A Français Feature!
What makes a class something you want to be a part of? Is it a lack of homework? A nice teacher? Easy work? For me and many other students, the answer is community.
French is one of the five languages that are traditionally offered at Vestavia Hills High School, and in my opinion, it’s the best. Field trips to food days--it’s got it all. Students are offered six levels to take: French one through five, and AP. Many students that are in French, including myself, began their French journey in middle school, and continued taking the class throughout high school because of how much they enjoyed learning about the history of France, the geography, the culture, and the language itself.
Vestavia’s only two high school French teachers, Madame Harlan and Madame Dupre, create environments in their classrooms that are unique to a foreign language language class. Many of the students know each other well because they have been taking French together for years, and that connection allows for genuine discussion and a comfortable classroom. The beauty of learning a foreign language is that one can only learn by speaking and listening, and our teachers understand that very well. They ask their students about their lives and interests and teach them how to answer in French, giving them the vocabulary to express themselves. They also engage in fun and enriching lessons like learning the lyrics to French songs and watching French movies to learn new words while simultaneously being immersed in French culture.
However, True immersion can only come from being in France, so thankfully many students have had the opportunity to visit with Madame Harlan who plans trips to France with her students every other year. Students get to talk with real French speakers, eat authentic French food, and go to French landmarks. in-person While the students usually already know their classmates pretty well, the trip allows for students from different levels of French and different grades to spend time with one another to create bonds and memories that wouldn’t be possible when confined in a classroom. Of course, students don’t have to go on this trip to make memories or connections. When asked about his time taking French, former student Sam Pinkham claimed that his time in French class was “some of the most fun I had in school”, and that because there aren’t too many people taking French, “you’re not swapping classes and stuff” and “you meet a bunch of good people”.
French class is about connection and community. Connecting with those on the other side of the language barrier, connecting with those of different cultures, and building a community that makes learning enjoyable and productive. As of my senior year, I have been taking French as an elective for five years, and it has consistently been one of my favorite classes each year. Starting in French one in seventh grade, and making my way up to French five has been an experience like no other, and I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given because of it. If you are looking to take a foreign language class or just looking to fill an elective spot in your schedule, I can’t recommend French class enough. You won’t regret it.
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