BCD offers French classes from the Early Childhood years all the way through Grade 9. In addition, starting in Grade 9 students may begin the study of Spanish. The Modern Foreign Language (MFL) department strives to provide proficiency in the target language in the following skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students also develop an awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Classes support ongoing experiential learning through frequent exposure and extensive participation. The spiraling French language curriculum from Preschool through Grade 9 reinforces what has been learned previously and extends it to the next level. Diverse teaching styles within each class include aspects of the Total Physical Response approach, use of "realia," visual aids and visual arts, music, drama, applied activities and projects incorporating reading, writing and numbers, interactive computer programs, and cultural activities.

The MFL Department supports citizenship in the classroom by modeling and expecting respectful and appropriate behaviors among peers and toward adults. By teaching about countries throughout the world, the department encourages respect and tolerance for linguistic, social, and ethnic differences, supporting appreciation of diversity.

Highlights:

• Grade 9 exchange program with a school in Lyon, France provides an exceptional opportunity for students to have experiences outside of the classroom
• Classes are taught in the target language
• Students are fully engaged through theater, games, songs, poetry, cinema, novels, video projects, and computer activities