International Languages and Culture Certificate Handbook

INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGES AND CULTURE CERTIFICATE HANDBOOK

www.westislandcollege.ab.ca

West Island College Calgary

7410 Blackfoot Trail SE Calgary, AB

@WICYYC

Tel: 403.255.5300

West Island College Calgary

@WICYYC

2018 - 2019

International Languages and Culture Certificate

HANDBOOK Table of Contents Purpose/Promise/Need 4 Program Overview 5 Module A: International Languages Diploma

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Module B: Language, Cultural & Creativity Experiences

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Module C: Leadership & Collaboration/Communication Activities

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Module D: Linguistic, Cultural & Citizenship Experiences 18 Module E: Project-Based Learning & Critical Thinking

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Director of International Languages & Culture: Ms. Sandrine Berezowski sandrineberezowski@mywic.ca phone: 403.255.5300 fax: 403.252.1434

School finalists for the DictĂŠe PGL with Dr. Alain Verbeke

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Purpose

To provide each and every student the opportunity to participate in languages and cultures experiences, which allow them to build skills and competencies for their lifetime.

Promise

To think outside the box: students will think imaginatively, using new, imaginative ideas instead of traditional or expected ideas.

To invest our time and energy in continuous improvement, innovation and opportunities.

To be visible and recognized as the city’s best International Languages & Culture program.

Promise

The program is designed: •

To foster global citizenship.

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To improve a student’s ability to understand and communicate with people from different origins, cultures, and backgrounds.

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To increase a student’s competitiveness in a global and multilingual market.

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Program Overview Students may start participating in the program in Grade 7 and will be required to meet a number of criteria in order to be eligible for the certificate. Some of these enrichment activities & experiences will happen during class-time or Focus Friday.

The current program consists of five modules: Module A: International Languages Diploma Module B: Language, Cultural & Creativity Experiences Module C: Leadership & Collaboration/Communication Activities Module D: Linguistic, Cultural & Citizenship Experiences Module E: Project-Based Learning & Critical Thinking

Students in Nepal

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MODULE A: International Languages Diploma In order to achieve the International Languages & Cultures Certificate, students are expected to pass either of the following diplomas: DELF A1/A2 (FSL Stream) All FSL students have access to the DELF second-language proficiency assessments (Diplôme d’études en langue française). It is an internationallyrecognized certification awarded by the French Ministry of Education to prove the French Language skills of non-native speakers of French. It is offered in 160 countries. A series of examinations evaluate the four communication skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Specifically, the DELF A1 and A2 evaluate students’ basic linguistic abilities, such as expressing themselves about family, places, sports, transportation, everyday life, work, pets, the weather, and various events.

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DELF A1 (Grades 8-9-10) FSL School Average 2017-2018: 90%

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DELF A2 (Grades 8-9-10) FSL School Average 2017-2018: 86%

DELF A2 Laureates

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DELF B1 (Grade 9) / B2 (Grade 12) (French Immersion Stream) All French Immersion students have access to the DELF second-language proficiency assessments (Diplôme d’études en langue française).

The DELF B2, which is the level that WIC’s Grade 12 French Immersion students take, is necessary to satisfy the language requirement for admission to a university in France. Since education is decentralized in Canada, under provincial and territorial responsibility, each educational institution, such as school boards and post-secondary institutions make their own decisions. Currently, many are evaluating how the DELF will be accepted, with discussions around advanced placement, to advanced credit, to a complete realignment of the second language programs with the Common European Framework of Reference, which is the case with the University of Montréal. As this continues to progress, it appears that Canadian universities are looking for ways to recognize the DELF within their institutional guidelines.

Employment opportunities always increase with a second language, especially in a bilingual country such as Canada. Parallel to post-secondary institutions, many companies and chambers of commerce are now taking note of the DELF and its importance. Human resources departments, including those of school boards, are now lending additional consideration to the DELF, with the potential of eventually requiring it.

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DELF B1 (Grades 8-9) French Immersion School Average 2017-2018: 82% DELF B2 (Grades 10-11) French Immersion School Average 2017-2018: 75%

DELF B2 Laureates

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DELE A1 / A2 (Spanish as a Second Language Stream) Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE) are official titles certifying a degree of competence and mastery of the Spanish language, granted by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of Spain. The Instituto Cervantes organizes examination sessions, while the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain designs the exams, and is in charge of corrections and the final evaluation of all exams. The DELE A1 and A2 evaluate students’ basic linguistic abilities such as expressing themselves about family, places, sports, transportation, everyday life, work, pets, the weather, and various events.

Spanish Food Fiesta Day

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MODULE B: Language, Cultural & Creativity Experiences There are a number of options for students to gain language experiences at the College. Students will commit to language experiences whether they are involved in reading, writing, listening or speaking. This experience is highly personal to receive the International Languages Certificate, students are required to complete any five of the following activities. Some of these activities will happen in a class setting or during Focus Friday.

Any students who pursue independent experiences outside of school may also be recognized, but this would be at the discretion of the Director of International Languages & Cultures.

Poetry in Voice / Les voix de la poĂŠsie (Grades 7-12) This contest can be pursued in English, French, or bilingually. In order to take part in this national competition, each student must learn a poem personally chosen from a diverse selection of French and/or English poetry and recite it with correct intonation and mood.

Japan Trip 2018

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Dictée PGL (Grades 7-12) Students in French Immersion are invited to participate in several French competitions every year. One of them is a dictation contest.

Drama program in French (Grades 7-12) Molière is one of France’s most acclaimed playwrights, often referred to as “France’s Shakespeare”. To build an appreciation of culture, language and the arts, our students study his works in class: Le Malade imaginaire, L’Avare, Le Tartuffe & Dom Juan. This work usually culminates in a joint cross-grade French Immersion performance that celebrates Molière and our French drama accomplishments.

"Dom Juan" play from Moliere

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Attend a theatre production (Grades 10-12) Les Misérables School Edition – “Do you hear the people sing?”

Students in French Immersion may attend the school musical. Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit.

Concert en français et ateliers / French-language concert & workshops (Grades 7-12) French as Second Language students and French Immersion student community to hear authentic French-language concert and workshops all year long. We recently hosted Calgary’s gypsy jazz ambassadors, “The bow Djangos”.

Webinars (Grades 9-12) Students may meet with university coordinators, faculty professors from different universities who work in the international fields. These webinars will allow students to learn more about the various career paths in the international and global market setting in addition to learning more about the requirements and qualifications they may use on a daily basis. Guest Presenters have included Mrs. Renée Michaud, Strategic Enrollment Management at the University of Ottawa and Mr. Patrick Cajina Cortez, Coordinator, public relations, at the University of Alberta, Campus Saint-Jean.

Artists in Residence (Grades 7-12) Students may meet various artists and enrich their language skills. Guest artists may include: Inouk Touzin, Artistic Director of the “Théâtre à Pic”. This enrichment program taught them how to speak well in French and how to interpret with emotions a play.

Patricia Lortie, scuplter and painter to participate in an art program in French “Osez rêver / Dare to Dream”. She helped them define their francophone culture through art productions.

Guest Speakers (Grades 7-12) Students may meet alumni, writers, faculty professors from University of Mount Royal. These events include readings, workshops, panel discussions and in-school presentations from authors writing in every genre and for all ages.

Guests may include Richard Harrison – 2017 Governor General’s Literary Award for Poetry, Laurent Tardy and Gabrielle Grimard from Wordfest festival.

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Innovation Fair in English & French (Grade 8) All Grade 8 French Immersion students complete a full scientific investigation, moving from the initial kernel of inspiration through to planning, meeting with experts and mentors within and outside the school, collecting data and evaluating outcomes using the scientific method. French immersion students have to write and present their research in French. They may also represent West Island College at the local Calgary Youth Science Fair or even on the national stage.

French immersion Laureates at Calgary Youth Science Fair

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MODULE C: Leadership & Collaboration/Communication Students may participate in a variety of language clubs and activities offered at the College. There are many clubs offered throughout the course of the school year and, in order to receive the International Language & Culture Certificate, students must receive credit for any four of the following experiences. One must be a leadership experience.

Section 1: Participation in leadership Opportunities Students may choose to engage in a number of various leadership activities.

Six formal leadership programs meet the requirement for the International Languages and Culture Certificate. Student participation in WIC leadership roles such as WICAA, Peer Tutoring in French or Spanish, Student Council and Prefect Board may also be recognized as leadership experience. Other leadership experiences gained outside of the College may be recognized, but it would be at the discretion of the Director of International Languages and Culture.

Common Ground (Grades 7-12) This group is organized around the idea of no more wars of aggression; elimination of the militarization of police; and abolition of corrupt political and financial systems. Peaceful support for this ideology is facilitated through group meetings.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award (Grades 7-12) This award was founded by Prince Philip in 1956; it operates in over 100 countries and boasts more than four million young participants. Students may participate in activities based on four program areas: community service, personal skill development, physical recreation, and adventurous journey. A minimum requirement is the Bronze Award.

Global Awareness Club (Grades 7-12) Global Awareness Club is made up of students who are committed to bringing awareness to current global issues. Members of the club cultivate political awareness and educate for social justice in our school community.

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CAIS Junior & Senior Student Leadership Conference Students in Grade 11 may have the opportunity to attend the CAIS Senior Student Leadership Conference. The conference is designed for students by students. Every spring, approximately 130 Canadian independent school student leaders come together to develop their leadership skills, complete a service project, and liaise with like-minded leaders from Canada’s top schools.

Model United Nations (Grades 10-12) In the first semester, students prepare for the simulation of the United Nations, held at the University of Calgary in February. They do this by engaging in world issues debates, representing major countries, using Security Council and General Assembly formats. The team is selected from the club members to represent our chosen nations.

Global Ambassadors Club (Grades 7-12) Open to all students who are interested in and committed to promoting languages and culture around the school, to volunteer within the school community, to serve as school ambassadors and to build leadership skills. Here are a few examples of activities: •

Concerts

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Expositions

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“Dine with a chef” program

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Tutoring program

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International portfolio

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Culture Pass

French Global Ambassadors

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Section 2: Collaboration/Communication Activities

French Play - Festival Théâtre Jeunesse de l’Alberta (Grades 7-12) In this French Drama Club, students participated in the Festival Jeunesse de l’Alberta in Nordegg. Students performed a play called "Le Malade Imaginaire” de Molière. WIC won 4 nominations: best costumes, best stage setting, best actress for the role of Argan – the main character of the play and best technician.

Festival Jeunesse de l’Alberta Participants

Art Project: Frida Kahlo (Grades 7-10) Students will work closely with the Spanish and Fine Arts teachers to understand the history, life, influences of artwork, and pieces created by Frida Kahlo, the respected Mexican artist. Students will create a self-portrait in the style of Frida Kahlo and spend significant personal time on this project. They may submit their artwork for approval as a component for this certificate.

Art Project: Day of the Dead (Grades 7-10) Students will work closely with the Spanish and Fine Arts teachers to understand the significance and importance of Day of the Dead celebrations throughout Latin America, and what important traditions are celebrated. In addition, students will create sugar skulls or “calaveras”, which are specially decorated for this occasion. Students should spend significant personal time on this project. They may submit their artwork for approval as a component for this certificate.

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Teatro Gato Negro (Grades 7-12) In this session, students will have an opportunity to attend a series of theatre workshops in Spanish. They will work on improvisation, children’s songs, games and a short play, as well as hone their presentation skills like projection and presence.

French Improvisation (Grades 7-12) Get in touch with your creativity and spontaneity. Not only will you get to practice French, but you will also consolidate your sense of storytelling, character-building, and overall life skills, attention to detail, humour, and emotional and physical awareness. Work with professionals from Théâtre à Pic, who will guide beginners and more experienced players.

Language Clubs – Introduction to American Sign Language, Hindi, Portuguese, Nepali, Swahili, Vietnamese, Mandarin & Japanese (Grades 9-12) Students will learn how to introduce themselves, numbers and the alphabet, simple sentence structure, how to ask for directions, food and drinks, and how to talk about their lives. Characteristics and various traits of the culture will be also covered.

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My French Film Festival (Grades 7-12) MyFrenchFilmFestival.com is an innovative concept of aiming to throw the spotlight on new generation French filmmakers, allowing web users across the globe to share their enthusiasm for French cinema.

The concept? Ten French feature films and ten French shorts will be included in the competition section. Web users will be invited to rate all of these films and to post their comments on our website. The selection includes two Belgian films in competition, with a French cinema classic, two French-Canadian films, and two French-language Swiss films presented out-of-competition How to view films?

Online: Films can be accessed via the myFrenchFilmFestival.com platform in all countries. The festival is also available via around thirty partner platforms in different countries, including iTunes in 90 countries.

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MODULE D: Linguistic, Cultural & Citizenship Experiences Students may participate in a variety of language and cultural trips and, in order to receive the International Language & Culture Certificate, students must complete one opportunity in any of the 4 sections.

Section 1: Independent Immersion Experience Students who wish to travel to other destinations with family or friends may choose to learn the language of this visit prior to the trip through a learning platform of their choice for a minimum of five hours. Students will then need to build a portfolio demonstrating how they were able to use their learning throughout the trip and the cultural characteristics they have discovered during their time there. Details regarding validating the independent immersion experience section should be discussed with the Director of International Languages & Culture.

Section 2: WIC International Studies Trip Participation West Island College’s International Studies program combines character education and service learning in a unique global classroom experience. The International Studies program facilitates international experiences that raise social consciousness and environmental awareness. Students who wish to travel to other destinations with the College may choose to learn the language of this country prior to the trip through a number of language workshop sessions. All of this builds mutual understanding and respect for different cultures of the world.

Please note that participation in the International Studies program is not mandatory to receive the International Languages Certificate.

Students who are signed up for the International Studies trip to any of the destinations will attend three lunch hour workshop sessions to acquire a basic knowledge of the language. Students will learn phrases for basic personal introductions, the weather, time, the alphabet, and basic sounds and intonations.

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Japan (Grade 9)

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Brazil (Grades 10-12)

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Ecuador & Galapagos (Grades 10-12)

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Morocco (Grades 10-12)

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Peru (Grades 10-12)

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India (Grades 10-12)

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Nepal (Grades 10-12)

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Tanzania (Grades 10-12)

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Vietnam (Grades 10-12)

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Section 3: WIC French Immersion & FSL Studies

French Immersion – Quebec Cultural Studies Trip (Grades 7-8) This four-day trip to the city of Québec enables students to enjoy a first-hand experience in French, engaging in authentic interactions with native speakers in a francophone environment. Students will gain insights into the history of Canada and the French-Canadian culture. Most importantly, they will make memories in French.

The highlights include a stay at Le Château Frontenac, a walking tour of Old Québec and Battlefields Park with a stop at the Martello Tower and a guided tour of the Artillery Park. Students will leave the city for dog sledding, stopping afterwards at the Hotel de Glace. They will have the privilege of experiencing the life of a convict at the Morrin Cultural Centre and will have an amazing visit to the Quebec Museum of Civilization. Students will also take part in an interactive morning workshop with the renowned École de cirque and then will travel along the Beaupre and Charlevoix coasts to view the village of Sainte-Anne-deBeaupre stopping to view the impressive Montmorency Falls. They will finally taste some traditional and enjoyable food chez Marie Bake and at a Sugar Shack with some live music.

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French Immersion – Quebec Cultural Studies Trip (Grades 7-8) Destination Clic is a summer bursary program for francophone students in Grades 8 and 9 who attend a French-as-a-first language school and live outside Quebec. This program will allow you to improve your French-language skills by doing activities that are tailored to the things you love to do and by meeting other Francophones from across the country.

In the past, four Grade 9C French Immersion students have qualified for a full scholarship of $2000. They had the opportunity to spend three weeks at the University of Ottawa and of Trois-Rivières.

French Immersion & FSL – Explore (Grades 10-12) Explore is a five-week intensive French immersion bursary program that is offered during the spring or summer for students in Grades 11 and 12 with any skill level in French

Vietnam Trip 2018

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Section 4: WIC Spanish Immersion and Cultural Experience

Summer Spanish – Costa Rica trip (Grades 10-12) This is an amazing opportunity for students to practice their Spanish while travelling around this gorgeous country. Students make many friends at the local high school and practice their Spanish as they travel! Students have Spanish classes every day during the week at Academia Tica, the Spanish Language school where they study and live for two full weeks. Academia Tica is an Instituto Cervantes Accredited Center and uses international standards and modern methodologies and has highly-trained and caring teachers in small group settings. The residences and comfortable, colorful and homey! Students participate in interesting and fun activities and excursions daily, as well as a weekend trip to Arenal Volcano National Park, with guides providing tours in Spanish. This is what our students have said about this trip: “COSTA Y ACADEMIA TICA FUERON ESPECTACULARES Y NO PUEDO ESPERAR A VOLVER AQUÍ” “Costa Rica and Academia Tica were spectacular and I can’t wait to come back!” ~WIC Student “¡MI EXPERIENCIA EN COSTA RICA FUE INCREÍBLE….APRENDÍ QUE COSTA RICA ES UN PAIS HERMOSO, Y ACADEMIA TICA ES ASOMBROSA!” “My experience in Costa Rica was incredible…I learned that Costa rica is a beautiful country and Academia Tica is amazing.” ~WIC student

Costa Rica 2017

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MODULE E: Project-Based Learning & Critical Thinking Project-based learning is designed for students who are interested in gaining experience in working on language and global projects. Students will commit to a project and make a formal presentation on writing or in front of a panel of judges. Students will work with a teacher adviser to assist and guide them during the program. In order to receive the International Languages and Culture Certificate, students must get marks for one research project either an independent study seminar, a film/short-film or documentary study or a culture and heritage project. They are encouraged to use the following magazines, applications, websites, newspapers listed below and all available at WIC in the Global Cultural Centre and in the Learning Common Centre.

Culture and Heritage Projects (Grades 7-12) A culture and heritage project is based on research and examples of elements of the culture studied in class including: food, music, art, dance, language, celebrations, family structure, and other cultural traditions and characteristics.

Films, Short-films, Documentaries (Grades 7-12) The film class study is based on vocabulary and thematic analysis. Students will be assessed on their ability to understand and present major themes, as well as their ability to respond to questions such as the context, character development and symbols.

Independent Study Seminars (Grades 10-12) The independent study seminar is based on literary, vocabulary and thematic analysis. Students will be assessed on their ability to understand and present major themes in their literary work of choice, as well as their ability to respond to questions such as the context, character development and symbols.

Magazines, Applications, Websites, Newspapers, Novels, Comics, Poetry books 1.

TV5Monde is a global television network, broadcasting several channels of French language programming. Students are encouraged to watch a variety of programs for any research projects.

2. Magazines & Newspapers: L’Actualité, Le Courrier International, Le Monde en marche, Mon Quotidien, Les Débrouillards, Science et vie junior, Curium, ¿Qué Tal?, El Sol, Ahora, Afrique Magazine, Geo Histoire, Geo Ado, GeoDoc, Images Doc, Images Du Monde, The Economist, Rolling Stones, The Africa Report, The British Canadian Newspaper, Calgary Herald.

3. A variety of Novels, Essays, Comics, and Poetry books

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4. Applications & Websites: Duolingo.com, Quizlet.com, Zut.org.com, 1jour1actu.com, Conjuguemos.com, un texteunjour.fr, un poèmeunjour.fr bibliothequenumerique.tv5monde.com, Bibliothèquenationale de France BnF. fr, ibibliotheque.fr de Jean d’Ormesson, Adomania.fr, 7jours sur la planète. com

Ecuador Trip 2018

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Japan 2018

Ecuador Trip 2018

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Vietnam Trip 2018

Nepal Trip 2018

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