French Instruction Pathways for WRDSB Students

All WRDSB students have access to French as a Second Language (FSL) programs through the core French and French immersion pathways.

Pathway Diagram Description

For more information, please watch our slide deck presentation:

Core French

French for All Students

In Ontario, the curriculum requires core French instruction from Grades 4 through 9. At the WRDSB, we go further — all students begin learning French in Grade 1 and continue through Grade 9.

In Grades 10 to 12, students can choose to continue their French studies by selecting one core French course per year.
Through core French, students learn to speak, listen, read, and write in French, building skills that support communication and cultural understanding.

Elementary Core French Instructional Time Breakdown (Starting in 2023/2024)

Grade Level Minutes per 5-Day Cycle Instruction in English Minutes per 5-Day Cycle Instruction in French Total Minutes per 5-Day Cycle
Grade 1 1260 (84%) 240 (16%) (8 periods/cycle) 1500
Grades 2-8 1380 (92%) 120 (8%) (4 periods/cycle) 1500

This structure ensures that every child begins learning French early, with a balance of English and French instruction that grows with them.

French Immersion

Elementary French Immersion

Students in French immersion spend half or more of their school day learning in French. By Grade 8, the Ministry of Education requires that students receive at least 3,800 hours of French instruction.

  • French immersion begins at Grade 2 in the WRDSB.
  • Families must apply for the program.

 

Subjects Taught in French

  • Grades 2–6: French Language and Social Studies
  • Grades 7–8: French Language, History, and Geography
  • Grades 2–8: The Arts (Visual Arts, Drama, Music) and Health & Physical Education, as needed to meet French instruction requirements

Elementary French Immersion Instructional Time Breakdown (Starting in 2023/2024)

Grade Level Minutes per 5-Day Cycle Instruction in English Minutes per 5-Day Cycle Instruction in French Total Minutes per 5-Day Cycle
Grades 2-6 630 (42%) 870 (58%) (29 periods/cycle) 1500
Grades 7-8 750 (50%) 750 (50%) (25 periods/cycle) 1500

Secondary French Programs

Students who complete elementary French immersion can continue their studies in Extended French or French immersion at the secondary level.

  • Both pathways require four French language courses.
  • Extended French students also complete at least three additional courses in other subjects taught in French.
  • French immersion students complete at least six additional courses in other subjects taught in French.

 

Support documents for all French as a Second Language programs