Bonjour et Bienvenue!!
We are very happy and proud to be able to offer a French Immersion program at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School.
The goal of this program is to develop overall skills and communication in French through an action-oriented approach. At Notre Dame, students must complete at least ten courses in French with the option of two additional courses available which fulfills the requirements of a French Immersion program. This will give our students more opportunities to develop their proficiency in French.
Opening Doors to Opportunities
As a Board, we value the learning of French and recognize the many benefits that French language-skills provide students. Our French language programs open doors to opportunities! Watch the video below to learn more about what our elementary and secondary students have to share about learning French.
Studying French
The study of French is an important part of the secondary school curriculum. French is one of Canada's two official languages, but also widely used around the world.
As one of Canada's two official languages, the study of French is an important part of the secondary school curriculum. Widely used around the world, the ability to read, write, listen and speak in French is valuable for a number of reasons. Learning French allows students to:
- strengthen their first-language skills;
- enhance their critical and creative thinking abilities;
- increase their understanding of other cultures; and
- gain career advantages.
Goals of French as a Second Language programs
The primary goal of French as a Second Language (FSL) programs in Ontario is to increase students' confidence and proficiency to use French effectively in their daily lives. All FSL programs emphasize the development of:
- listening;
- speaking;
- reading; and
- writing skills.
French programs offered
Core French (Through the English and Modern Languages Department)
Secondary students have the option of studying French at an academic, applied and open level. All students must complete a minimum of one French credit for graduation.
French Immersion program (Through the French Immersion Department)
Students who have completed a French Immersion program in elementary school can continue their French language studies at the secondary level. Please note the number of hours required for entering the French Immersion program requires a minimum of 3800 hours.
Secondary students are required to complete 30 credits to receive their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The French Immersion program requires students to complete 10 of the 30 credits in French. Upon completion, our students receive a French Immersion certificate at graduation. The chart below outlines the courses students are required to take in French.
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
French |
French |
French |
French |
|
Religion |
Religion OR Religion Through the Arts |
World Religions |
Religion (optional) |
|
Geography |
History |
||
|
Health and Physical Education |
Careers and Civics (optional) |
If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the French Immersion Program, please do not hesitate to contact Mme J. Rodriguez (Curriculum Chair) at 905 686-4300 ext. 41474.
If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the Core French Program, please contact Mrs. N. Duguay (Interim Curriculum Chair) at 905 686-4300.
French Enrichment
The Explore Language Learning Program allows students to immerse themselves in French culture during the summer.
