Our Year 11 students once again participated in the annual Alliance Française Berthe Mouchette French oral and written competitions. Both competitions are based on the structure of the external Year 12 VCAA oral and written examinations. It is a fantastic experience for our Senior French students to practise their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in an authentic way.
Well done to all of the students! This year we were pleased to have two students make it through to the finals of the oral competition: Celeste F (11C2) and Katelove M (11L2). Well done girls!
The Alliance Française Berthe Mouchette competition is a great opportunity to develop students’ fluency. For Year 11s, the nine minute oral exam consists of a four minute general conversation about their world and their interactions with the French language and culture followed by a four minute discussion on a chosen topic. As a class, we were able to approach our unit on technology and its impact on young people in a very engaging and interactive way as we also prepared for the discussion part of the oral. After the oral competition, one of the most rewarding moments is seeing students realise just how much they can achieve. Holding an eight minute conversation entirely in French, discussing their world and their chosen topic with an examiner, is a remarkable accomplishment and a real confidence boost for our students.
The written exam is a challenge which the class also elected to participate in. The format mirrored that of the VCAA end of year exam, so it is an incredible opportunity to build listening, reading and writing French skills and exam techniques.
This experience has given the students essential additional practice to become more confident in their French studies.
Mme O’Brien et ses incroyables élèves de Première 😊
Language Learning in the Holidays
As the end of the school year approaches and the summer holidays draw near, our students of French, Italian, and Japanese are encouraged to maintain and strengthen their language skills beyond the classroom. Melbourne is home to vibrant French, Italian, and Japanese communities, offering various authentic language and cultural experiences.
Students can attend cultural events and festivals, as well as visit restaurants and cafés where they can experience different cultures, enjoy authentic cuisine, and use their language skills in real-world contexts. Why not challenge yourself to order your favourite food or drink in your target language? These experiences help build both linguistic proficiency and cultural confidence.
For students travelling overseas, take every opportunity to use the language you have learnt at school. Whether it is ordering a meal, asking for directions, or greeting someone, don't be afraid to give it a go. You might be surprised by how much you can communicate!
At home, students can enhance their language learning by watching films and TV shows, listening to music and podcasts, or reading books, magazines, and online articles in French, Italian or Japanese.
Whether using their language skills with others or engaging with French, Italian, or Japanese through media, students who make an effort to practise over the holidays will hopefully return to school next year with greater confidence and some stories to share.
Bonne Chance! Buona Fortuna! Ganbatte!