The study of a second language is an important part of the secondary school curriculum. French is not only one of Canada’s two official languages, but is also widely used around the world. Knowledge of a second language is valuable for a number of reasons. Through learning a second language, students can strengthen their first-language skills and enhance their critical and creative thinking abilities; they also tend to become more tolerant and respectful of other cultures.
In addition, the ability to communicate in another language provides students with a distinct advantage in a number of careers, both in Canada and internationally.
French as a Second Language Programs
The FSL curriculum comprises two programs: Core French and Extended French. These programs reflect students’ differing needs in studying French and are designed to provide students with different levels of intensity in developing their French Language knowledge and skills.
Core French
The aim of the Core French program is to provide students with fundamental communication skills in French and an understanding of the nature of the language and its culture. Core French offers students the chance to develop a usable command of the French language that can be expanded through further study or through contact with French-speaking people. By the end of the four-year program, students will be able to participate in a straightforward conversation in French; will be able to read – with the help of a dictionary – books, magazines, and newspapers in French; and will be able to understand the general meaning of radio and television news and other programs
French Immersion
The aim of the French Immersion program is to develop students’ French Language knowledge and skills and to provide them with an understanding and appreciation of francophone culture in Canada and around the world. By the end of the four-year program, students will be able to converse freely on familiar topics; will be able to read – with the occasional help of a dictionary – books, magazines, and newspapers in French; and will be able to function in a French-speaking community.
The District School Board of Niagara grants a certificate in French Immersion if the student has successfully completed the sequence of 10 courses in the French Immersion program.
Other Language Programs
ASL
This course provides opportunities for students to begin to develop foundational language skills and cultural competencies in American Sign Language (ASL). Students will begin to engage in basic ASL conversational discourses in guided and interactive settings. Using a variety of strategies, they will develop skills to comprehend, construct, and present various basic ASL literary works and ASL texts, and begin to develop an understanding of the connections between ASL language, culture, and community. They will also develop the knowledge and skills necessary for lifelong language learning.
German
This course provides opportunities for students to begin to develop and apply skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the language of study. Students will communicate and interact in structured activities, with a focus on matters of personal interest and familiar topics, and will read and write simple texts in the language. Throughout the course, students will acquire an understanding and appreciation of diverse communities in regions of the world where the language is spoken. They will also develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning
Italian
This course provides opportunities for students to begin to develop and apply skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the language of study. Students will communicate and interact in structured activities, with a focus on matters of personal interest and familiar topics, and will read and write simple texts in the language. Throughout the course, students will acquire an understanding and appreciation of diverse communities in regions of the world where the language is spoken. They will also develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning.