Since 2018 students learning French at Barbreck use the AIM approach (Accelerated Integrated Methodology). This innovative methodology utilises gestures, specific pared-down language, stories, and music to rapidly develop students’ fluency.  

The use of high-frequency vocabulary, introduced with gestures and contextualised in stories, provides students opportunities to rapidly achieve oral and aural proficiency. This emphasis on oral/aural development is well suited to students at an age where they are still developing literacy in their first language. 

Through the AIM approach the focus is on building confidence to communicate, rather than learning lists of vocabulary. Students may initially feel hesitant with an unfamiliar teaching strategy which requires immersion in the language using a repetition of essential vocabulary in a variety of contexts. However, research evidence supports the view that the “target language only” rule is a cornerstone of the success of AIM. The contextualisation of the language through drama and gesture supports students’ capacity to speak French spontaneously and fluently.  

Barbreck French teacher, Monsieur Andrew Gold, creates a strong foundation of French fluency for our Junior School students, which is clearly evident in the confidence with which students speak spontaneously in everyday conversations.  

Building from this foundation students then move to a broader and more formal learning of sentence structure and grammar from Year 7, as they transition into our Senior School curriculum. At St Catherine’s we progressively integrate the essential skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking in ways that are appropriate to the age and stage of each student’s development.  

Founded by Canadian, Wendy Maxwell, AIM is now taught throughout the United States and Canada. St Catherine’s, Andrew Gold is a leader in the Melbourne AIM community, hosting the Annual Conference for two successive years. Andrew shares his thoughts about his experience: 

“Since the introduction of AIM to the Barbreck French Program, I have witnessed French lessons change from being passive, content-driven, and teacher-led, to dynamic, context-based, and student-driven.  

“We can sing, dance, discuss the studied text, discuss grammar and metalanguage and, most importantly, share jokes that are actually funny, all in the target language. It’s all I’ve ever dreamed about as a French Teacher.” 

For further information on the Accelerated Integrated Methodology click here.  

Berthe Mouchette Alliance Française Speaking Competition- Success

As we approach the examination period, students of Languages know that deliberate practice is a key component of success in the final oral examination.  

Intensive practice during the VCE years in class, and with our bilingual Language Assistants, ensures our students acquire the fluency essential to high performance in the exam setting.  

We are delighted that in 2022, five Year 12 students have reached the finals of the Berthe Mouchette Alliance Française Speaking Competition. All five finalists have, as a result of a range of contributing factors, including primary school language learning, immersion, overseas study, skilled teaching, as well as high levels of student commitment, achieved excellent fluency in their second language. We look forward to receiving the results.  

STOP THE PRESS: Charlotte Myer has been awarded the Year 12  ‘Mention spéciale du jury’ for her performance in the Berthe Mouchette oral examination. Our warmest congratulations, Charlotte.