The aim of the French Immersion and Extended French programs is to develop and refine students' ability to communicate in French as well as to expand their knowledge of the language through the study of francophone literature.
By the end of the four-year program, students will participate easily in conversations and discussions; may be able to take courses at the college or university level in which French is the language of instruction; and may be able to accept employment in which French is the working language.
Schools grant a certificate in French Immersion once the student has successfully completed the sequence of four courses in French Immersion and a minimum of six courses in other subjects taught in French. A certificate in Extended French requires the completion of four French language courses and a minimum of three courses in other subjects taught in French.
French Immersion at the secondary level is offered at Brantford Collegiate Institute & Vocational School and North Park Collegiate-Vocational School. Extended French is offered at Simcoe Composite School.
The DELF (diplôme d’études en langue française, or French language studies diploma) is an internationally-recognized certification of proficiency in French for non-francophones.
DELF exams take place in 175 countries worldwide. There are six separate diplomas possible, based on the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A1 and A2 (basic user), B1 and B2 (independent user), and C1 and C2 (proficient user).
Grade 12 Core, Extended, and Immersion FSL (French as a Second Language) students have the opportunity to challenge one of the following three exams, under the guidance of their French teacher: A2, B1, or B2. 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. The Grand Erie District School Board encourages its students in all FSL pathways to challenge the DELF in their Grade 12 year.
** Due to COVID-19, the DELF has been paused for 2020. Any updates will be promptly communicated to those impacted.