AFTV VCE PL: Ready, Set, VCE – Effective strategies for teaching Units 1 & 3 French

Presenter Bios

Nathalie Marchand

Nathalie Marchand is a passionate and accomplished Languages educator and certified Professional Translator, with more than 25 years of experience in language education across primary and secondary settings. She began her career in England teaching French, Spanish and German, and has since taught across a wide range of programs including, most prominently, the VCE French course.

Nathalie's approach to Languages teaching is grounded in active, student‑centred learning. She is committed to creating energetic, engaging and purposeful programs that build student agency, proficiency, confidence and the broader skills students need as 21st‑century learners. Over the course of her career, Nathalie has developed a strong interest in curriculum design, assessment and the progression of Languages learning, and her work now spans classroom teaching, mentoring, resource development and professional learning.

As an Advanced Specialist for Pearson Languages, International VCE Mentor, educational consultant and one of the authors of the Quoi de Neuf? series, Nathalie has extensive experience in designing learning progressions, assessments and teaching materials that support effective VCE delivery and meaningful student learning across diverse contexts. She works closely with teachers to strengthen curriculum implementation, refine assessment practice and deepen understanding of VCE expectations. Nathalie values the relationships built through this work and is passionate about supporting teachers and contributing to a vibrant, connected Languages community across Victoria and beyond.

 Lucie Dickens

Lucie Dickens has more than 20 years of experience teaching French to students across both primary and secondary education. She is currently Head of Languages and a French teacher at Melbourne Grammar School. Passionate about the value of languages in developing globally minded young people, Lucie is dedicated to supporting and promoting language education while creating opportunities for students to build their global competencies and cultural awareness. This is also reflected in her involvement with the AFTV and her role as vice-president. Lucie has published resources and presented professional development sessions on VCE French, and more recently on collaboration, active learning, and using chatbots in the Languages classroom.   

Please note

• If you require a tax invoice, please complete the attached AFTV proforma tax invoice for your finance office.
• All rates are GST incl.
• For enquiries email Lucie Dickens on lmdickens@mgs.vic.edu.au

Parking

• Discounted day rate is available at the Rendez-vous Hotel car park. Workshop participants must validate their parking ticket with front desk on their way out, where a discount will be applied. 
•  Alternatively, the most convenient car park is First Parking located at 300 Flinders Street, Melbourne. The discounted day rate for this is $25.00 per vehicle per day. Workshop participants must validate their parking ticket with front desk on their way out, where a discount will be applied. 
• 20% off the best available rate of the day, to be booked online:  Book Now

THIS ACTIVITY IS PRESENTED AND SUBSIDISED BY THE AFTV (THROUGH DET FUNDING)