Academics
Curriculum
Languages
Languages at Trafalgar: A Journey Through Culture and Communication
At Trafalgar, language learning goes far beyond vocabulary and grammar drills. It’s an exploration—a journey that opens doors to new perspectives, cultures, and ways of thinking. Whether students are perfecting their French, mastering English, or diving into Spanish, they are engaging with the world in a meaningful and deeply personal way.
Where Language Meets Curiosity
Our language programs are rooted in inquiry-based learning. We encourage students to ask questions, explore ideas, and make connections between language and culture. In the classroom, they don’t just learn about a language—they learn through it. An English class could mean unpacking the themes of a novel through a reenactment of key scenes in costumes. A French class might involve debating current events in Québec or analyzing the lyrics of francophone music. Spanish might come alive through interactive role-playing, travel scenarios, or creating digital cultural guides.
Language becomes a tool—not only for communication, but for self-expression, critical thinking, and global citizenship.
A Multilingual Environment
Trafalgar reflects the rich linguistic duality of Montreal. Our students move fluidly between English and French throughout the day, becoming confident in both languages. French is celebrated not just as a subject, but as a living, breathing part of school life. Meanwhile, English instruction strengthens written and oral communication, media literacy, and analytical skills. For those looking to expand even further, Spanish offers a third linguistic window to the world.
Learning Through Experience
At Trafalgar, languages are brought to life through a variety of immersive experiences. Our students:
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Write and perform original plays in both official languages
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Participate in public speaking competitions
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Create video essays and multimedia projects in multiple languages
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Conduct peer interviews, mock press conferences, and creative writing workshops
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Explore francophone and hispanophone cultures through food, music, film, and storytelling
Our Mon Montréal program takes Secondary 3 students out into the city monthly, to explore what the city has to offer, while addressing topics related to other classes, all in French. They might visit the green alleys of the East end to learn about urban gardening, or the Centre des mémoires Montréalaises to explore the rich history of Montreal signage. This out-of-the-classroom experience affords students the opportunity to speak French in real world settings.
These rich, student-led projects help deepen understanding while building confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills.
Real-World Connections
Trafalgar’s arts program is deeply connected to the world beyond the classroom. Our students:
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Collaborate with local artists and arts organizations
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Participate in community exhibitions and festivals
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Engage in cross-disciplinary projects that blend arts with science, literature, or history
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Curate their own portfolios and installations
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Explore how art intersects with activism, identity, and social change
These experiences help students see themselves as artists—and as agents of cultural and personal transformation.
At Trafalgar, the arts are more than creative outlets—they are pathways to empathy, confidence, and the courage to imagine something new.
English Language Arts
In ELA, we start with choice.
We give students choices of reading through book circles and choices of creative production options so that students can have ownership of their learning and engage at their level.
We also provide a comfortable space for students to talk, ask questions, and engage in class discussions.
We give students choices of reading through book circles and choices of creative production options so that students can have ownership of their learning and engage at their level.
We also provide a comfortable space for students to talk, ask questions, and engage in class discussions.
Gradually, they build their confidence in reading as the texts change from young adult novels to more complex texts, and they continue to hone their skills at critically reading and discussing these novels in terms of purpose, audience, and societal context.
What's In Our Bookroom
Cycle One
Cycle Two
Traf Reads
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Each year, a student selection committee chooses a book for students and staff to read that upcoming summer and discuss together in the fall.
You can view past few years' selections:
You can view past few years' selections:
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Français langue seconde
Le français à Traf: an authentic language learning experience for all levels.
The French program is designed to help students embrace language learning and culture through authentic learning situations, collaborative and cross-curricular experiences.
We believe in using language learning as a vehicle of culture, promoting curiosity, openness, and respect.
The French program is designed to help students embrace language learning and culture through authentic learning situations, collaborative and cross-curricular experiences.
We believe in using language learning as a vehicle of culture, promoting curiosity, openness, and respect.
Universal design, blended technologies and a gamified approach to learning builds motivation and places the student at the center of the learning experience. Students builds knowledge and life skills in multiple areas while simultaneously enriching each other's personal and collective experience.
Above, you can view examples of the Creativity Project (Projet de créativité) completed in Secondary IV.
Above, you can view examples of the Creativity Project (Projet de créativité) completed in Secondary IV.
We have modified our class schedule to promote special projects and outings, such as Mon Montréal, an authentic and dynamic learning experience adapted to current events taking place in our city.
Spanish as a Third Language
Spanish classes at Traf aim to have students build their knowledge and confidence in speaking Spanish.
Each class is an immersion in a language universe, combining language acquisition and cultural learning in a motivating environment. Students improve their pronunciation while singing a variety of Spanish songs out loud. They also film themselves in authentic communication situations. This allows our students to practice Spanish continuously while improving their communication skills.
Basic language structures are taught through projects designed from a global education perspective aiming both at developing language skills and promoting global awareness focused on Latin America and Spain.Reading novels and watching movies are also part of our Spanish programme.
Additionally, our cultural outings allow students to discover authentic Spanish and Latin American restaurants and shops in Montreal, enhancing their curiosity and appreciation of the Spanish language.
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