Academics
Curriculum
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French
Explore how Trafalgar’s French program helps students thrive in a bilingual world.
At Trafalgar School for Girls, French is not just a subject — it’s a key part of our identity and daily life. As a school located in the heart of Montréal, we believe in empowering our students to become confident, capable bilingual speakers who are at ease in both English and French. That’s why French is a compulsory subject for all five years of high school, with a program that adapts to the needs and abilities of each student.
Our French program develops the skills students need to interact meaningfully in both academic and real-world contexts. We also aim to spark a genuine appreciation for francophone cultures — in Québec and around the world.
Our French program develops the skills students need to interact meaningfully in both academic and real-world contexts. We also aim to spark a genuine appreciation for francophone cultures — in Québec and around the world.
Which level is right for your daughter?
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Base Level (4 credits)
For students with foundational French knowledge, the Base Program focuses on becoming functionally literate in both written and spoken French.Students will:- Build the ability to express themselves clearly in a range of everyday and professional contexts
- Read and understand various types of documents
- Write expressive, argumentative, and informative texts
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Enriched–Advanced Level (6 credits)
Designed for students with stronger French skills, this track develops deeper linguistic fluency and cultural understanding.- Engage in more complex oral and written interactions
- Gain independence and confidence in using French
- Read a wide variety of literature and write narrative and argumentative texts
- Explore elements of French literature and advanced grammar
Note: All “Avancé” evaluations are formative only; summative assessments are the same as for the “Enrichi” program.
A Curriculum That Grows With Your Daughter
Each year, students build upon their knowledge and fluency. Here’s how the French Second Language curriculum progresses through Grades I–V:
Each year, students build upon their knowledge and fluency. Here’s how the French Second Language curriculum progresses through Grades I–V:
Middle School
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French Second Language I (Grade 7)
8 periods per cycleFocus: Foundations in reading, writing, listening, and speaking through short novels, class discussions, creative projects, and oral presentations.
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French Second Language II (Grade 8)
8 periods per cycleBuilding fluency with more advanced grammar and increasingly complex texts. Students refine their written and oral skills with continued emphasis on class discussion and creative expression.
Senior School
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French Second Language III (Grade 9)
8 periods per cycleStudents are expected to clearly express opinions and emotions in French. They explore a variety of literary and non-fiction texts and strengthen their grammar and writing.
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French Second Language IV (Grade 10)
7 periods per cycleThis year’s curriculum includes novels, plays, and current event articles. Students are expected to master verb tenses and convey nuanced ideas in both oral and written French.
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French Second Language V (Grade 11)
7 periods per cycleA culminating year focused on fluency and critical thinking. Students explore francophone culture through literature and media, debate current events, and prepare for the Ministry Evaluation Situation, which includes reading, writing, and oral components.
Certificat DEFI: French Beyond the Classroom
To highlight Montréal’s rich cultural fabric and the importance of bilingualism, Trafalgar offers the Certificat DEFI (Distinction en français interdisciplinaire).
To earn this certificate, students must:
To highlight Montréal’s rich cultural fabric and the importance of bilingualism, Trafalgar offers the Certificat DEFI (Distinction en français interdisciplinaire).
To earn this certificate, students must:
- Complete their social sciences coursework in French throughout high school
- Participate annually in the QAIS French Public Speaking Competition
- Complete volunteer hours in French-speaking environments
Learning French the Trafalgar Way
Whether your daughter is just beginning her French journey or entering with advanced skills, our program is designed to challenge, support, and inspire. Across all levels, we encourage reading (students typically study three or more novels per year) and offer interdisciplinary learning opportunities in French to reinforce real-world application.
With a focus on authentic communication, cultural exploration, and academic excellence, French at Trafalgar is more than a subject — it’s a pathway to becoming a confident, capable global citizen.
Whether your daughter is just beginning her French journey or entering with advanced skills, our program is designed to challenge, support, and inspire. Across all levels, we encourage reading (students typically study three or more novels per year) and offer interdisciplinary learning opportunities in French to reinforce real-world application.
With a focus on authentic communication, cultural exploration, and academic excellence, French at Trafalgar is more than a subject — it’s a pathway to becoming a confident, capable global citizen.
Trafalgar School for Girls
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