Students test French skills at Concours de français

Approximately 55 Grade 12 French Immersion and Core French students from Sudbury to Manitoulin Island will gather at Laurentian University this Friday, May 2nd to test their French skills.  The students, from Rainbow District School Board and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, will participate in the annual Concours de français organized by the Modern Language Teachers’ Association. The event takes place from 9 am to 2 pm at the Alphonse Raymond Auditorium.

The Concours de français serves to promote and value French programs and to encourage students to continue studying French at the post-secondary level. The Concours assesses written and oral French as well as listening and reading skills.

Students produce a structured story after looking at a series of images. They also take part in "dictée" which tests spelling and grammar. For the oral component, students are required to speak in front of a panel of judges. A team of teachers administers the tests. Students have an opportunity to earn many prizes including two one-year scholarships to Laurentian University.

"Acquiring a second language is not only about learning the mechanics of the language, but also about gaining an appreciation for different cultures and value systems," says teacher Gary McKinny, President of the Modern Language Teachers’ Association.  "It helps to bridge the gap between people of different nations. It also enhances employment opportunities." The Modern Language Teachers’ Association includes teachers of French, Spanish, Italian, etc. The Association reviews pedagogical research and resources, shares ideas and sets general priorities to promote language learning.

The Concours de français benefits from tremendous community support, including the following sponsors – Laurentian University, Rainbow District School Board, Sudbury Catholic District School Board, Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association, the Ontario Modern Language Teachers’ Association, the Sudbury and District Modern Language Teachers’ Association, Centre FORA and Collège Boréal.

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Media Contact:
Gary McKinny, Co-ordinator, French Second Language Programs,
Rainbow District School Board, 523-3308, ext. 8239.