LANGUAGES

VCE FRENCH NOTRE-DAME EXHIBITION

On Wednesday 19 March, the Years 11 and 12 VCE French students travelled into Melbourne's CBD to experience the immersive Notre Dame Exhibition at the Immigration Museum. With Tablets to scan codes and images for information, students navigated the space and learned about the rich history of the Notre Dame Cathedral, from its construction beginning in 1163, its transformation into a "Temple of Reason" during the French Revolution, Napoleon's coronation in 1804, and the devastating fire it endured in 2019.

The Notre Dame experience prompted students to learn more about the expansive history, architecture, historical figures, revolution and influence that French culture has on its language and impacts on other cultures around the world. This was done through a more creative approach, with 360-degree images and a stained glass window puzzle to fill in with clues hidden within each of the 20 scenes on the Tablet. This information provided insight into the importance of French history and preservation of its culture throughout thousands of years.

Overall, this was an incredible experience that allowed students to learn more about French culture and the historical importance of buildings like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the importance they hold in not only preserving French culture but the language and history of these sacred monuments.

Abby Butterworth, Year 11 

On Tuesday 18 March, the Years 11 and 12 French students were treated to an excursion to Melbourne’s Immigration Museum to view the Notre-Dame de Paris exhibition. The exhibition, which centred around the eponymous Parisian church, was powered by interactivity, with each participant receiving a tablet which they could use to scan QR codes in the shape of Notre-Dame’s vibrant mosaic windows. Scanning these QR codes virtually transported us to different time periods, and detailed their relation to the church, allowing us to see it from the 11th century, all the way to modern day.

The exhibition explored the creation process of the building, as well as tackling the devastating 2019 fires, and subsequent restoration process. Our tablets were imposed entirely into French, enabling us to immerse ourselves fully in the French experience. There were several different stations for participants to scan and explore, with some also hiding shining particles which participants were to find and collect. Each particle correlated to a segment of a painting; collecting all the particles led to a completed work of art. 

The exhibition opened in December 2024, coinciding with the real building’s reopening, following its three-year reconstruction effort. The excursion as a whole was a great learning experience for both students and teachers and provided a fun day out.  

Matthew Shelley, Year 11

YEAR 12 FRENCH ARTISANAL BAKEHOUSE EXCURSION

What’s more French than visiting a bakery in the morning? 

Early last Monday, the Year 12 French class were lucky enough to visit Artisanal Bakehouse in Bentleigh. From decadent cinnamon scrolls to hand-crafted croissants, there was a vast selection of delicious treats to choose from. After placing our orders in French, the owner, David, was kind enough to answer any questions about the bakery. 

It was a fantastic way to start the week while immersing ourselves in both the language and culture.

Montana Aloi, Year 12

YEAR 9 FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL EXCURSION 

The 2025 Alliance Française French Film Festival is the largest celebration of French cinema outside of France, and is commemorated across Australia, including Melbourne where nine cinemas featured 42 French films. We started the day by walking to McKinnon station and taking the train to the city. 

There we went to The Palace Cinema Como, and after buying our snacks, we took our seats to watch ‘Le Panache’ (Speak out’), a French film which fixates on a 14-year-old boy with a stutter, who finds his confidence and voice through theatre with the help of his impassioned drama teacher, showcasing the impactful power of art and friendship. This excursion was a great way for us to experience French culture and cinema firsthand.

Stella Thakrar, Year 9

YEAR 8 FRENCH 

Our Year 8 French students have been busy writing and preparing presentations of their neighbourhoods for their second learning task of semester 1. It is great to see them rising to the challenge and working with their classmates.

FRENCH TRIP 2025 

Unfortunately, because of insufficient numbers, we are no longer planning a trip to France this year. The information evening has also been cancelled.

Planning has begun for the resumption of our exchange with our French sister school in 2026. If all goes well, the students from France would be visiting our school in the middle of the year and next year’s participating Year 10 French students would be travelling to France at the end of November 2026. Keep an eye out for an expression of interest form. Fingers crossed that we have better luck this time.

UPCOMING EVENTS

German Exchange 2026 info evening - Wednesday 30 April at 7pm, Theatre

Jenny Lynd

Languages Learning Area Manager