We offer a Core French language program to all students beginning in Grade 4.
The Ontario Ministry of Education states, “The ability to speak and understand French allows students to communicate with French-speaking people in Canada and around the world, to understand and appreciate the history and evolution of their cultures, and to develop and benefit from a competitive advantage in the workforce. While the knowledge of any language has value, French is not only a global language, but also the mother tongue of many Canadians and an integral part of the Canadian identity. Learning French allows students to communicate with French-speaking Canadians and millions of French speakers around the world.”
Studying French as a Second Language offers students positive outcomes, such as:
Adapted from the French as a Second Language (FSL) Curriculum 2013 (Ontario Ministry of Education).
DCDSB students in Grades 10 to 12 share why they continued to take French beyond Grade 9 and why learning French is important. Watch the video below:
Core French instruction begins in Grade 4 and is offered to the end of Grade 12. Students must complete one credit of Core French to graduate from secondary school. From Grades 4 to 8 students will receive a minimum of 600 hours of French instruction (40 minutes daily) in the following areas:
All children experience a period of adjustment. The amount of time varies with each child. It is important that parents/guardians communicate with their child that this initial period, which may be frustrating, is entirely normal and that he/she is not alone. Parents/guardians should remain positive about the program and demonstrate interest in their child's/children's new learning.
Resources to support parents can be found here.