1. LOTEHAT 3 PROJECT
INVESTIGATION SHOWCASE 2012
Name: Catherine Spurritt
School Name: Avila College
Investigation Title: A gestured approach to teaching
and learning French.

2. WHAT I DID:
1. Introduced a new approach to the teaching of
French at year 7 (AIM)
2. Developed a suitable curriculum for the delivery of
this program over one term (5 x contacts per
fortnight)
3. Implemented this approach with 3 year 7 classes
over 3 terms.
4. Surveyed students currently in year 8 to determine
strengths and weaknesses of previous program
5. Surveyed current year 7 students about their
learning in French using the AIM program

3. WHAT I LEARNT:
1. Year 7 students respond positively to near-complete
immersion in French, when supported by gestured
cues;
2. It is important to celebrate and acknowledge
participation rather than just excellence for beginners
to build their confidence in the language;
3. Significant shifts in curriculum require someone to
drive them and maintain the momentum.

4. WHERE TO FROM HERE:
1. Explore the possibilities that AIM will offer to our
Junior School French program at years 7 & 8 in
the future;
2. Ensure staff are given opportunities to complete
additional professional learning to give them the
skills and confidence to best implement the
program in the future;
3. Increase use of visual cues for students to help
them to take meaning from new language,
avoiding use of English where possible.