SUBJECT MAJORS

SF11. Teaching French as a Foreign/Second Language: Theory and Application.
4.5 credit points.

The basic principles of linguistics, language learning theory and FFL/FSL methodology are examined in this course. Students gain an understanding of linguistic issues related to the special context of French in Vanuatu. Through practical writing, speaking, listening and reading activities, students become familiar with the communicative approach and the latest developments in language teaching.

SF12. Exploring the South Pacific in French
4.5 credit points.

In this course students explore aspects of life and society in Vanuatu and the South Pacific. Through study of specific themes in texts and media they acquire a French lexicon specific to Vanuatu and the Pacific and are led to express in French a deeper personal knowledge of Vanuatu culture and society. Students constitute a bibliography and resources on South Pacific themes for teaching purposes and learn video production techniques.

SF21. Language, Expression of a Culture: France 2002; le Monde de la Francophonie.
9 credit points.

Linking language to culture is a fundamental principle of language learning and teaching. This module provides an underpinning of cultural understanding in relation to the French language. The first part of the module introduces students to the daily life of ordinary people in contemporary France. It conveys a picture of current trends and issues with enough background information to make sense of a multitude of images and situations. Students' use of French will expand through exposure to modern colloquial usage.
The second part of the module provides a natural extension from a cultural understanding of Metropolitan France to a better idea of 'the Francophone world', the role and evolution of French and its significance as an international language. Students become familiar with many French-speaking countries and gain an understanding of the cultural and economic links created by the French language and the institutional manifestations of these links, especially Vanuatu's place within this framework.

TEACHING METHODS

TF12. French Teaching Methods 1
9 credit points.

The module introduces students to classroom teaching methods, focusing on the needs of beginning and early intermediate language learners. Students become better acquainted with the curriculum, syllabus and textbooks and learn teaching strategies as well as how to plan activities, lessons and work programmes for Years 7 and 8. Special attention is paid to dynamic and enjoyable approaches to grammar and developing communicative activities of specific relevance to Vanuatu students. Course work moves constantly from modelling to application and practice, requiring the dynamic involvement of participants.

TF21. French Teaching Methods 2
9 credit points.

The second year Teaching Methods focuses on Year 9 and 10, leading to full knowledge of the syllabus, appropriate textbooks and teaching materials. Students write programme overviews for Year 9 and 10 classes and learn how to plan and teach a unit of work including original activities especially relevant to Vanuatu students. The range of teaching strategies further expands, including techniques for motivating lower secondary language learners through the use of rhyme and poetry, songs and dramatisation.
Ways to assess language skills from beginners to intermediate level are examined. Students become familiar with the Year 10 Prescription. They analyse examples of good and bad assessment and learn how to design and select tests, building up a bank of assessment items, including some suitable for Year 10 internal assessment.

EXTERNAL COURSES: Alliance Française

18 credit points in total over 2 years.

The external course for French Foreign Language students is provided by the Alliance Française of Port Vila. Students prepare for an internationally recognized diploma, the DELF (Diplôme d'Etude de Langue Française). Depending on their level of language, tested at entry, intermediate level students are expected to pass DELF 1er cycle (units A1-A4) by the end of Year 2; advanced level students pass DELF 2e cycle (units A5, A6) and may sit the entry test to a professional language qualification, (Diplôme d'Aptitude à l'Enseignement du Français Langue Etrangère).
In each year students attend 24 weeks of Alliance Française classes over two semesters with three hours per week.