French Language Sequence - Grades 9-12
French Language Sequence Overview
The French Language Sequence (Grades 9-12) at Summit builds communicative proficiency, cultural literacy, and academic fluency in French. The sequence aligns with Diplomas & Tests — France Éducation international (DELF/DALF, TCF) standards from A1 to C1. Instruction uses authentic Francophone sources and emphasizes analysis, interpretation, and the ability to express complex ideas with precision.
Upon completion, students are prepared to demonstrate CEFR C1 proficiency often required for direct admission to French universities. We guide interested students toward internationally recognized certifications. For planning and policies, see our internal pages: Course Catalog, and Admissions.
French Language Sequence Progression (Grades 9–12)
| Grade | Course | Focus Areas | Target Proficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 9 | French 1 | Present tense; greetings; personal identity; family; daily life; introduction to Francophone regions and customs. | ACTFL Novice High / CEFR A1–A2 |
| Grade 10 | French 2 | Past tenses; descriptive language; travel; food; education; functional French in real‑world scenarios. | ACTFL Intermediate Low / CEFR A2–B1 |
| Grade 11 | French 3 Honors | Subjunctive; narration; opinion writing; current issues; exploration of Francophone literature, film, and media. | ACTFL Intermediate Mid / CEFR B1 |
| Grade 12 | French 4 Honors | Formal and academic writing; oral presentations; persuasive argument; deep engagement with global Francophone themes. | ACTFL Intermediate High / CEFR B2 |
| Grade 12 | French Advanced Seminar (C1) | Academic registers; argumentation and rebuttal; authentic source synthesis; research portfolio; oral defense; certification strategies (DALF C1, TCF). | ACTFL Advanced Low / CEFR B2–C1 |
Related internal resources: Admissions
French Instructional Methods
Courses are taught primarily in French and emphasize communicative performance in authentic contexts. Students engage with news articles, interviews, short stories, films, and radio broadcasts from across the Francophone world. We integrate project‑based learning, seminars, formal writing, and iterative feedback. Preparation targets CEFR‑aligned certifications (DELF/DALF, TCF) and the discourse skills needed for university‑level study.
French Assessment & Grading
| Assessment Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Speaking & Listening Tasks | 30% |
| Reading & Writing Assignments | 25% |
| Vocabulary & Grammar Quizzes | 15% |
| Cultural Projects | 15% |
| Participation & Homework | 15% |
French Academic Vocabulary & Key Concepts
| Category | Key Terms | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar Structures | Subjunctive; conditional; compound tenses; passive voice; connectors for academic argument. | Used in essays, simulated conversations, presentations, and certification preparation within the French Language Sequence. |
| Global Themes | Immigration; education; identity; family; technology; social movements across the Francophone world. | Explored through interpretive tasks, debates, and cultural comparisons. |
| Certification Readiness | DELF B2–DALF C1; TCF; university placement exams | Preparation embedded from French 3 onward and intensified in the Advanced Seminar. |