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The Northwest Catholic District School Board
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French Language
​​​​​​​French as a Second Language
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Core French and French Immersion Programs
French as a Second Language (FSL) is taught in English-language school Boards.  The FSL programs that are offered at the Northwest Catholic District School Board are Core French and French Immersion.  Our Core French programs are for students in grades 4-8 and our French Immersion programs begin in Kindergarten and continue to grade 8.  For more information about each program see our menu bar, and refer to the French as a Second Language Curriculum Document​, 2013.

Our Board offers Core French Programs for students at the following schools: 

  • St. Mary School - Grades 4-8
  • St. Patrick's School - Grades 4-8
  • St. Joseph's School - Grades 4-8
  • Sacred Heart School - Grades 4-8

We also offer French Immersion Programs for students at the following schools:

  • St. Joseph's School - Kindergarten to Grade 8
  • St. Mary School - Kindergarten to Grade 8
  • Sacred Heart School - Kindergarten to Grade 3

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Vision and Goals of the French as a Second Language Curriculum

All programs in the French as a second language curiculum at the elementary level share a common vision, as follows:​

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 in the world.

The vision for our FSL students is that they will all have the confidence and ability to use French effectively in their daily lives.​

Goals:

In all French as a second language 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 strategies;
  • become lifelong language learners for personal growth and for participation as world citizens.


Benefits of Learning FSL​

  • ​Enhances cognitive abilities (improved memory, abstract thinking, flexible, and creative thinking)
  • Strengthens first language skills, literacy skills and academic ability
  • Provides a foundation for learning additional languages
  • Helps development of interpersonal and social skills
  • Increases self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Increased intellectual potential
  • Heightens respect for and value of cultural diversity
  • Improves career opportunities​

"In an era of increasing globalization, it is critical to heighten students' awareness that English-French bilingualism is an economic and cultural asset both within Canada and beyond."
  (A Framework for FSL in Ontario Schools, K-12, p.3)


Question Corner​ for Parents

Will my child be able to speak French as well as read, write, and understand it?

What can I do if my child encounters difficulties in French?

How will my child benefit by studying French as a Second Language?

How can parents help with French homework if they don't speak French?

How can I prepare my child for learning French as a Second Language?

How can I help my child understand the benefits of FSL?

How can I be involved in French at my childs school if I don't speak French?


Additional Resources 

French as a Second Language Curriculum Document​​

Canadian Parents for​ French ​

Including Students with Special Needs in French As A Second Language Programs ​