Saint John’s School

French 4 – Syllabus

Professeure : Sylvie Tarbox

Courriel : sylvie.tarbox@sjspr.org
Salle : B1 3-03

COURSE DESCRIPTION
 
This is considered a pre AP level course, and allows students to further develop skills in
composition and more complex reading in French, continuing to develop more
sophisticated forms of expressions or creative narratives. There are selected readings
in this course aimed to continue to enrich the students’ ability to read, write and analyze
in French. At the completion of this course, students should be prepared to take the AP
French course the following year.
 
Required course materials:

 Textbook: Adomania 4
 Workbook: Adomania 4
 L’islam expliqué aux enfants (et à leurs parents) de Tahar Ben Jelloun (summer
reading)
 1 notebook
 1 folder
 Pen and pencil 

EVALUATION CRITERIA  
 
This course will be evaluated on a total point-based system. You can consult the SJS SY
22-23. Grading Philosophy and Guidelines online.   Below are the main categories for the
various forms of assessments: 
 
1) Formative Assessments:  <40 points (opening activities, role plays, class notes,
worksheets,  
 exercises, quizzes, classwork, exit tickets, etc.) 
 
2) Summative Assessments: 40-100 points (Exams/Tests, Presentations, Group Work,
Projects, etc.) 
 
Note:  Assignments turned in late will be not receive full credit; no assignments will be
 accepted after a unit assessment. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF ASSESSMENTS  

Because language learning builds on basic skills and basic knowledge, it’s important to
practice and assess all aspects in different ways, and students will have opportunities to
demonstrate their knowledge.  Throughout the year students will be assessed formally
and informally on all the skills to through:  
 
Listening comprehension activities of familiar and simple speech-descriptions,
narrations, questions-through videos, songs, native speakers. 
 
Reading comprehension of simple and contextualized texts- descriptions, letters,
pamphlets, menus, charts, poems. 
 
Writing simple sentences, answering questions, short paragraphs following the rules of
punctuation and orthography.  This includes descriptions, e-mails, text messages. 
 
Speaking: throughout the semester students will assessed on your communication
skills, with a pronunciation that is intelligible to native speakers.  There will be a variety
of ways to show your progress, for example: maintaining a conversation, making a short
description of things and people, following a dialogue format (like making a
reservation), etc. 
 
Exams/Tests – based on what students have learned and practiced in class, it will
include culture, writing, grammar, vocabulary, listening and reading comprehension. 
 
Projects – students will produce a variety of products related to culture in one way or
another, such as a short story, a skit, a poster, a formal presentation, etc.  Students will
receive a detailed rubric and time to work in class before presenting. 
 
Quizzes – throughout the semester students will have short quizzes to assess your
knowledge and acquisition.  They can focus on grammar, vocabulary, writing, listening,
dictation, etc. 
 
Homework – there will be some assignments throughout the semester.   
 
Participation - This class is conducted in French.  The use of English will be minimal,
and you are expected to use French when participating in classroom activities.  Exercises
and activities are designed based on what students have learned.  It is normal to make
mistakes while learning a language, so don’t be afraid, try your best and have fun! 
 
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS 
 
 Attendance and Punctuality.   
o You are expected to come to class on time every day.   
o If you are late or absent, it is your responsibility to check the class page
and/or to communicate with the teacher and classmates regarding the work
 you have missed and “make all the needed arrangements to make up the
work missed.” (SPH)  
o Excused absences (officially excused): you will make up the missed work
within a certain number of days upon your return to school (the number of
days absent + one day).  If you already know that you will be absent, make
arrangements before your absence.   
o Unexcused absences: you will receive a 0 on whichever assessment you
missed that day.  
 
 Respect your classmates, your teacher, and the classroom.  Be conscientious of what
your words, gestures, and behavior.  Be your best you!  Any kind of disruptive
behavior, and inappropriate language will not be tolerated, and you may be sent to
the Dean of Students as it constitutes Level 1 Infractions.  
 
 Preparedness.  Always arrive to class with the materials required.  At times we will
use laptops and in some cases cell phones. 
 
 
 Assignments and assessments.  They will be announced in class and on the class
page; some quizzes may be unannounced.   
 
 Respect the due dates: late work will result in a deduction of points. No late
assignments will be accepted after a unit assessment.  Further information in the
SPH. 
 
 The SJS page:  The class page contains important information such as the syllabus,
announcements, resources, calendar, containing the materials covered in class,
assignments, and assessments.  Please check it daily. 
 
 Use of Technology: 
o Laptop, iPad, touchpad will be useful for educational purposes, mainly for
research, projects, online dictionaries, newspapers, and magazines.  Chatting
online or other actions not related to the current activity 
o Cell phones: you will leave them in your school bag. At times we might use
them for educational purposes. Misuse of any of these will result in
confiscation.  
o A good online dictionary is www.wordreference.com to find the words,
expressions, definitions and verb conjugations. DO NOT USE ONLINE
TRANSLATORS.   
 
Honor Code 
I expect students to follow the school’s values, completing their own work with integrity, and
will adhere to protocols for infringement.  The Student Parent Handbook Further information in
SPH.   
 
 
Participating in class and using French outside of the class 
 are extremely essential to be successful in learning the language.  
 
I highly encourage learners to practice the language outside of the classroom, in whichever way
they prefer.  Here are some ideas:  
 ordering in French at French restaurants (when possible) 
 talking to French speakers 
 participating or becoming member of the French Club 
 listening to French music (and singing) through online/app radio channels  
 following French artists or influencers on social media  
 contacting a “pen-pal” (HelloTalk app) 
 reading a comic strip, a magazine, a book, the news  
 practicing with Duolingo app 
 watching movies and videos 
 writing a journal, a poem, a short story, etc. 
 tutoring/helping other students who are learning French    
 teaching some phrases and vocabulary to friends and family member 
 traveling to France