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The French Immersion program at DCDSB begins in Grade 1 and is designed to provide non-Francophone students with a high degree of proficiency in the French language. The goal is to develop the student’s level of proficiency in French, while supporting their continued growth in English. French Immersion provides students with the opportunity to achieve a high level of functional bilingualism, which strengthens their ability to communicate and participate effectively in the workplace and global community. Emphasis is placed on oral communication; speaking and listening, as students build and develop their abilities in expressing themselves in French. Strong oral communication skills will help to promote students’ abilities in reading and writing as students progress through the grades.
Watch our parent/guardian informational video to learn more about Grade 1 French Immersion.
Our daily instruction in the French Immersion Program is as follows:
Grades 1-3
| Grade | Percentage of Day Taught in French | Percentage of Day Taught in English |
| 1 | 90% | 10% |
| 2 | 90% | 10% |
| 3 | 90% | 10% |
Students in the DCDSB French Immersion program receive 90% of their instruction each day in French in Grades 1-3. The only subject that is taught in English is Religion/Family Life. In Grades 4-8, instruction in English increases to 50% and the subjects instructed in English now include: Religion/Family Life, English Language Arts, and Mathematics. Throughout the grades, students in the French Immersion program follow the curricula of the Ontario Ministry of Education similar to their peers in the English track.
| Spotlight on Grade 1 French Immersion |
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As your child begins in the Grade 1 French Immersion program, it is important to understand that French will be the language of instruction for the majority of the school day. The only instruction students will receive in English will take place during their Religion/Family Life class. Although students are gradually introduced to the language as they begin in September, parents and caregivers must be aware that the focus of classroom teachers is to develop a strong foundation in French as students explore the various subject areas of the Ontario curriculum.
Each day students will be exposed to new and wonderful words, expressions and phrases by their classroom teacher. Using rhymes, songs and repetition, the teacher will model the effective use of the language. Students may find it difficult initially to understand all the new vocabulary shared with them. Teachers will support students in this language barrier by using gestures, visual cues, facial expressions and body language to support students. The use of drama, music and role-play will help to create an environment where students feel secure and happy as they embark on this new learning as members of a classroom community. To promote language learning, teachers will encourage risk-taking and highlight the opportunity to make mistakes as part of the learning process.
To build on this in the home environment, parents and caregivers are encouraged to support French language learning outside of the classroom. You are encouraged to share a positive attitude towards the French language and to offer opportunities for your child to share their new learning with you at home should they want to. Initially, some students may be shy to speak French with you at home. Provide a safe and nurturing space for your child to do so when they are ready. An important key to success in the French learning environment is the role that parents and caregivers provide and understanding that all children will progress at their own pace. Students will initially comprehend more of the language than they are able to express. Very quickly, students will demonstrate the ability to understand common words and expressions used in the classroom learning environment in addition to following instructions and simple conversations. With time, students will develop the skills to be able to communicate with others in French using a broad range of basic vocabulary. From here, skills in reading and writing will develop.
In the Grade 1 French Immersion program and throughout the grades, students will be supported in developing their confidence in their French language skills. Students will be supported in feeling proud of their accomplishments as they grow and strengthen their skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. From this confidence, proficiency and stronger skills will develop to enable students to use the language effectively in their daily lives with peers and others. |
Grades 4-8
| Grade | Percentage of Day Taught in French | Percentage of Day Taught in English |
| 4 | 50% | 50% |
| 5 | 50% | 50% |
| 6 | 50% | 50% |
| 7 | 50% | 50% |
| 8 | 50% | 50% |
Note: In Grades 4-8, subjects taught in English include English Language Arts, Mathematics and Religious Education/Family Life.
Spotlight on Grade 4 French Immersion |
| With the introduction of additional instructional time in English beginning in Grade 4, parents and caregivers may notice a period of adjustment as students begin to explore new subject areas such as Mathematics and Language Arts for the first time in English. This period of transition is supported by classroom teachers and is quickly overcome as skills transfer from French to English and students become more comfortable with English as the language of instruction for one half of their school day. |
The Ministry of Education requires a minimum of 3800 hours of instruction in French in a French Immersion program at the elementary level. In the Durham Catholic District School Board, we provide a total of 4680 hours of French instruction which helps to support a strong level of proficiency before entering into the secondary program. Students’ level of language proficiency will vary due to a variety of factors however; most students will be able to communicate effectively with native French speakers. In contrast, students in the Core French program will receive a total of 600 hours of instruction in French by the end of Grade 8.