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AFTV 2025 Conference#FrenchForward

Presenters

We're thrilled to present an incredible group of educators who will be sharing their expertise at the conference. 

These presentations promise to spark important conversations about innovation, inclusion, and the future of French education. 

Anne Taillé (University of Melbourne): "Le malaise du natif : enseigner la France contemporaine, entre héritage colonial et perspectives globales" 
Senior Tutor specialising in French literature and film adaptations, Anne will explore the complex role of native French teachers in contemporary education, examining how to navigate teaching French culture through decolonial perspectives while addressing the inherent contradictions of being both educator and cultural representative.
Anne-Lise Llewellyn (Methodist Ladies' College): "Cognitive Load Theory and the French Classroom" 
Head of Languages with over two decades of experience across VCE, IB, and VET programs, Anne-Lise will present on Cognitive Load Theory, showing how French teachers can design brain-friendly lessons that improve student retention and understanding through evidence-based strategies.
Aude Gillioz & Elodie Lyoen (OneSchool Global & Brighton Grammar): "Enhancing French Learning through Non-Threatening Pair Speaking Activities" 
Dynamic duo combining decades of international teaching experience, Aude and Elodie will demonstrate non-threatening pair speaking activities designed to reduce student anxiety, increase speaking time, and boost confidence through gamification and structured practice.
Cécile Dutrieux (Renown Kindergarten & St Cecilia's Primary): "French in motion at primary school" 
French-qualified teacher with 23 years of experience teaching ages 3-14, Cecile will share practical strategies for engaging young learners through action verbs, structured sessions, and the powerful motivational tool of school correspondence programs.
Chris Zomer (Deakin University): "School Dashboards and Data-Driven Teaching" 
Research Fellow examining educational technology's impact on learning, Chris will present on school dashboards and data-driven teaching, exploring how commercial platforms are increasingly used to micro-manage students and teachers. Through interactive workshops, participants will critically analyse teaching and student-facing dashboards and design their own, questioning what we really measure in education.
Claire Dumans & Sandrine Michel (University of Melbourne) - "Au-delà des murs : Street art, langues et identités" 
Claire brings Art History and Archaeology expertise with a passion for intersecting language and the arts, using theatre, music, and visual art to create immersive learning experiences. University of Melbourne Senior French tutor, Sandrine, specialises in language didactics, oral proficiency and the role of digital tools in the teaching of French as a foreign language. 
Claire and Sandrine will share their innovative B2-C1 project featuring Melbourne street artists from diverse cultures, demonstrating how students can explore their urban environment whilst developing analytical skills.
Daniel Richardson (Ballarat Clarendon College) - "The Cinderella skill: Engaging pedagogies to teach listening skills" 
Deputy Head of French with extensive international experience in evidence-informed practice across the UK and Middle East. 
Daniel will challenge traditional listening comprehension methodologies, presenting compelling research evidence on how conventional audio-question approaches may undermine student confidence and self-concept. His presentation will outline research-backed strategies for optimal listening instruction that enhance rather than diminish learner proficiency.
Darren Zhang - "Teaching Senior Students through current affairs" 
Former lecteur at Université Paris 2 with teaching experience in France, Darren will demonstrate his current affairs integration method for Year 11 IB French, where students present Francophone news stories, fostering global citizenship, intercultural awareness, emphasising critical thinking and authentic language use through student-centred learning. 
This session will equip attendees with practical guidelines for implementation, examples of student work, and reflections on outcomes and challenges.
David Gregory - "Travel Safety For Overseas Trips, Exchanges & Tours" (Xcursion Safety)
CEO and educational trip safety leader with over 20 years of operational and risk management experience. David will run an interactive workshop on overseas trip safety, providing practical, scenario-based guidance for language educators planning educational tours, covering duty of care, risk management, and contingency planning.
Dr Diane de Saint Léger - "L'art de tutoyer à bon escient. Regards croisés sur la France, le Québec et la Polynésie française" 
Senior Lecturer in French Studies and sociolinguist, Diane will explore the complex world of tu vs vous across Francophone contexts, examining how address forms vary from France to Quebec to French Polynesia, and the pedagogical implications for teaching these socially complex linguistic choices.
These presentations will challenge traditional approaches and inspire fresh perspectives on French language education. 
Looking forward to these thought-provoking sessions on the 27th and 28th of November at the University of Melbourne, thanks to the support from the French program and the School of Languages and Linguistics.

Dr Florence Lyons (University of Auckland): "Teaching French in the NZ context" 
French facilitator with over 20 years of experience in teaching languages in New Zealand, Florence will invite participants to consider what it means to teach French from the South through local perspectives and knowledge systems. Her presentation offers practical strategies adaptable to Australian contexts, challenging the perception that French belongs only to France and celebrating the diverse linguistic richness of Francophonie.
Elena Ohara (James Cook University): "Pacific Bridges: French through picture books (Eurocentric French in question)" 
PhD candidate researching Kanaky/New Caledonian picturebooks with 30+ years of multicultural living experience across eight countries, Elena will explore how children's literature from the French-speaking Pacific can disrupt dominant Eurocentric narratives. Drawing on doctoral research, she'll demonstrate how Pacific picturebooks can create more inclusive, regionally relevant French teaching that reflects Australia's diverse classrooms and Pacific neighbours.
Fiona Curnow (Lauriston Girls' School): "Slide Into Action: Transforming Slides into Engaging Experiences" 
Head of Languages, experienced VCE assessor, and AFTV committee member with expertise in 21st-century learning technologies, Fiona will demonstrate how to transform traditional slides into dynamic, student-centred presentations. Participants will learn to embed interactive question types, create anonymous response opportunities, and integrate formative assessments that provide real-time feedback and enhance engagement.
Georgina Peters (French Educator): "Differentiation through the SOLO taxonomy" 
Passionate educator with a decade of experience across public and independent schools in mainstream and immersion French contexts, Georgina will explore practical applications of the Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes taxonomy for differentiated instruction. Her session will provide realistic, time-efficient strategies for implementing SOLO-based differentiation that fosters inclusive environments where students progress at their own pace.
Isabelle Mangeot-Hewison (St Michael's Grammar School): "Teaching French in Australia: embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in our French teaching" 
Head of Languages with 27 years of experience and AFTV committee member, Isabelle will tackle the Victorian Curriculum requirement to integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures into French teaching. Her presentation will include a Year 12 unit example on explaining 'Reconciliation' to French speakers, plus practical workshop ideas for different levels.
Professor Jacqueline Dutton (University of Melbourne): "Engaging Pedagogies - Sensory Pedagogy and Emplaced Experiences in French Language Learning" 
Professor of French Studies specialising in contemporary literature, food, wine, and cultural identity, Jacqueline will present on sensory pedagogy that stimulates learning through multiple senses and emplaced experiences. Drawing from her acclaimed "Matters of Taste: French Eating Cultures" subject taught since 2003, she'll demonstrate multisensory methods adaptable for all levels with hands-on audience participation.

Jillian Symons (FLE Publisher Representative): "Use of Games: real communication in real time"
Trained language teacher and librarian with extensive experience representing French publishers across Australia and New Zealand, Jillian advocates for "less screen and more books and games". She'll run a hands-on workshop showcasing tech-free language games that enhance face-to-face communication and provide engaging practice opportunities for all ages, from vocabulary reinforcement to creative storytelling.
Joy Weymouth (Methodist Ladies’ College): "From Vocabulary to Voice: Project-Based French Units that Empower Student Communication"
Primary education specialist with 20 years of experience, Master's in Applied Linguistics, and TESOL training, Joy will explore three creative project-based units that promote authentic student talk and cultural connection. Her presentation will showcase "J'aime les fruits", "Le petit déjeuner", and "Comment y aller" units, demonstrating how scaffolded approaches integrate technology, vocabulary, and real-life tasks from smoothie truck role-plays to Minecraft storytelling.
Loveena Narayanen & Charlotte Mackay (Glen Eira College & Monash University): "Enrichissez vos cours avec la diversité et la beauté de la Littérature Francophone"
Mauritian French teacher and Assistant Principal Loveena partners with Dr Charlotte Mackay, Lecturer in European Languages and expert in Francophone literature. Together they'll lead an interactive workshop exploring Francophone literature beyond metropolitan France, drawing from their successful AFTV literary clubs featuring authors like Djaïli Amadou Amal, Yannick Jan and Clément Baloup.
Lucie Dickens (Kilvington Grammar School): "Transforming French Teaching and learning with the support of a Custom Chatbot"
Head of Languages and AFTV Vice-President with over 20 years of experience, Lucie will share an innovative case study, and her journey from  building her own AI chatbot to the impact it has had on teaching and learning French in her classes. Her presentation will demonstrate how her custom-built chatbot is integrated into the School learning management system and can provide personalised, curriculum-aligned support whilst boosting engagement,  giving students greater ownership of their learning experience and reducing marking load.
Mackenzie Neale (Kilvington Grammar School): "Les Tendances Francophones: Using Music to Broaden Cultural Horizons"
Canadian French teacher with 12 years of international experience and MEd in Curriculum & Teacher Development, Mackenzie will explore using music to expand cultural knowledge beyond France. Drawing from the "Manie Musicale" competition, she'll demonstrate how music videos serve as compelling entry points for exploring diverse Francophone regions and developing intercultural competence.

Marjorie Bon & Ornella Seneque (Prahran High School): "Building Confidence and Inclusion in Junior French through the EPI Approach"
Experienced French teacher and passionate about making language learning accessible to all students, Marjorie partners with Ornella, a Learning Specialist in instructional coaching and foundation team member at Prahran High School. Together they'll demonstrate how the EPI approach using sentence builders enhances motivation, improves learning outcomes, and creates sustainable pedagogy that supports both student confidence and teacher wellbeing through reduced cognitive load.
Maud Fugier-Sola (Haileybury Grammar): "Neuropedagogy in the French classroom"
French teacher, Head of Department, experienced VCE assessor, author and consultant with over 20 years of international teaching experience and recipient of the inaugural Victorian French Teacher of the Year Award, Maud will explore how insights from neuroscience can enhance teaching practices. Her presentation will cover neuroplasticity, cognitive load, and working memory, offering practical strategies like multi-sensory learning, retrieval practice, emotional regulation supporting French learning by enhancing retention, motivation, critical thinking and embodied cognition to create more effective and memorable French learning experiences.
Monica Daju (Girton Grammar): "Building Oral Fluency through Immersive Programs in Theatre and Cooking"
French teacher with 25 years of experience and certified AIM practitioner who has revolutionised her teaching approach through the Accelerative Integrated Methodology, Monica will demonstrate how to create French-only environments that foster genuine fluency. Her presentation will showcase two immersive programs for Years 7-8 using theatre and cooking, where students use high-frequency vocabulary to communicate authentically from day one.
Nadège Debax & Miriam Saward (Nossal High School): "From burden to boost: harnessing AI to empower French teachers and learners"
Passionate French teacher with 15 years of international experience and AI study group participant, Nadège partners with Miriam, a dedicated educator experienced in both secondary and tertiary sectors and member of Nossal High School's AI team. Together they will explore how AI can save time, enhance pedagogical impact, and personalise learning through live demonstrations of resource creation, assessment differentiation, and student feedback tools.

Natacha Muller (French & Drama Educator): "Improv in the classroom: a dynamic toolkit for teaching French"
Master's degree holder in Theatre and founder of The French Loop theatre company, Natacha brings over 20 years of experience blending improvisation with French education. Her hands-on workshop will equip teachers with 10+ ready-to-use improv games, classroom management tips, and curriculum-aligned activities that break down language barriers, build confidence, and make French come alive through playful, inclusive learning experiences.
Nathalie Marchand (Language Education Consultant): Three powerful sessions covering differentiation, cognitive wellbeing, and assessment readiness
Author of the Quoi de Neuf? Series with 24+ years of experience in Australia and internationally, Nathalie will deliver three transformative workshops: "Enabling Students' growth - differentiation in action" showing how skill progressions can make differentiation achievable; "Brain-breaks: the key to students' cognitive wellbeing" exploring how simple activities boost focus and reduce anxiety; and "Towards a holistic approach to assessment readiness" offering student-centred strategies that prioritise wellbeing alongside academic success.
Nicolas Dumont (St Kevins College): "Burger Quiz: A Dynamic Classroom Activity Inspired by French Television"
Born in Beaune, Burgundy, and bringing authentic French cultural perspective to Australian classrooms, Nicolas will demonstrate how to adapt the beloved French TV show format into an engaging classroom game. His activity combines teamwork, grammar reinforcement, and cultural exploration through "Les Nuggets," "Les Menus," and the suspenseful "Grand Burger de la Mort" - perfect for connecting students with contemporary French culture.
Sarah Pavy (Education Consultant): "Engaging the brain in language-learning: switching on students in the French classroom"
With a Masters in Education and extensive consultancy experience, Sarah will share practical strategies to actively engage students' brains and bodies in learning. Her session offers straightforward approaches to ignite interest in reading, scaffold writing success, and explore grammar through critical and creative thinking processes that get neural synapses firing.
Olivier Martin (Hachette Representative):“Dynamiser le cours avec des supports vidéo”
This workshop offers practical, easy-to-access ways to use authentic video materials from beginner levels. You'll discover a variety of activities that promote listening comprehension, interaction, and creativity, as well as free resources for integrating video into your classroom or online courses.
Christelle Breimeyer (Kilvington Grammar):“Swap & Share – Troc pédagogique pour vos classes de primaire”- Resource-sharing workshop for Primary teachers
This interactive session invites participants to collaborate in creating a shared bank of ideas for warm-up, engagement, and break activities in the Primary French classroom. Working in pairs, attendees will:

  • Share one or two tried-and-tested engaging activities.
  • Explain their activity to a partner, who will then rephrase it to confirm understanding.
  • Record the activity clearly and in detail.
  • Explore possible variations and adaptations.

By the end of the session, participants will have contributed to and gained access to a rich collection of practical, classroom-ready activities to energise learning and will be able to take these ideas back to their own teaching contexts and the wider French teaching community. Attendees are encouraged to bring along their most engaging teaching activities to share with colleagues
Xavier Diame Ndour (French Secondary Teacher): "Teaching French Beyond France: How can we broaden the scope of French teaching, going beyond clichés and offering fresh perspectives, especially for oral exams?"
Born in the Comoros Islands from Senegalese parents and fluent in serere, wolof, and French, Xavier will share his journey from "classic" French teaching to incorporating authentic African francophone culture. His presentation includes innovative Year 9 and Year 12 units exploring Senegalese cuisine, religious diversity, brain drain, and the evolving role of French across Africa.