French in Secondary Schools
Core French
French Immersion
LDCSB offers the French Immersion program at four schools:
• Regina Mundi (students living in the St. Anthony FI catchment area)
• Mother Teresa (students living in the St. John FI catchment area)
• St. Mary’s (students living in the Holy Family FI catchment area)
• St. Joseph’s (students living in the Monsignor Morrison catchment area)
Eligibility: only students transferring from another French Immersion or French First Language program are admitted to the secondary French Immersion program.
In the French immersion program, students accumulate at least ten of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma credits in French:
• Four FSL language courses, where French is the subject of study
• At least six other subjects in which French is the language of instruction
Courses:
Grade 9: French (FIF 1D), Religion (HRE 1OZ), Geography (CGC 1WZ)
Grade 10: French (FIF 2D), Religion (HRE 2OZ), History (CHC 2D) Civics and Careers
Grade 11: French (FIF 3U), Religion (HRT 3MZ)
Grade 12: French (FIF 4U), Religion (HRE 4MZ or HZT 4UZ)
Why continue in French until the end of Grade 12?
Medical: You might be called upon to interpret for a patient who speaks French. You might be asked to interpret for a patient who does not speak English, speaks another language, but can communicate in French. Continued learning of another language can also help you understand cultural nuances, regardless of the language. Having intercultural competencies will help patients feel comfort in your care.
Finance/Business: You might start in a company with a higher pay structure based on having a bilingual status. You might be assigned to work with a specific region that uses French to communicate. Continued development of FSL beyond Grade 12 allows you to learn sector-specific language which can help with marketability within a company or sector.
Retail/Service Industry: You might be able to build a regular client base by providing services in French. Word of mouth throughout a community can result in new customers seeking local businesses where they can obtain service in French. Continued spontaneous interaction outside of the classroom allows you to build your confidence.
Tourism: You might find that during your post-secondary studies you work in a region that is designated a tourist destination in Ontario, across Canada or abroad.
National and provincial parks, museums, tourist attractions, wineries and tourist attractions offer services/tours in French. Continued language development will not only allow you to interact spontaneously but will also give you rich vocabulary to use when giving specific information about an attraction.
Trades: You might find that work may take you to a region where French is the language most used (i.e., Ice Storm - Eastern Ontario). You might find that some of your colleagues may have moved to your region to gain work, speaking French allows for better collaboration. Continued use of French beyond Grade 12 allows you to communicate with a greater breadth of people and could result in mobility within a company.
Opportunities for French Students
DELF Exam: The DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) is an official international diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education indicating the CEFR level of proficiency of candidates for whom French is a second language. It is based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which defines language proficiency along six global levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. The exam is offered to grade 12 French students each year in the spring. France Education International offers the Diplome d’études en langue française (DELF) with Ministry of Education support, to any student enrolled in grade 12 French (Core French OR French Immersion.) LDCSB students can participate in this exam during the spring session – typically in May, with exact dates announced late fall each year. Visit Destination DELF for more information about this French language certification.
Explore Official Languages Programs: Summer program allows students 13+ to visit a francophone area, receive French language instruction, participate in themed workshops and cultural activities. Free to apply, and tuition, instructional materials, meals, and lodging are covered. Participants pay travel expenses and optional activities.
YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange: Summer program allows youth ages 16 and 17 the opportunity to travel, work, and learn a second Official Language. Cost of travel to and from host community and expenses related to activities run by the local coordinator are covered.
ACUFC Bursaries for Postsecondary Studies in French: If your first official language spoken is English and you are pursuing your postsecondary studies in French in Canada, you could be eligible for a non-renewable $3,000 bursary!