Welcome to PHS Languages!

We offer a very dynamic French from grade 9-12. Students learn the language through speaking, listening, reading, and writing using authentic and engaging materials, tools, and experiences to help them reach their language learning goals and 21st century competencies.

Extra opportunities in Languages

  • DELF Exam –  The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is an official diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the French language competency of candidates from outside France.  The DELF exam is recognized world-wide, and successful participation in this exam opens significant opportunities for our students.  We are very proud of the program that we have developed that centers around training our students to successfully challenge this exam.

Student FAQs

Q: What do you do in a high school French class?

A: We do so many fun things! Language classes are full of engaging and interactive activities to practice the language and learn about Francophone culture. You will listen to music, have conversations with classmates, read and create stories, play games, watch videos, and engage in other interactive activities to practice and improve oral and written communication skills. We also love to experience culture through food such as making crêpes in class, chocolate fondus, baguette et fromage, croissants, gâteaux,  and we might even dare you to try escargots! Our classes are a safe, welcoming place where we learn and practice the language together.

Q: Are there field trips?

A: The PHS languages department offers a variety of day trips across all grades and subjects to provide real-world experiences in language learning. Some examples include: French cinéma; crêperie; Toronto museums, art exhibits, and theatre trips.  We love discovering and participating in any other language experiential learning opportunities that arise in the community!

Parent FAQs

Q: What enrichment opportunities do you offer language students at PHS?

A: We have a number of opportunities available for our language students at all levels.  We offer the DELF certification which is a globally recognized, official diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the French language competency of candidates from outside France. We also offer students an opportunity to participate in the Concours d’art oratoire (French speech contest), French theatre writing contest Les Zinspiré.e.s. through the Théâtre français de Toronto.  We also connect students with educational or summer workplace exchange programs provincially, nationally, and internationally.

Q: My child has been in French immersion in elementary school. What do you offer at PHS to support students with an immersion background?

A: All of our language courses strongly support differentiated instruction and learning to meet students where they are in their language learning journey. All students have different strengths in different strands of language learning and therefore we use various strategies and teaching tools to develop, enhance, and focus learning where needed. Our students are also offered enrichment opportunities to remain challenged in their language learning. Please feel free to contact Mme. Robinson at eva_robinson@wrdsb.ca to have a further discussion.

Q: Is French a mandatory class for my child?

A: Grade 9 French is a requirement for graduation. Grade 10, 11 and 12 classes are offered as elective classes that count towards their 12 elective courses and fulfill their group 1, 2, and 3 diploma requirements. Continuing language studies also enhances their high school education and opens doors for many other opportunities in their post secondary endeavours.

Why is French single-streamed in Grade 9?
The De-streamed courses are following new curriculum policies created by the Ministry of Education.  Until the new curriculum is created in French, the Academic course curriculum is what is being followed.  The French teachers here at PHS are very aware that differentiating the tasks and activities in our classrooms makes the content accessible for all the various learners in our courses.  We make sure that we provide the appropriate resources and support so that all of our students have the opportunity to be successful.

Department Staff

Mme. Robinson    eva_robinson@wrdsb.ca  Department Head

Mme. Daudlin   hannah_daudlin@wrdsb.ca (replacing Mme Leclair Sem 1 2024 – 2025)

Mme. LeClair        jillian_leclair@wrdsb.ca (not active 2024 – 2025 year)

Courses and curriculum documents

FSF1DI, FSF2DI, FSF3UI, FSF4UI Core French Academic