege.ab.ca

Tel: 403.255.5300

www.westislandcollege.ab.ca

INTERNATIONALLANGUAGESHANDBOOK2015-2016

Grade 7 & 8 Quebec Trip 2015

Table of ContentsPurpose / Promise / Premise of Curriculum 4

Program Overview 5

Module A: International Language Courses 6

Module B: Language Experiences 8

Module C: Language Clubs and Activities 11

Module D: Linguistic Immersion Experience 13

International Language Awards and Scholarships 16

INTERNATIONALLANGUAGES

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Mr. Jean-François Schell International Languages Coordinatorjean-francoisschell@mywic.ca

West Island College

Phone: 403.255.5300 Fax: 403.252.1434

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Purpose

To provide students with an opportunity for further enrichment in international languages and culture, to improve language skills, and to communicate with a diverse range of people.

Promise

To provide students with life experiences gained through exposure to interna-tional languages.

Premise of Curriculum

The program is designed to:

• Improve the student’s ability to understand and communicate with peo-ple of different origins and backgrounds

• Develop the student’s confidence travelling and engaging in authentic situations with native speakers

• Offer a deeper understanding and fuller appreciation of the history and culture of different civilizations

• Help the student select and apply useful tools and technology in multilin-gual environments.

• Increase the student’s competitiveness in a global and multilingual market to help him / her achieve career goals

• Foster global citizenship

• Encourage awareness of the student’s own cultural identity

• Nurture an environment of lifelong learning

• Develop culture-specific social, moral and business etiquette

• Provide the student with a better understanding of culturally-oriented material

• Build awareness of foreign cultural material available in Canada

• Promote better awareness of the student’s own first language through comparison with another language.

• Enhance cognitive skills and improve the ability to learn and function in areas other than languages

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Program Overview

This is the first year of the West Island College International Language Certificate.

Students may start participating in the program in Grade 7 and will be required

to meet a number of criteria in order to be eligible for the West Island College

International Languages Certificate. The current certificate consists of 4 modules:

Module A: International Language Courses

Module B: Language Experiences

Module C: Language Clubs and Activities

Module D: Linguistic Immersion Experience

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Module A: International Languages Courses

There are a number of courses offered to Junior and Senior High students in

each of the three streams. Students will be required to complete at least the

Grade 9 and the 30 level course in the Spanish or French Second Language

stream, or French Language Arts 9, AP French Language and Culture 35, and the

30 level in the French Immersion stream. Descriptions of the courses are provid-

ed below.

French as Second Language (FSL)

French 9 (Grade 9)

The aim of this advanced core French course is to further enable all learners

to communicate in French by building on the foundations previously set in the

Grade 7 (Beginner) and Grade 8 (Intermediate) courses. Developing an openness

towards cultural diversity will continue to be a focus.

French 30 (Grade 10)

This course offers students the opportunity to communicate and interact with

growing confidence in one of Canada’s official languages, while developing the

knowledge, skills and perspectives they need to participate fully as citizens in

Canada and in the world.

Spanish as Second Language

Spanish 9 (Grade 9)

This course will focus on intermediate Spanish grammar, writing, oral

comprehension, and conversation skills. It will incorporate short stories, movie

studies, geography and an introduction to political issues in Latin America, the

US and Spain.

Spanish 30 (Grade 10)

Spanish 30 is designed for students who have previously studied Spanish.

This course will continue its focus on basic Spanish grammar, writing, oral

comprehension, and conversation skills, including vocabulary lists, oral

comprehension activities, dialogues, compositions, skits, games and videos.

French Immersion

French Language Arts 9 (Grade 9)

This course builds on knowledge from FLA7 and FLA8. Students will acquire

better knowledge of complex sentence structure and a much broader vocabulary

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in order to increase their level of comfort in various communication situations

such as applying for a position, requesting information, suggesting ideas,

entertaining, or simply engaging in a casual conversation with ease.

AP French 35 (Grade 11)

Students will study authentic French materials and sources to develop their

language skills in multiple modes of communication, including two-way

interactions in both writing and speaking, interpretation of audio, audiovisual

and print materials, and oral and written presentation of information and ideas.

Students will develop a deeper knowledge of the culture, traits and challenges of

various French-speaking communities in the world.

French Language Arts 30 (Grade 12)

This course brings closure to 12 years of French Immersion and is one of the

two courses required to graduate with a Bilingual Diploma. This course enables

students to be completely functional and independent in French so they can

continue to appreciate their bilingualism and the French culture within and

outside Canada.

International Diplomas in Languages

In order to achieve the International Languages (Modified) Certificate, students

are expected to pass either of the following exams:

DELF A1 / A2 (FSL stream)

The Diplôme d’études en langue française (Diploma

in French Studies) is an internationally-recognized

certification of French language abilities for non-

native speakers of French offered in over 160

countries. Each one is valid permanently. A series of

examinations evaluates the four communication skills:

listening, speaking, reading and writing. Specifically,

the DELF A1 and A2 evaluate students’ basic linguistic

abilities, such as expressing themselves about

family, places, sports, transportation, everyday life, work, pets, the weather, and

various events.

DELF B1 (Grade 9) / B2 (Grade 12) (French Immersion stream)

The Diplôme d’études en langue française (Diploma in French Studies) is an internationally-recognized certification of French language abilities for non-native

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speakers of French offered in over 160 countries. Each level is valid permanently. The DELF B2 level grants access to all French universities and to a number of European and Francophone universities, and stands as an international benchmark for fluency in French.

DELE A1 / A2 (Spanish as a Second Language stream)

The Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE) are official titles

certifying a degree of competence and mastery of the Spanish language,

granted by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of Spain. They are valid

permanently. The DELE A1 and A2 evaluate students’ basic linguistic abilities,

such as expressing themselves about family, places, sports, transportation,

everyday life, work, pets, the weather, and various events.

Module B: Language Experiences

There are a number of options for students to gain language experiences at the

College. Students will commit to language experiences whether they are involved

in reading, writing, listening and speaking. This experience is highly personal and

students will reflect on their participation. To receive the International Languages

(Modified) Certificate, students are required to complete any two of the following

seven activities.

Any students who pursue independent language courses or experience outside

of school may also be recognized, but this would be at the discretion of the Head

of Strategic Planning and Initiatives and the International Languages Coordinator.

French Immersion Quebec Trip (Grades 7-8)

This 5-day trip to the City of Quebec celebrates the French Immersion Program

at West Island College and enables students to enjoy a first-hand experience in

French, engaging in authentic interactions with native speakers in a Francophone

environment. Students will visit sites such as Cap Tourmente, the Basilica St Anne

de Beaupré, the Old City, and an authentic Huron reservation, gaining insights

into the history of Canada and the French-Canadian culture. Most importantly,

they will make memories in French.

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Gastronomic and Cultural Experience at La Chaumière (Grades 7-12)

Bon appétit! This two-hour session is offered at the French gastronomic

restaurant La Chaumière, where students will be treated to a three-course lunch

and a discussion of French etiquette at the dinner table.

Concours de rédaction (National Essay Contest) (Grades 10-12)

This national contest is open to students across Canada studying French. The

contest will award a total of $215,000 in scholarships, giving its winners the

chance to pursue their post-secondary studies partially or completely in French,

in campuses such as the University of Ottawa, the University of Alberta’s Campus

Saint-Jean and the University of Lethbridge.

Poetry in Voice / Les voix de la poésie (Grades 9-12)

This contest can be pursued in English, in French, or bilingually. In order to take

part in this national competition, each student must learn a poem personally

chosen from a diverse selection of French and/or English poetry, and recite it

with correct intonation and mood.

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Immersion Clip Contest (French Immersion 9-12)

In this national contest, students must create a

30 to 90 second video clip on a specific topic

related to the French Immersion Program.

Winners win a scholarship for various Canadian

universities.

An authentic writing experience (Grades 7-12)

Students can choose to write in a language other than English using the media

platform and on a topic of their choice (provided it aligns with the College’s

values). For example, students can elect to write an article in their own blog, on a

community magazine or in the school’s newspaper.

Your international playlist on Radio WIC (Grades 7-12)

Do you enjoy listening to international music? Are you a fan of a specific

foreign band? Share your appreciation through the Hall of Nations’ speakers by

preparing a 45-minute playlist that will play on Radio WIC at lunch.

Grade 7 & 8 Quebec Trip 2015

Module C: Language Clubs and Activities

Students may participate in a variety of language clubs, activities and seminars

offered at the College. There are many clubs offered throughout the course of

the school year and, in order to receive the International Language (Modified)

Certificate, students must receive credit for any two of the following:

Introduction to American Sign Language (Grades 7-12)

This course provides an introduction to the alphabet of American Sign Language,

which gives students an excellent start to express a basic vocabulary in American

Sign Language through body movement, gestures and facial expressions

including finger spelling and basic signs. Students will begin to learn vocabulary,

put sentences together and convey messages through a variety of activities,

practice and visual presentations. Upon completion of this course, participants

will have the basic skills to communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing

community.

Beginner German Course (Grades 7-12)

In this 12-hour course, students will learn: how to introduce themselves; numbers

and the alphabet; simple sentence structure; how to ask for directions; food and

drinks; and how to talk about their lives. Characteristics and various traits of the

German culture will also be covered.

Beginner Mandarin Course (Grades 7-12)

Mandarin is a language that is becoming more popular and important in the

trans-national business processes. Learning Mandarin could be useful for the

purposes of engaging in the growing West-East relations. This course is intended

to provide an overview of the language structure of Mandarin. Upon completion

of the course, students should be able to communicate in simple Mandarin

during daily conversation.

Foreign Movie Club (Grades 7-12)

“Silence on the set!” Through this club, students will discover some of the hidden

gems of international cinematography, played in their original language and

subtitled in English.

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Duolingo App (Grades 7-12)

Through Duolinguo, a self-directed

language-teaching application, students

can learn a wide range of languages in

an interactive and fun way using their

phone, tablet or laptop computer. They

will learn a foreign language step by

step, progressing through a tree of skills

and going from challenge to challenge.

Languages include more commonly

offered languages such as Spanish,

Portuguese, French and Italian, but also

Turkish, Irish, Swedish, or even Esperanto!

CLUB / ACTIVITY

TERM 1 TERM 2 TERM 3 TERM 4

Beginner

German

*

Introduction to

American Sign

Language

*

Beginner

Mandarin

*

Foreign

Movie Club

*

Duolingo * * *

National

Essay Contest

(French)

*

Poetry in Voice

/ Les voix de la

poésie

*

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CLUB / ACTIVITY

TERM 1 TERM 2 TERM 3 TERM 4

Immersion

Clip Contest

*

Module D: Linguistic Immersion Experience

Engaging with native speakers from different countries is often the final purpose

of learning a language, and one that further motivates individuals to become

lifelong learners and strengthen a passion for travelling and discovering new

horizons. To validate this module, students will need to immerse themselves in an

authentic linguistic environment, in Canada or abroad.

Section 1: Independent Immersion Experience

Students who wish to travel to other destinations with family or friends may

choose to learn the language of this visit prior to the trip through a learning

platform of their choice for a minimum of five hours. Students will then need

to build a portfolio demonstrating how they were able to use their learning

throughout the trip and the cultural characteristics they have discovered during

their time there.

Details regarding validating the independent immersion experience section

should be discussed with the Head of Strategic Planning and Initiatives or the

International Languages Coordinator prior to the trip.

Section 2: WIC International Studies

West Island College’s International Studies program combines character

education and service learning in a unique global classroom experience. The

International Studies program facilitates international experiences that raise

social consciousness and environmental awareness. Students who wish to travel

to other destinations with the College may choose to learn the language of this

visit prior to the trip through a number of language workshop sessions. All of this

builds mutual understanding and respect for different cultures of the world.

Please note that participation in the International Studies program is not

mandatory to receive the International Languages (Modified) Certificate.

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Junior Trip

Grade 9 Europe Trip

Students who are signed up for the International Studies trip to France and

Belgium will attend five lunch hour workshop sessions to acquire a basic

knowledge of the French and Flemish languages. Students will learn phrases for

basic personal introductions, the weather, time, the alphabet, and basic sounds

and intonations.

Senior Trips

Tanzania 2015

Students who are signed up for the International Studies trip to Tanzania will

attend five lunch hour workshop sessions to acquire a basic knowledge of the

Swahili language. Students will learn phrases for basic personal introductions, the

weather, time, the alphabet, and basic sounds and intonations.

Belize 2015

Students who are signed up for the International Studies trip to Belize will attend

five lunch hour workshop sessions to acquire a basic knowledge of the Spanish

language. Students will learn phrases for basic personal introductions, the

weather, time, the alphabet, and basic sounds and intonations.

India 2015

Students who are signed up for the International Studies trip to India will attend

five lunch hour workshop sessions to acquire a basic knowledge of the Hindi

language. Students will learn phrases for basic personal introductions, the

weather, time, the alphabet, and basic sounds and intonations.

Makenna Jones, Class of 2014, receiving the French Language Arts Award from M. Schell

International Languages Awards and Scholarships

Bilingual Diploma

This diploma is awarded to those Grade 12 students who have successfully

completed 45 credits of study in which the language of instruction was French,

and who have earned a West Island College Diploma.

French Language Arts

This award is given to the Grade 12 student who receives the highest combined

mark in French Language Arts 30 and French AP.

Creative Writing Award

This award of excellence is given to the student who has, in the eyes of the English and French Departments, displayed the greatest talent for creative writing in both the official languages of Canada.

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2015 - 2016

16www.westislandcollege.ab.ca