Staff Spotlight: Nicole Phipps, French Teacher
This month, Ruby C (Year 8) shone the spotlight on Mme Phipps, our Senior School French teacher.
How long have you been teaching at Oxley?
This is my fourth year at Oxley College.
What inspired you to become a French teacher?
My love of the language, my love of teaching and I was so inspired by my high school French teacher that I decided to enrol in a university where I could take all of the courses for my Bachelor of Education in French. I graduated with a Certificate of Bilingualism, which was quite an achievement for someone who didn’t even start formally learning French until Year 7! It took so much work and perseverance but was truly worth it. I have been teaching French ever since, which is one of my true passions in life.
Are there other languages you can speak apart from French and English?
Yes, I speak Japanese to an intermediate level and a tiny bit of Bahasa Indonesian, German, Spanish and Italian.
Have you been to France to experience the French culture?
I have not spent enough time in France! I had a really big trip planned in 2020, which was cancelled, and have not had a chance to go back since then. I dream of an extended stay to see as much of the country as I can and visit Chenonceaux Castle. I want to live like a local and maybe even buy my own little castle to live in. I cannot seem to convince my husband of this plan…. not yet, anyway!
I have spent a great deal of time in French Canada, as a tourist and as a nanny. In fact, the old part of Quebec City has to be one of my favourite places. I have also spent a lot of time in New Caledonia, mostly in Nouméa and surrounds. The French language spoken in those places has its own regional influences and is a bit different to French spoken in Paris.
What is your favourite French cuisine?
That’s a really hard question for me to answer… I have cooked nearly every French recipe that I can find. My favourite main dish might be a classic Boeuf Bourguignon, and my favourite dessert is probably Clafoutis made with fresh cherries off my cherry tree.
Why is French such an important language – and especially – an important subject for students at Oxley?
The study of French opens students’ eyes to the ways that languages act as systems and actually helps them to understand the English language better, too. Students can make connections between French and English, as up to 45% of words have similarities. Many countries are part of the “Francophonie” wherein a significant portion of the population speaks French or has a notable affiliation with French culture, so learning the language opens doors to interacting with over 320 million people and understanding their cultural background. This creates opportunities for French learners as well as building their empathy as global citizens. In addition to creating tourism and work opportunities, local employers appreciate these skills in their employees, which is something for Oxley College students to remember.
What opportunities does the French subject offer for Oxley students?
Students can start their study of French in early Stage 1 and continue all the way through to Year 12 here at Oxley College. Just imagine the level of linguistic and cultural competency that students will achieve if they set their minds to it!
Since Oxley is now a Round Square school, will there be any overseas trips to France for students studying French?
Affiliations with like-minded Round Square schools are being investigated at the moment for upcoming exchange opportunities for students. I went on my first exchange at the age of 14 for two weeks, and whilst it was really hard at times, because I had such a limited level of French, it taught me about making myself understood in roundabout ways using the language that I had. It also ignited my love of French Canada and meeting people of other backgrounds. I encourage students to make the effort to talk to French speakers in French whenever they can, because when you speak to others in their native language, it is usually really appreciated.