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.
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
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
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.
| 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) |
Grades 4-6 — Students in all schools choose Extended French (25%) OR French Immersion (50%)
| Grade 4-6 Subjects taught in French | Grade 4-6 Subjects taught in English |
|---|---|
| French Language Arts | English Language Arts |
| Health | Math |
| 3 Arts (Drama, Music, Visual Arts) | Science |
| Social Studies | |
| Religion | |
| Physical Education | |
| 1 Art (Dance) |
| 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) |
Deciding between Extended 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 Extended/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 7-8 — Students in all schools choose Core French (1 of 8 classes) or French Immersion (4 of 8 classes)
| 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) |
| 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
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.
| 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. |
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.