In the Junior School, the French Language Program is more than just another subject - it’s a vibrant, engaging journey into language and culture. With two dedicated lessons a week, students are immersed in a learning environment that sparks both linguistic confidence and cultural curiosity.

Our program proudly uses the AIM (Accelerative Integrated Methodology) language learning approach. This innovative method is built on storytelling, music, gesture, and drama, allowing students to engage with French in meaningful and memorable ways. AIM is known for its strong focus on oral fluency, which means students begin speaking in complete sentences, chorally with the teacher, from the very start. Through songs, skits, and gesture-based activities, learners develop confidence, spontaneity, and a solid foundation in French.

Students enjoy coming to La Salle (our dedicated French classroom), where they experience language in action and feel safe taking risks. Over time, the program provides students with not only oral fluency but also a strong foundation in writing, reading and listening skills.

As part of their language learning, students explore how French works as a system, developing intercultural understanding, and learning to reflect on their own language use and identity. Each student enters La Salle with their own distinct cultural heritage. By acknowledging and celebrating the languages and traditions of Ivanhoe Girls’ families, and making connections with French culture and traditions, students develop respect and empathy and become global citizens. The diversity of our community is a rich environment which offers us the opportunity to promote tolerance and inclusivity.

Highlights from the past few years include singing songs in French for Open Day, learning the art of mime during an incursion, recording a French play using a green screen background, following the Paris Olympics, and creating puppet shows. This year, Easter provided the perfect opportunity to explore how various cultures and families observe this Christian festival. The French tradition of the Easter bells brought lively conversation and increased awareness of how cultural norms and practices vary.

We are proud of our French program and the curious and confident learners it produces. With a strong focus on oral language, cultural awareness, and literacy skills, we are setting students up for success - not just in languages, but as curious, capable communicators in an interconnected world.

Miss Jae Edwards and Ms Anna Pianezze
Junior School Teachers of French