At Haut-Lac School, we offer a personalised approach to learning French, enabling each student to progress at their own pace. Lessons are tailored to meet individual needs and language levels, ensuring that every student receives the necessary support for effective language development.
Learning French with Passion and Precision
Whether French is learned as a first or additional language, our teaching combines passion with rigour. From primary school onwards, we encourage students to engage with the language through reading, writing, and speaking. This approach helps students to master technical accuracy while also achieving natural fluency.
Learning Through Projects
French lessons at Haut-Lac are interactive and captivating. For example, our students recently participated in a project where they created a French-language news report. By interviewing teachers and classmates about environmental issues, they practised pronunciation and gained confidence in a real-world context.
We use a wide variety of activities to make learning dynamic, including:
- Theatre and Role-playing: Acting out dialogues and plays to improve spoken expression.
- Creative Writing Workshops: Writing stories, poems, and articles to develop imagination and structure ideas.
- Multimedia Projects: Creating podcasts and videos to explore French in an engaging and modern way.
- Reading Initiatives: Meeting authors, participating in reading competitions, and exploring literature in depth.
For several years, our P5 students have taken part in the Prix Chronos reading competition. This initiative connects young readers (aged 10-12) with senior citizens, who read and discuss four shortlisted books together, sharing their thoughts and voting for their favourite story.
Incorporating Technology into Language Learning
We recognise the importance of digital tools in modern education. At Haut-Lac, we integrate technology to enhance French learning through platforms like Quizlet for vocabulary expansion, Google Classroom for collaboration, Kahoot for interactive assessments, and iPads for individual dictation.
One particularly exciting cross-curricular project involved students producing a French-language cooking show. They created interactive slideshows or videos, incorporating text, images, audio, and animations. Using the school’s green screen studio, they brought their creations to life.
Supportive Learning Environment
We understand that learning a new language can be challenging, but at Haut-Lac, we provide a supportive and nurturing environment. With small class sizes and personalised attention, we are able to address specific needs and help students overcome any difficulties.
We also offer an extension club for students who wish to take their French learning further. This morning club goes beyond the standard curriculum, providing opportunities for students to participate in writing competitions, reading circles, booktubes, and promoting the French language within the school. Currently, club members are translating a book into French and recording an audiobook for Book Week’s Story Walk event.
Celebrating Multilingualism and Cultural Diversity
Haut-Lac School embraces multilingualism, and this commitment is reflected in the work of our Language Ambassadors. These students help foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere for language learning, supporting their peers in overcoming challenges, exploring new cultures, and appreciating languages.
One recent initiative, ‘Journey through Languages,’ celebrated multilingualism by recording readings of The Duckling Gets a Cookie! by Mo Willems in French and fifteen other languages. These recordings will be shared with students on International Language Day, a special annual event at Haut-Lac.
A Rich, Immersive Language Learning Experience
At Haut-Lac, French is far more than just an academic subject. It is an immersive and enriching experience that cultivates a strong appreciation for the language and culture. Through personalised instruction, innovative teaching methods, and engaging projects, our students develop not only language proficiency but also a deep love for the French language.
