World Language Department
French Courses
(All Courses Above are Included in GPA)
French I L3
WL130 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grades 9-12
Prerequisite:
- Teacher recommendation or approval of the World Language Department Head
This is an introductory course designed for first-year students who begin the study of French in the high school. This course aims to develop basic proficiency in the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal and presentational) via the skills of listening to, speaking, reading, and writing of language, as well as to develop an understanding of cultures of French speaking countries. The proficiency target for the end of this course is Novice High (beginning): students will be able to participate in direct conversations with simple sentences and to satisfy some basic needs.
French II L3
WL131 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grades 9-12
Prerequisite:
- C or better in French I L3; OR
- C or better in French 8 AND recommendation of French 8 teacher
This course builds upon and expands students’ proficiency at the novice level in the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal and presentational) via the skills of listening to, speaking, reading, and writing of French, and deepens understanding of cultures of French speaking countries. The proficiency target for the end of this course is Novice High (continuing): students will be able to handle basic uncomplicated communication needed in daily life, starting to combine language to express their own thoughts, using sentences and strings of sentences.
French II L4
WL140 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grades 9-12
Prerequisite:
- A- or better in French I L3 AND recommendation of French I teacher; OR
- A- in French 8 AND recommendation of French 8 teacher
This course builds upon and expands students’ developing proficiency at the intermediate level in the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal and presentational) via the skills of listening to, speaking, reading, and writing of French, and deepens understanding of cultures of French speaking countries. The proficiency target for the end of this course is Intermediate Low: students will be able to handle basic uncomplicated communication needed in daily life, starting to combine language to express their own thoughts, using sentences and strings of sentences.
French III L3
WL230 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grades 10-12
Prerequisite:
- C- or better in French II L3 AND recommendation of French II teacher; OR
- Successful completion of French II L4
This course builds upon and expands students’ developing proficiency at the intermediate level in the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal and presentational) via the skills of listening to, speaking, reading, and writing French, and deepens understanding of cultures of French speaking countries. The proficiency target for the end of this course is Intermediate Low: students will be able to handle basic uncomplicated communication needed in daily life, asking and answering original questions, creating with language to express their own thoughts, using strings of more complex sentences.
French III L4
WL240 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grades 10-12
Prerequisite:
- B or better in French II L4 AND recommendation of French II teacher; OR
- A- or better in French II L3 AND recommendation of French II teacher
This course builds upon and expands students’ developing proficiency at the intermediate level in the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal and presentational) via the skills of listening to, speaking, reading, and writing French, and deepens understanding of cultures of French speaking countries. The proficiency target for the end of this course is Intermediate Mid: students will be able to handle basic uncomplicated communication needed in daily life, asking and answering original questions, creating with language to express their own thoughts, using strings of more complex sentences.
French IV L3
WL330 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grades 11-12
Prerequisite:
- C- or better in French III L3 AND recommendation of French III teacher; OR
- Successful completion of French III L4
This advanced intermediate course builds upon and expands students’ proficiency at the intermediate level in the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal and presentational) via the skills of listening to, speaking, reading, and writing French, and deepens understanding of cultures of French speaking countries. The proficiency target for the end of this course is Intermediate Mid: students will be able to handle basic uncomplicated communication needed in daily life, asking and answering original questions, creating with language to express their own thoughts, on an increasingly broad variety of topics, using strings of more complex sentences.
French IV L4
WL343 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grades 11-12
Prerequisite:
- B or better in French III L4 AND recommendation of French III teacher; OR
- A- or better in French III L3 AND recommendation of French III teacher
This advanced intermediate course builds upon and expands students’ proficiency at the intermediate level in the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal and presentational) via the skills of listening to, speaking, reading, and writing French, and deepens understanding of cultures of French speaking countries. The proficiency target for the end of this course is Intermediate High (beginning): students will be able to handle basic uncomplicated communication needed in daily life, asking and answering original questions, creating with language to express their own thoughts, on an increasingly broad variety of topics, using strings of more complex sentences.
French V L3/L4
WL433/444 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 12
Prerequisite:
L3:
L3:
- B- or better in French IV L3 AND recommendation of French IV teacher; OR
- Successful completion of French IV L4
- B or better in French IV L4 AND recommendation of French IV teacher; OR
- A- or better in French IV L3 AND recommendation of French IV teacher
French V serves as an appropriate course for all French IV students who have an interest in the language and culture of the French-speaking world. Students integrate their high school language learning experiences to make connections between the language and culture studied and international affairs, career paths, and other disciplines. Students refine their language skills as they explore current events, history and culture, literature, film, and art in order to gain insights into the culture of various countries. Daily preparation, attention to detail, and effective communication in spoken and written French are emphasized. *When combined by necessity, assessment and independent work expectations will be modified accordingly. The proficiency target of this course is Intermediate High on the ACTFL scale.
All French V students are required to take the AAPPL exam and may qualify for the state Seal of Biliteracy, if their scores on all parts of the exam meet state requirements, and if they meet English MCAS requirements. The score on this exam will be converted to a letter grade and used as the midyear exam for the course.
All French V students are required to take the AAPPL exam and may qualify for the state Seal of Biliteracy, if their scores on all parts of the exam meet state requirements, and if they meet English MCAS requirements. The score on this exam will be converted to a letter grade and used as the midyear exam for the course.
AP French Language & Culture
WL454 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 12
Prerequisite:
- A- or better in French IV L4 AND recommendation of French IV teacher
This is a college level course in which students will further develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in French. Students will be able to understand and critique novels, plays, articles, orations, and films orally and in writing using all verb tenses and moods. Students will be exposed to cultural perspectives through analysis and description of literature, historical documents, music, dance and theatre. Student proficiency will be assessed using the three modes of communication: presentational, interpretive and interpersonal.
By the end of the course, students should:
All students are required to take the College Board’s Advanced Placement exam in May.
AP French Language and Culture students are also required to take the AAPPL exam and may qualify for the state Seal of Biliteracy, if their scores on all parts of the exam meet state requirements, and if they meet English MCAS requirements. The score on this exam will be converted to a letter grade and used as the midyear exam for the course.
By the end of the course, students should:
- approach an “Advanced Low” level on the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Proficiency guidelines.
All students are required to take the College Board’s Advanced Placement exam in May.
AP French Language and Culture students are also required to take the AAPPL exam and may qualify for the state Seal of Biliteracy, if their scores on all parts of the exam meet state requirements, and if they meet English MCAS requirements. The score on this exam will be converted to a letter grade and used as the midyear exam for the course.