Extended French

This program is being phased out due to the expansion of our French Immersion program. However, we continue to offer the program to students currently studying Extended French through to their Grade 12 year. Please see the list of schools still offering this program.

What is Extended French?

The goal of this program is to develop overall skills and communication in French. Students in this program receive a minimum of 1,260 hours of instruction by the end of Grade 8. For more information view the Ministry of Education's - A Parents' Guide to French Immersion and Extended French document.

Elementary school

Extended French is offered to students in Grades 4 to 8. Below is the breakdown of the instruction time for the Extended French program. Please note, we only provide a Extended French program at two of our schools - St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic School, in Whitby and St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School, in Pickering. 

Resources

Resources to support parents can be found here.

Secondary school

The goal of our Extended French program is to develop a student's level of proficiency in French, while supporting their continued growth in English.

As your child transitions to Grade 9, it's time to talk with him/her about the Extended French programs available at the Secondary level. 

Courses offered

In High School, students are required to complete 30 credits to receive their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Our Extended French Secondary program requires a student to complete 10 of the 30 credits in French. The chart below outlines the courses students are required to take in French to complete the Extended French program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I help my child understand the benefits of continuing to learn French until Secondary school graduation and beyond?

Children need to understand that it takes time to develop French-language skills (FSL). Like a novice athlete or musician, an FSL learner cannot master the required skills without instruction and practice over an extended period of time. Identifying bilingual role models can motivate children to continue their French studies.

Take time to discuss the benefits of having French-language skills with children when they are thinking about Secondary school course options, so that they can make decisions that do not limit their future opportunities. Parents and guardians can point out that there are organizations and companies, both in Canada and around the world, that require French-language skills.
Having a high level of proficiency in French can provide additional career opportunities.

Q. What should my child consider when choosing French courses at the Secondary level?

Grade 8 students should reflect on their strengths, interests and goals as they consider the course descriptions and expectations outlined in the Ontario curriculum documents. Students are encouraged to discuss their choices with their current elementary teacher and where possible, with Guidance or the Extended French curriculum chair during school visits.

Q. Will my child receive an Extended French certificate at graduation?

Your child will receive an Extended French certificate at Grade 12 graduation. This certificate is NOT a bilingual certificate. The certificate will acknowledge the hours your child has spent studying French. Post-secondary institutions will know that your child was enrolled in the Extended French program based on the course codes.

Q. Where can I find information on Post-secondary opportunities to study in French?

Ontario colleges and universities offer courses in French for those students interested in continuing their education in French as a Second language. Students can search for French courses on the websites of Post-secondary institutions.

Secondary schools offerings Extended French

We offer the Extended French program at the following three Secondary schools:

• Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School in Whitby
• Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Ajax
• St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Pickering

Registration for Secondary School

If your child is currently enrolled in our elementary Extended French program, a Guidance counsellor from will visit your child's school for course selection.

If your child is currently enrolled in Extend French or French Immersion, but attends a school outside of our Board, you can register online or visit the one of the school listed above.

Transportation is provided for our Extended French students if they reside within the busing zone and as per the busing guidelines.