Extended French

At the elementary level, the program includes the study of French as a second language and the study of at least one other subject taught in French. The subjects are selected from the arts, social studies (Grades 1 to 6) or history and geography (Grades 7 and 8), mathematics, science and technology, and health and physical education. In Grades 5 and 6, French is the language of instruction for 50% of the time and for 40% of the time in Grades 7 and 8.

At the secondary school level, students in Extended French take four (4) French credit courses plus three (3) additional credits taught in French.

Students who complete the seven (7) secondary courses including the four (4) French courses receive a Kawartha Pine Ridge Extended French Certificate. Students who leave the Extended French Program prior to full completion of the seven (7) courses receive an “Attestation des cours” indicating the titles of the courses they have completed.

The schools that offer the Extended French program at the elementary level are:

• Brighton P.S., Brighton (Grades 5-8)
• Hillcrest P.S., Campbellford (Grades 5-8)
• Murray Centennial P.S., Trenton (Grades 5-8)

The schools that offer the Extended French program at the secondary level are:

• Campbellford District H.S., Campbellford
• East Northumberland S.S., Brighton

PLEASE NOTE: The Extended French program is being phased out as French Immersion is phased in at the above schools. SK/Grade 1 students are eligible to register for French Immersion at Brighton, Hillcrest or Murray Centennial PS for the 2024-25 school year. Grade 2 and up students registered in Extended French will be able to complete the Extended French program when they themselves reach Grade 5.

 

What are the benefits of French Immersion and Extended French?

Children enjoy language from a young age. They enjoy hearing stories and music and can repeat much of what they hear. French Immersion and Extended French programs offer your child the chance to become fluent in both of Canada's official languages. French Immersion and Extended French programs offer children positive learning experiences with life-long benefits. By studying a second language, students:

• acquire both of Canada's official languages
• learn to speak another language that is used worldwide, and acquire skills that could be useful in learning even more languages later in life
• strengthen their first-language skills
• enhance their reasoning, problem-solving and creative-thinking skills
• develop the capacity to understand and respect other cultures
• develop skills for educational and career advancement.

How is French Immersion taught?

• French Immersion begins in Senior Kindergarten.
• In Senior Kindergarten and Grade 1, children are taught 100 per cent in French.
• Beginning in Grade 2, English is taught for varying time periods throughout the grades.
• In Grades 7 and 8, the program is taught 50 per cent in each official language.

How is Extended French taught?

• Extended French begins in Grade 5, after one year of Core French instruction.
• Children are able to express an interest in learning French on their own.
• Students spend 50% to 40% of their day receiving instruction in French and at least one other subject between Grades 5-8.

How can I help my child succeed in French?

• Explain how language learning works. Help your child understand learning is gradual. Be supportive of the program and give your child a chance to adjust to it.
• Read to your child in English. Listen to your child read simple French books and stories, as language skills developed at home are transferable to school.
• Provide encouragement and positive support, e.g., praise your child's learning in French.
• Maintain good school-home communication, by meeting with teachers to discuss your child's progress.