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. (Applied and Academic)
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
Extended French
The aim of the Extended French 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 Extended French if the student has successfully completed the sequence of eight courses in grades 9 and 10 Extended French and a minimum of two Extended French courses in grades 11 and 12.