Core French

Core French is mandatory for all students in English-language elementary schools.

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board offers Core French from Grade 4 to 12.

Students between Grades 4 and 8 receive French instruction every year and complete a minimum of 600 hours instruction (200 minutes week) in the language by the end of Grade 8.

To obtain their Ontario school diploma, students must complete at least one credit in French as a second language in secondary school. Students can continue their learning of French beyond that minimum requirement by taking French courses in Grade 10, 11 and 12 and by participating in school trips or exchanges in French speaking communities.

Learning French as a second language opens doors to a world of opportunities. Our schools offer Core French language programs to all students, starting in Grade 4. Qualified and caring teachers teach these programs.

What are the advantages of learning Core French?

Learning French is valuable because it is one of Canada's two official languages. In addition, research confirms that knowledge of a second language:

• strengthens first-language skills
• enhances problem-solving and reasoning skills, the capacity for creative thinking and the ability to respect and understand other cultures
• strengthens students' ability to communicate and participate effectively in the workplace and global community.

How is Core French taught?

Core French instruction begins for all students in Grade 4 and continues to the end of Grade 8.

Students must also complete one credit in French as a Second Language to obtain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Core French instruction from Grades 4 to 8 includes 200 minutes of French instruction each week, focused on the following three main areas of language use:

• reading
• writing
• oral communication - listening and speaking.

Students receive a letter grade in each area from Grades 4 to 6 and then percentage marks in Grades 7 and 8.

What language skills will my child gain?

The Ontario Curriculum for French as a Second Language Grades 4 to 8 clearly states that by the end of Grade 8, most children should be able to:

Speaking

• use a variety of simple expressions to talk about familiar topics
• use a variety of vocabulary and expressions to talk about ideas, feelings, and opinions

Listening

• listen to simple oral texts in structured and open-ended situations

Reading

• read a variety of simple materials, from 400-600 words long, and demonstrate understanding

Writing

• write in a variety of forms using language appropriate for the situation
• identify and use the vocabulary, grammar, and language appropriate to the grade level.

Expectations for each grade can be found at the Ministry of Education web site, at www.edu.gov.on.ca.

How can I help my child succeed in learning French?

By taking an interest in your child's French studies, you can help foster success. Here are some things you can do:

• Speak positively about the benefits of second language learning.
• Look for opportunities to learn French together, by:
• watching French television or a movie in French
• travelling to areas of Canada where French is spoken
• listening to French radio.
• Demonstrate interest in French by asking questions about what your child is learning.

What if my child is struggling?

All students are required to take Core French. Students with exceptional learning needs receive program accommodations or modifications, to ensure success. These needs are recorded in the student's Individual Education Plan.

If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your child's Core French teacher immediately, to ensure a positive working relationship.