IB Français IV
Madame Kinsel
Email: ekinsel@osd.wednet.edu
Website: http://chs.osd.wednet.edu/staff/kinsel
Voicemail: 360/596-8248
Bonjour and welcome back to IB Français IV! Below I have outlined general expectations and policies for
our French class this year. Please keep this in your notebook as a reference for the entire year.
Overview of the Subject & Content
This course will be a capstone to your high school language classes where you will continue refining
previous concepts and integrating new ones by using the language in a multitude of new ways. You will
push beyond using the language as a means of primarily exchanging information and use it to share,
discuss and analyze ideas. The target language will be a vehicle for critical thinking, supported by
expansion of your vocabulary and linguistic structures. The success of this course rests heavily on the
ideas and energy you bring to it.
Methods of Instruction
Material is normally thematically grouped and will be presented in a variety of ways. Students will have
multiple opportunities to practice new material in groups, with partners and individually. Material and
information used in the course will come from a wide range of sources: literature, poetry, the media,
textbooks, music, CD and DVD recordings and the Internet. Oral discussions, presentations and role
playing, as well as extended writing and reading in French, will be regular components of the class. I
strongly encourage you to purchase a French/English dictionary that you can bring to class.
Student Performance Goals
Throughout this course, you will continue developing your skills in speaking, reading, writing and
listening in both formal and less formal, spontaneous situations. You will be able to use a variety of
tools for effective communication, such as reading strategies, writing and reading in different genres
and circumlocution. You will be able to express yourself orally and in writing on a variety of topics more
complexly, more precisely and with a richer vocabulary. You will also be able to critically compare and
contrast ideas and values between francophone cultures and your own. Students who plan to take the
IB test in the spring may be required to complete modified and/or extended assignments in order to
prepare for the exam.
Homework
Practice is absolutely necessary for success in a world language. Homework provides essential
opportunities to practice outside of the classroom. Expect frequent (2-4 times per week) homework
assignments. Homework is not optional and completing it on time is important for the pace of the class.
Late and incomplete assignments are not accepted.
Participation
Expect to participate in class on a daily basis in both teacher-directed and self-paced activities.
Participation points are given for responding to oral and written prompts and questions, actively
participating in partner and group practice and completing in-class assignments. You may also earn
points by bringing in realia related to France, francophone countries or the French language. You will
need a spiral-bound notebook that will be used exclusively for the daily warm-ups and in-class
activities.
Absences
Regular practice is crucial in learning a foreign language; therefore, punctuality and regular attendance
are vital. Missing class will affect your learning, your language acquisition and, ultimately, your grade. If
you miss a class due to an excused absence, it is your responsibility to find out what material you
missed. Assignments are posted daily on the class website. You will have the same number of days as
your absence to make up the missed assignment(s), and it is your responsibility to turn in the
assignment by this revised due date. If you miss a test or quiz, you must make arrangements
immediately to make it up before or after school.
If you know in advance that you will miss class, you should contact me before and after your absence to
discuss making up missed assignments. It may not be possible to make up some work, such as
participation points and in-class assignments, regardless of the reason for the absence. Your counselor
and administrator will be notified if you are excessively tardy or absent.
Grades
Your semester grade will be based on homework, in-class assignments, participation, quizzes, tests, and
projects. The categories of assignments included in your semester grade are weighted as follows:
 Tests, quizzes & projects: 50%
 Daily in-class participation & assignments: 25%
 Homework: 25%
Grading scale:
94-100% = A
90-93% = A-
87-89% = B+
83-86% = B
80-82% = B-
77-79% = C+
73-76% = C
70-72% = C-
67-69% = D+
60-66% = D
Below 60% = F
Plagiarism/Cheating
Cheating will not be tolerated. Students who cheat will receive a zero for the assignment or test, with
no chance for making up the points. Allowing someone to copy your work, whether it is a homework
assignment or a test, is considered cheating. Also beware that the use of online translators may
produce work that is not authentically yours and result in a loss of points.
Classroom Behavior Expectations
My expectations are simple:
 Participate bravely.
 Respect your classmates, your teacher and yourself.
Out of respect for our class, cell phones are strictly prohibited in class and will be turned into the office
if seen and your parents will be notified. Please keep them turned off and out of sight during class time.
Failure to follow these classroom expectations may result in at least one of the following: a loss of
participation points, a conference with me, a call to your counselor, a phone call home, and/or a referral
to your administrator.
Success in this course will depend primarily on your effort, engagement and desire to be challenged by
your classmates, the teacher and yourself. In addition to regular attendance, I expect that you take a
proactive role in your learning. This includes completing assignments, exchanging ideas openly, looking
for opportunities to improve your skills and finding connections to French outside of the classroom.
If you are feeling lost or confused, ask questions. My goal is to help you succeed. The earlier you get
help, the easier the year will be. Talk to me before or after class, make an appointment to see me or
send me an email.
Merci et je te souhaite une bonne année scolaire!