Our French Programs

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Our Schools

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

An infographic explaining OCSB French programs at the different grade levels.

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 FrenchGrade 1-3 Subjects taught in English
French Language ArtsEnglish Language Arts
Social StudiesMath
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 FrenchGrade 4-6 Subjects taught in English
French Language ArtsEnglish Language Arts
HealthMath
3 Arts (Drama, Music, Visual Arts)Science
Social Studies
Religion
Physical Education
1 Art (Dance)
Grade 4-6 Subjects taught in FrenchGrade 4-6 Subjects taught in English
French Language ArtsEnglish Language Arts
Social StudiesMath
HealthScience
Physical EducationReligion
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 FrenchGrade 7-8 Subjects taught in English
French Language ArtsEnglish Language Arts
Math
Science
History/Geography
Religion
Physical Education
4 Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts)
Grade 7-8 Subjects taught in FrenchGrade 7-8 Subjects taught in English
French Language ArtsEnglish Language Arts
History/GeographyMath
ReligionScience
Physical Education3 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 FrenchFrench 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.