​​​​​​​​​​​French as a Second Language (FSL)​​​​  

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At the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board we understand that knowledge of a second language is valuable for many reasons.

Through learning a second language, students strengthen their first-language skills, enhance their critical and creative thinking abilities, and increase their understanding 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 Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 to 12: French as a Second Language—Core, Extended, and Immersion, 2014.  

The ALCDSB offers a range of FSL programs which focus on the development of communication skills taught in authentic, meaningful contexts.  All of our programs reflect the Ontario Ministry of  Education's Vision for FSL:  Students in English-language school boards have the confidence and ability to use French effectively in their daily lives.

To read more about FSL programs at the ALCDSB:  ​ FSL at ALCDSB

Programs at ALCDSB: 

Core French:
Starting in Grade 1, all ALCDSB elementary students receive 40 minutes a day of instruction in French.  At the secondary level, all Grade 9 students study FSL. We encourage all students to continue studying French throughout their high school career. 

Extended French:
In most of our Secondary Schools, students may choose to work toward a certificate in Extended French. In the Extended French program, students accumulate seven credits in French: four are for FSL courses; three are for other subjects in which French is the language of instruction. Schools may grant a certificate in Extended French if the student fulfils these requirements.

French Immersion:
In some of our elementary schools, we offer French Immersion with entry in Kindergarten or Grade 1. In this program, French is the language of instruction except for Religion, English and Math.  Grade 8 French Immersion Graduates are encouraged to continue Extended French or French Immersion at the secondary level. 

International Baccalaureate:​
Nicholson Catholic College (Belleville) and Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School (Kingston) offer the International Baccalaureate program. Students in French Immersion may choose to complete the Higher Level Language B component of their IB Diploma. Extended or Core French students may complete the Standard Level. Language B of their IB Diploma. 

Secondary FSL Program Requirements:​

• Core French: 4 Credits
• Extended French: 7 Credits
• Immersion French: 10 Credits

 

Elementary Immersion Sites École catholique Cathédr​ale  Website Nicholson Catholic College (7-8) ​ Website Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School Website St. Mary Catholic School Website St. Michael Catholic School Website St. Paul Catholic Secondary School (7-8)  Website

Secondary Extended Sites ​St. Paul Catholic Secondary School  Website Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School  Website Secondary Extended/Immersion Site Nicholson Catholic College Website ​Regiopolis-N​otre Dame Catholic High School  Website​ ​

​What is the DELF?

The Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) is an internationally recognized test of French proficiency. It is based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which defines language proficiency along six global levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. At each level, proficiency is measured across four competencies: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. ​ 

Upon completion, successful students receive a diploma awarded by France's Ministry of National Education. This diploma is valid for life and recognized in 160 countries, as well as universities, employers and the Canadian Federal Government. ​ ​

Who Can Take the DELF? 
Students enrolled in an ALCDSB Grade 12 FSL course in the current school year, and who have not previously written the DELF. 

What is Required? 
The ALCDSB offers students a choice of 3 test levels: A2, B1, or B2. The choice should be made with help from your FSL teacher. The DELF has two components, a written exam and an oral interview. ​

DELF Tutoring Program 
The Ministry of Education is providing funding again this year to school boards through the Ontario Focused Intervention Program (OFIP) Tutoring Initiative. With this funding, the Board is offering direct support to any grade 12 French students writing the DELF exams.  
 
The DELF Tutoring Program, delivered by Tutorax, consists of nine, one-hour sessions (twice per week), beginning in late February and running until the end of March.  Participating students need to commit to the entire cycle.  
 
Students will access these on-line sessions from home in groups of up to 4 participants.  
 
The focus of these tutoring sessions will be: 

• Listening Comprehension 
• Oral communication 
  

Students interested in participating in the DELF Tutoring Program must submit their DELF registration form AND complete the tutoring application before February 13. 
 

How to take the DELF in 2023:

The DELF exam is composed of two parts: a listening, writing, and reading exam and an oral production interview. Students are required to select which testing level to challenge. This year we are offering A2, B1 and B2.  

French Teachers can help students decide the best testing level for them to complete based on their French proficiency.  

The following websites can help select appropriate levels: