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. Starting in September 2023, all students will automatically enroll in core French for Grade 1. The Grade 2 French immersion entry point begins in September 2024 (for students born in 2017)
Core French
The Ontario curriculum mandates core French instruction from Grades 4 through 9. Core French is taught to all Waterloo Region District School Board students from Grades 1 through 9. In Grades 10 through 12, students may continue to study French by selecting one core French course per year. Students who study core French learn the French language by speaking, listening, reading and writing.
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 |
French Immersion
Elementary
Students enrolled in French immersion participate in a program that offers 50 percent or more of their day learning in French. The Ministry of Education specifies that a French immersion program must offer a minimum of 3800 instructional hours by Grade 8.
Starting September 2023, French immersion in the Waterloo Region District School Board begins in Grade 2. Students must apply to the French immersion program. Subjects taught in French include:
- French Language and Social Studies (Grades 2 to 6).
- French Language, History and Geography (Grades 7 and 8).
- The Arts (Visual Arts, Drama, and Music), and Health & Physical Education (Grades 2 through 8, as needed to meet French minutes requirement).
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
Extended French and French immersion programs are available to students who have completed the elementary French immersion program and would like to continue with more intensive French instruction.
Extended French and French immersion programs require students to complete four French language courses. Students enrolled in extended French must also complete a minimum of three courses in other subjects taught in French. Students enrolled in French immersion must complete a minimum of six courses in other subjects taught in French.
Support documents for all French as a Second Language programs
- Ontario Ministry of Education – French as a Second Language program requirements
- Canadian Parents for French
- French as a Second Language (FSL) Homework Toolbox
- Including Students with Special Education Needs in French as a Second Language Programs: A Guide for Ontario Schools
- Welcoming English Language Learners into French as a Second Language Programs
- For tips and information on helping your child learn French, download Supporting Your Child’s Success in French Immersion and Extended French, Kindergarten – Grade 8 Parent Guide