Understanding French Opens Doors to a World of Possibilities
Understanding French Opens Doors to a World of Possibilities
Program Goal: Understanding French opens doors to a world of possibilities, including exploring new cultures, travel, communication, and knowledge. We want our students to have the ability and confidence to use French effectively in their daily lives. To achieve this, we engage all students in meaningful and authentic French activities, offering them an advantage in post-secondary education, the workplace, and beyond.
Building Confident Global Citizens Through French
Vision: Students will communicate and interact with growing confidence in French, one of Canada’s official languages while developing the knowledge, skills, and perspectives they need to participate fully as citizens in Canada and the world.
Goals: In all French as Second Language (FSL) programs, students realize the vision of the FSL curriculum as they strive to:
• Use French to communicate and interact effectively in a variety of social settings.
• Learn about Canada, its two official languages, and other cultures.
• Appreciate and acknowledge the interconnectedness and interdependence of the global community;
• Be responsible for their own learning, as they work independently and in groups.
• Use effective language learning strategies.
• Become lifelong language learners for personal growth and active participation as world citizens.
Steps to French Proficiency
French programs are available for all students in all our schools.
Steps to French Proficiency
French programs are available for all students in all our schools.
This guide can also be downloaded as a PDF.
Kindergarten
50% French for All Students in All Schools
Kindergarten
50% French for All Students in All Schools
In our bilingual Kindergarten program, all students spend equal amounts of time doing play-based learning activities in French and English. Learning French in Kindergarten will teach students strategies that can help them excel in other subject areas, such as reading comprehension and math.
Grades 1-3
Extended French: 25% French for All Students in All Schools
Grades 1-3
Extended French: 25% French for All Students in All Schools
At this young age, a child’s critical thinking skills are best developed in their home language. Spending a quarter of the day in French allows students to continue their growth in the second language while ensuring they develop a strong foundation in the English language.
Check Out The Subjects Taught in English (75%) and in French (25%) - Grades 1-3
| Grade 1-3 Subjects Taught in French | Grade 1-3 Subjects Taught in English |
|---|---|
| French Language Arts | English Language Arts |
| Social Studies | Math |
| Science | |
| Religion | |
| Family Life | |
| Physical Education | |
| Health | |
| 4 Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts) |
Deciding Between ‘Core’ and ‘Immersion’
All OCSB French pathways encourage students to become proficient in the French language. However, our French Immersion pathway is the most flexible. We can accommodate your child should they wish to switch to the Core French pathway in future years.
If your child wants to take High School French Immersion, you must choose Immersion in Grade 4. This will ensure they meet the Ministry of Education’s required number of French instruction hours and be eligible to receive a French Immersion certificate when they graduate. Your child’s teachers will remind you of this decision point in Grade 3 and will be happy to answer questions and provide guidance.
Deciding Between ‘Core’ and ‘Immersion’
All OCSB French pathways encourage students to become proficient in the French language. However, our French Immersion pathway is the most flexible. We can accommodate your child should they wish to switch to the Core French pathway in future years.
If your child wants to take High School French Immersion, you must choose Immersion in Grade 4. This will ensure they meet the Ministry of Education’s required number of French instruction hours and be eligible to receive a French Immersion certificate when they graduate. Your child’s teachers will remind you of this decision point in Grade 3 and will be happy to answer questions and provide guidance.
Grades 4-6
Students in All Schools Choose ‘Core French’ (15%) OR ‘French Immersion’ (50%)
Grades 4-6
Students in All Schools Choose ‘Core French’ (15%) OR ‘French Immersion’ (50%)
Core French: Check Out The Subjects Taught in French (15%) and in English (85%) - Grades 4-6
| Grade 4-6 Subjects Taught in French | Grade 4-6 Subjects Taught in English |
|---|---|
| French Language Arts | English Language Arts |
| Math | |
| Science | |
| Social Studies | |
| Religion | |
| Physical Education | |
| 4 Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts) |
French Immersion: Check Out The Subjects Taught in French (50%) and in English (50%) - Grades 4-6
| Grade 4-6 Subjects Taught in French | Grade 4-6 Subjects Taught in English |
|---|---|
| French Language Arts | English Language Arts |
| Social Studies | Math |
| Health | Science |
| Physical Education | Religion |
| 4 Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts) | |
Grades 7-8
Students in All Schools Choose ‘Core French’ (1 of 8 Classes) OR ‘French Immersion’ (4 of 8 Classes)
Grades 7-8
Students in All Schools Choose ‘Core French’ (1 of 8 Classes) OR ‘French Immersion’ (4 of 8 Classes)
Core French: Check Out The Subjects Taught in French (1 of 8 Classes) and in English - Grades 7-8
| Grade 7-8 Subjects Taught in French | Grade 7-8 Subjects Taught in English |
|---|---|
| French Language Arts | English Language Arts |
| Math | |
| Science | |
| History/Geography | |
| Religion | |
| Physical Education | |
| 4 Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts) |
French Immersion: Check Out The Subjects Taught in French (4 of 8 Classes) and in English - Grades 7-8
| Grade 7-8 Subjects Taught in French | Grade 7-8 Subjects Taught in English |
|---|---|
| French Language Arts | English Language Arts |
| History/Geography | Math |
| Religion | Science |
| Physical Education | 3 Arts (Drama, Music, Visual Arts) |
| Dance |
Grades 9-12
Students in All Schools Choose ‘Core French’ OR ‘French Immersion’
Grades 9-12
Students in All Schools Choose ‘Core French’ OR ‘French Immersion’
To earn a high school diploma, the Ontario Ministry of Education requires only one Grade 9 French course. Students may choose to end their French studies after Grade 9.
Check Out The Subjects Taught in French and in English in Core French and French Immersion - Grades 9-12
| Core French | French Immersion |
|---|---|
| 1 Grade 9 French language arts course is required to graduate high school. | 4 Immersion-level French language arts courses. |
| 3 additional French language arts courses in grades 10-12 are optional. | 6 additional subject courses taught in French. |
Grade 12 French Proficiency Test
Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)
Grade 12 French Proficiency Test
Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)
What is the DELF Exam?
The DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) exam is an internationally recognized test of French proficiency for persons whose first language is not French. Proficiency is evaluated at standardized levels across four competencies: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Successful candidates receive a diploma awarded by the French Ministry of National Education. More details about the test are available at dedestinationdelf.ca.
Who is eligible?
The OCSB offers the DELF exam twice a year (Fall and Spring) to students enrolled in FSF4U or FIF4U. Schools will share the registration process with students during the semester in which they are registered for a Grade 12 French course. Students are offered the choice of three test levels: A2 (easiest), B1, and B2 (hardest). Students should consult their French teacher to determine which level of the exam they should attempt.
The Outcomes
At the end of Grade 12, students who complete 4 French language courses receive a Core French certificate, and students who complete the 10 French courses receive a French Immersion certificate.
Learning a new language is a lifelong journey where learners progress from beginners to independent users at their own pace. Many OCSB students choose to continue their studies in French at the post-secondary level and gain valuable work in a competitive job market.
