Moderns

Welcome to the Moderns Department

Grade 9 is a very exciting year for many students entering high school. At Stamford, not only do we provide many extracurricular activities to choose from, but we also offer many exciting classes; French and Spanish in particular.

Second language learning research confirms “knowledge of a second language strengthens students’ ability to communicate and participate effectively in the workplace, enhances problem-solving and reasoning skills, and increases students’ ability to understand themselves and other people.” (The Ontario Curriculum French as a Second Language)

The Moderns Department at Stamford offers a variety of special events, contests and field trips. This year, our grade 9 academic classes have created their own website in French, “Moi-Même.com”, using their French skills, creative minds and technological resources. Each website was presented through a slide show illustrating all aspects of oral communication, reading and writing. In Spanish, part of “” unit, students have participated in learning Salsa Dance and making Piñatas.

These are just some examples of motivational hands-on activities that are incorporated in our program that not only is highly communicative, but also assists each student in the language. Other upcoming events for the New Year are the Grade 10 French Camp, the France and Spain Trip, the Brock Concours D’Oratoire Contest, and the Scholar Exam Contest.

As we are all aware, acquiring a new language requires practice, but with time and confidence, learning a second language can be a lot of fun. With the variety of our motivational activities, second language skills do evolve and are gradually refined through a process of study, creativity, problem solving and risk-taking.

This process allows each individual to experience a second language in a unique way at his/her own pace and gain benefits from a second language that can last a lifetime. It is highly encouraged for students to continue with their second language to enhance their skills and open other doors for their future.

Staff

Head - Darleen Menchella-White
Marina Seneca