French Programming Changes FAQs
What are the changes to French Language courses offered in September 2011?
This update outlines changes to UCDSB French language instruction that began in September 2010. In preparing for these changes, it will be important to communicate to parents and staff that student access to French language instruction will not be compromised. The purpose of these changes, taking six years to fully implement, is to optimize student access to consistent French language instruction across the school board.
The UCDSB currently offers multiple and overlapping versions of French programming, with entry points ranging across Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 5 and Grade 7. Some of these programs are incompatible with Ministry requirements for French language instruction. The following outline provides a structure in support of Core French and Early French Immersion as the accepted French language programs for UCDSB students.
Grades for Early French Immersion Implementation
Schools offering Early French Immersion have the opportunity to register students for Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, grade 1 and grade 2 each year. Adding one grade per year, it can be seen that the full phase-in of Early French Immersion, for a K-6 school, will be completed by September, 2013.
Grandfathering of Existing Programs
Students currently (2010-11) in grade 4 will have the continued opportunity to access grade 5 entry extended French at those sites currently offering this program, or, in some cases at another school in the family of schools (due to high enrollment in the Early Immersion program in some schools, those particular schools will become a single track immersion centre). The full phase-out of the grade 5 entry extended French program will be completed by the end of the 2014-15 school year.
Students currently (2010-11) in grades 4, 5, and 6 will have the continued opportunity to access grade 7 entry extended French at those sites currently offering this program. The full phase-out of the grade 7 entry extended French program will also be completed by the end of the 2014-15 school year.
Core French Programming
Core French will continue to be available to all UCDSB students. There is now a consistent number of minutes per day of Core French instruction across the Board of 40 minutes per day. A consistent delivery of core French instruction across the board supports the delivery of a quality program that accounts for the newly developed primary curriculum, with opportunities to build teacher capacity and ensure equitable and consistent student access to French language instruction.
Common Questions:
Overall, how will the change in French programming affect schools?
The French Language changes will be coordinated in a manner whereby parents and students will have a good understanding of the program options available to them. There will be changes to the number of students attending some schools, based upon the parent/student desire for these programs.
Each UCDSB school will continue to adjust their success plan to account for the needs of students, accounting for the programs offered at the school.
What are the Ministry requirements for an Immersion program?
Ministry Policy and program requirements dictate that for Elementary School:
- in the Core French program: students must accumulate 600 hours by the end of grade 8
- in the French Immersion program: students must accumulate 3800 hours by the end of grade 8
Ministry Policy and program requirements dictate that for Secondary School:
in the Extended French program: students must accumulate a total of 7 credits, 4 of which are in Extended French and a minimum of 3 courses in other subjects taught in French
in the French Immersion program: students must accumulate 10 credits, with a minimum of 4 courses in French Immersion, and a minimum of 6 courses in other subjects taught in French
Where can we expect our children’s level of bilingualism to be when they graduate high school?
Students should have a functional knowledge of French and appreciate the Francophone culture.
Does the Ministry issue Bilingual Certificates?
No. It is up to the individual school to decide whether to issue certificates.
What subjects are taught in French?
Français, Social Studies, Health and Physical Education, and the Arts.
How do you determine whether your child is academically strong enough for the French Immersion program?
Language acquisition is open for all to experience. Motivation and home support are key factors to success.
Will the level of ability in the first language suffer if they choose French Immersion?
No. The teaching strategies for language acquisition are similar for both.
Can Immersion students receive special education or remedial help?
Yes. Students with special needs may access special education or remedial help.
If parents speak only English, how will parents help their child with their homework?
Home/School communication and following guidelines as set out by the classroom teacher.
Will communication from school be in English?
Yes
Will all French Immersion students receive transportation?
All Immersion students will be transported, according to current Board policy. If your child lives in the boundary of his/her home school, then you will be provided transportation to the designated French centre for that home school. Those within walking distance of the centre will continue to walk.
Must students attend the French Centre designated in the enrolment package or can they access another French Centre?
Students must access designated centres.
How will registration be handled?
An on- line pre-registration process is available on the Board Web site at www.ucdsb.on.ca again this winter, for all Kindergarten and French Immersion registration, Junior Kindergarten/Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, 5 (if applicable now), and Grade 7 (if applicable now). Aligned with the on-line option will be a central call in number for parents to phone and register.
If a student was not enrolled in Early French Immersion in Kindergarten, can he/she access French Immersion in Grades 1 or 2?
Yes. A student can begin French Immersion in Grade 1, or Grade 2 as Kindergarten is not a compulsory program.
If a student takes French Immersion at the designated French centre, can all of their siblings attend the centre as well?
No. Only the student taking French Immersion may attend the designated French Centre for the following reasons:
-To maintain the viability of the community schools;
-To maintain space at the French Centre for students entitled to attend; and
-Siblings may apply through the Cross Boundary Transfer Process. They may be admitted subject to the availability of space and at no additional cost to the Board (i.e., additional staff). Transportation, however, will not be provided.
** The sibling can apply for transportation through the “Request For Transportation” application and process. Parents should contact the transportation department directly at 1-800-818-3679 for information and details.