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French Programming

French Programming


The study of French is an important part of the school curriculum. French is not only one of Canada's two official languages, but is also widely used around the world.

Knowledge of a second language is valuable for a number of reasons. Learning another language helps students: 

  • strengthen their problem-solving, reasoning and creative thinking skills; 
  • develop their understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures; 
  • increase their competitiveness in an increasingly global job market; and 
  • enhance their first-language and overall literacy skills. 

In addition to providing a foundation for the learning of additional languages and the potential for more opportunities to participate in an increasingly globalized economy, learning French helps Ontario students to understand Canada's history and to develop an appreciation of French culture. 

What are the requirements? 

Since French is one of Canada's two official languages, students in UCDSB schools are required to study French from Kindergarten to Grade 9 and optional from Grade 10 to 12. 
 

What French programs are available in the Upper Canada District School Board? 

  • Core French - Students learn French as a subject. At the elementary level, students begin learning French in Kindergarten, and they accumulate a minimum of 600 hours of French instruction by the end of Grade 8.  At the secondary level, courses are offered for Grade 9 and 10 and university preparation and open courses are offered for Grade 11 and 12. The availability of French courses in secondary schools varies from school to school. Parents are encouraged to contact schools directly for more information.

  • French Immersion - At the elementary level, French is the language of instruction for 50 per cent of the school day. Students have French language, social studies, art and health/physical education in French. At the secondary level, courses are offered for Grade 9 and 10 and university preparation and open courses are offered for Grade 11 and 12. In the French Immersion program, students accumulate 10 credits in French: four are French as a Second Language courses (FSL) and six are other subjects in which French is the language of instruction.
Families interested in learning more about French programming, are encouraged to contact their local school. Here is a list of schools and the French programming they offer.

French Curriculum Goals

The FSL curriculum strives to foster an interest in language learning that continues not only during a student's time in school but later in life. The FSL curriculum is founded on seven fundamental concepts:  

  • Authentic Oral Communication: Reception, Production, and Interaction
  • Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing: Interconnected but Distinct
  • Development of Language Learning Strategies
  • Interdependence of Language and Culture
  • Emphasis on Critical and Creative Thinking Skills
  • Goal Setting and Reflection
  • Making Real-World Connections

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