FELICITATIONS A CELIA HAUMESSER, KATELYN BAKER, COURTNEY GILLINGWATER (SOUTH AUSTRALIA) ; TRISTANE ROBERT (QUEENSLAND); MYRIAM DAVIES (ACT); REBECCA ROUGH, CAITLIN HANCOCK (VIC); SOPHIE GIBSON (TAS) et CHRISTELLE BURDY (WA), HEUREUSES LAUREATES DES LANGUAGE-PEDAGOGY BURSARIES 2025!
On the 23rd of May 2025, the Year 8 cohort at Woodmans Hill Secondary College enthusiastically participated in an incursion hosted by Mitzi, Simon and Mohamad from Melbourne Djembe. Through the mediums of music, djembe drumming and dance, the Year 8s were able to connect their French language knowledge to cultural knowledge related to the diversity of the French-speaking world. Importantly, they were able to understand the significance of practices like drumming to cultures in the West of Africa, for example Guinea, where our presenter was from. Some reflections from the Year 8 cohort highlighted learnings around the “rich and fascinating French-speaking countries”, “that 29 African countries speak French” and “how drumming tells stories”. Students also enjoyed speaking in French together and drumming and dancing with their whole cohort, with attending staff members noting the additional benefits of connectedness, focus and laughter during and following the incursion. The FATFA/Embassy Language Pedagogy Bursary assisted us in offering the experience free of charge to the entire Year 8 cohort, removing any financial barriers impeding participation. We are incredibly grateful for the FATFA’s and the Embassy’s support in facilitating this enriching and engaging language experience for our students. Merci beaucoup!
Thank you to FATFA and the French Embassy for the “Bourse Pédagogique”. This bursary has allowed to purchase a vibrant collection of French books that offer students even more opportunities to enjoy reading in accessible French. The selected texts provide Comprehensible Input across a range of proficiency levels, and many also include audio files, wonderful tools for strengthening students’ listening and pronunciation skills. Drawing on the Self-Determination Theory principles of autonomy, competence and relatedness, students are invited to choose a book that excites them and matches their level. This is part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing intrinsic motivation, sparking a genuine love of French, and supporting students on their journey as lifelong language learners. With more than 400 French students across Years 7 to 12, these resources will be enjoyed widely across classes and levels for years to come. Thank you once again for this fantastic opportunity.
As part of the second iteration of Languages Week, Glenunga International High School hosted a dedicated French Day to strengthen the profile of French across the school and enhance student engagement with the language. The event was designed to promote language learning, highlight the relevance of French in global contexts, and provide authentic cultural experiences that enrich our curriculum for Years 7 to 12. French Day directly benefited students by deepening their intercultural understanding through authentic art, music, and cuisine, while boosting motivation and engagement through enjoyable, immersive activities. With the support of a $500 grant, the school was able to:
- Host an interactive workshop with a French accordionist, offering students a rich, authentic cultural experience.
- Provide our five Year 8 French classes with materials for a “paint like Matisse” workshop.
- Purchase educational and decorative resources (posters, games, prizes) to enhance the festive environment and support ongoing classroom learning.
Overall, French Day strengthened the visibility of our French program, enriched student learning, and fostered a deeper connection to the Francophone world. We are very grateful for this support and sincerely thank FATFA.