FRENCH @ THE RCDSB Open the door to a world of opportunity!
We understand that you want to make the best choice for your child. That's why we have a fiveyear plan to build equity of access to French-as-a- Second-Language (FSL) programming. This plan is aimed at ensuring that any student, regardless of where they live within Renfrew County, who wishes to take French language programming, will be able to do so. The FSL expansion will ensure that all schools across the District deliver the same programming in order to give students the choice of pursuing an education pathway that includes high-quality French language instruction. This will serve our overall goal of improving student achievement and well-being and establish a clear program pathway in all FSL programs for students graduating into high school. For more information check us out online! www.rcdsb.on.ca/french or call 613-735-0151
It has a name, but what does it mean? Core French Students learn French as a subject. At the elementary level, students must accumulate a minimum of 600 hours of French instruction by the end of Grade 8. At the secondary level, academic, applied and open courses are offered for Grades 9 and 10; university preparation and open courses are offered for Grades 11 and 12. French Immersion program, students accumulate ten credits in French: four are FSL language courses and six are other subjects in which French is the language of instruction. Middle French Immersion Begins in Grades 4-8 and students receive instruction in both French and English. In Grades 4-6, students receive 180 minutes of instruction in French and in grades 7-8 students receive 50 percent of instruction in French. Students learn French as the language of instruction in two or more other subjects. At the elementary level, at least 50 per cent of all instruction is provided in French. At the secondary level, academic and applied courses are offered for Grades 9 and 10; university preparation and open courses are offered for Grades 11 and 12. In the French Immersion
Why French Immersion? We are a nation of two official languages: French and English and the Canadian story is a story of rich cultures existing together. We believe that an education balanced with French, provides students with a skill they can use over their lifetime. This helps grow students into adults who value lifelong learning. We also believe in offering choice for parents and students. We believe that learning another language provides your child with the opportunity to consider and pursue a range of careers from across the country and world. French Programming Beginning in Kindergarten, students have French language instruction for half the day. Once students enroll in Grade 1, parents can choose to enter into the English Stream with Core French or maintain their child in French Immersion. If you choose to stay in the Immersion program, your child will continue to Grade 8 and receive 50% of their day in French. In Grades 1-6 the subjects taught in French are: Science and Technology Health and Physical Education Arts History and Geography Social Studies By completing the French Immersion program from Grades 1-8, your child will be eligible to enroll in either Immersion or Extended French at the secondary level.
FAQs What criteria does the District use to offer the French Immersion program at a school? When there is enough interest (enrollment), if space is available at a school and qualified staff can be placed, a school may be considered as a possible site for the French Immersion program. Please note that these are not the only factors staff consider when determining which schools If my child does not begin the French Immersion program, could I provide tutoring for him/her so that he/she may enroll? Parents must decide to start their child on the French Immersion pathway in Grade 1. Tutoring will not provide your child with the required number of hours in French language instruction to ensure that they are at the same level as their peers. How do I find out how to register my child for French Immersion? Schools will hold information sessions for parents/guardians and the District will advertise and post information on its website and social media. Does the District limit the number of students who can register for French Immersion? Our process is designed to accommodate as many students as possible. How do I register my child for French Immersion? Each year, registration opens in the middle of January and closes on February 1 so that we can establish the schools that will offer the program for the following school year. We continue to accept registrations for the remainder of the year, up to the first week of October of the Grade
1 year. The specific dates vary from year to year and are communicated as part of our parent information nights, advertisements, and website information. My neighbourhood school has French Immersion. When I register, will my child have priority to attend that school? If you live within the zone boundary for that particular school, your child is expected to attend that school. Students who live outside the boundary, may request a Cross Boundary Transfer to attend. These are not a given and are typically granted in cases where programming is not available at their designated home school or if they have an older sibling attending the school. To see what your school boundary is, visit www.onthebus.ca. was previously enrolled and the level of French written and spoken by the student. An assessment would be required before your child can attend the program. Will the District offer transportation to students enrolled in the Immersion program? Yes. Similarly, transportation to a French Immersion program offered at an out of boundary school is provided. The regular walking distance policy applies to students attending their neighbourhood school for the French Immersion program. If my child arrives later than October, may he/she enroll in French Immersion? Each case is assessed individually depending on the type of French program in which the student