About
Core French and French Immersion programs differ in intensity, but share a common purpose: to develop a student’s oral communication (listening and speaking), reading and writing skills in French language.
All of the French Language Programs provide benefits to students regardless of whether or not they plan post-secondary studies in French. There are, however, significant differences in focus as well as in the language competency expected of students.
Generally, a student's program choice is determined by the total number of hours of French instruction accumulated by the end of Grade 8 (600 for Core French and a minimum of 3,800 for French Immersion). The longer exposure to French instruction provided by the Immersion program allows students to acquire a greater knowledge and understanding of the language as well as greater effectiveness in its use.
Core French
The Core French program is offered from Grades 4-8 in every Grand Erie school. Instruction is given in French for a minimum of 200 minutes per five-day cycle.
In Grand Erie secondary schools, a student must earn at least one credit in French to obtain an Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma. In Grades 10 to 12, students may choose an additional academic Core French course each year.
Both the Ministry of Education and Grand Erie District School Board value the Core French program, which provides students with relevant learning experiences to develop their oral communication, reading and writing skills in French.
Students in the Core French program will demonstrate a working understanding of information heard and read. They will also be able to speak in familiar situations
The Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)
The Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) is an internationally recognized certification of proficiency in French for those whose first language is not French.
DELF exams take place in 175 countries worldwide. Grand Erie offers Grade 12 students in all French pathways (Core, Immersion and Extended French) the opportunity to challenge the DELF exam that best suits their proficiency: A2, B1 or B2, based on the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). French language skills are evaluated in the four areas of oral comprehension, oral expression, written comprehension and written expression.
Obtaining DELF certification not only opens doors to post-secondary and employment opportunities, it also serves as an official, internationally recognized testament to a student’s language learning journey and accomplishments. Grand Erie encourages its students in all French pathways to challenge the DELF in their Grade 12 year.
