French

The study of French 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.

The aim of the French as a second language (FSL) curriculum is to prepare students to perform effectively in the challenging world they will face by providing them with the skills they will need to communicate in a second language. To make the curriculum relevant to students’ lives, knowledge and skills are taught in contexts that reflect their interests and experiences. Students will be able to choose from courses that lead to the study at the post secondary level or to the workplace, depending on their individual interests, strengths, and aspirations.

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.