We value the learning of French and recognize the many benefits that French-language skills provide students.
We offer two programs for French as a second language:
Core French
The Core French program is mandatory in all English-language schools. Core French instruction begins in Grade 4 and is offered to the end of Grade 12. Students must complete one credit of Core French to graduate from secondary school. From Grades 4 to 8 students will receive a minimum of 600 hours of French instruction (40 minutes daily) in the following areas:
- Oral communication - listening and speaking;
- Reading;
- and Writing.
FAQs
| How can I help my child prepare for French instruction? |
| Children are not expected to know any French prior to beginning Core French in grade 4. Even if they do not know French themselves, parents can encourage their children to take an interest in French in various ways. Children might enjoy noticing and examining how French is used in their environment - for example, on packaging and on signage. Some children might also enjoy listening to French children's songs and rhymes, watching French children's programming, videos, or movies, counting in French, or singing the alphabet in French. Parent engagement leads to student success. |
| I don't speak French. How can I help my child with French homework? |
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Parents of Core French students are not expected to know French. Although French is the language of instruction in the Core French classroom, communication between school and home is in English. Parents can help by providing a regular time and place for children to complete work at home. Making homework a routine part of after-school activity will help to ensure that children do their homework assignments. It is also important for parents to applaud their children's efforts - for example, when they listen to their children read or practice oral French. |
French Immersion
Thames Valley is proud to deliver consistent, equitable access to high-quality French Immersion programming for Grade 1 to Grade 12 students across the district.FAQs
| Who may enroll? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Eligibility Requirements for September 2023:
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| Do parents/guardians need to speak French? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Parents/guardians are not expected to have French language skills in order to send their child to a French Immersion school. Parent/teacher interviews and report cards are in English.
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| Is busing provided? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes. Students will be provided transportation to their designated French Immersion school. Please note: Elementary students must reside more than 1.6 km from their school and secondary students must reside more than 3.2 km from their school. To verify eligibility for transportation, use the Check Bus Eligibility tool at mybigyellowbus.ca. |
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| What schools offer French Immersion? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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If I am transferring from another school board, what do I need to do to register for a French Immersion program? |
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| Grade 1 is the only entry point into French Immersion programming within Thames Valley. Registration must occur by September 30th of each academic year, in order to provide sufficient time for language acquisition throughout the year. If transferring from another school board, only students transferring directly from a program where at least 50% of the instruction has been in French (evidence must be provided) will be granted non-entry point registration status for all other grades. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Will my child get the same program offered in regular English school? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Yes. The French Immersion Program provides a full and balanced program in all areas of the curriculum and follows the same guidelines as those in English language schools. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| How do I register my child for French Immersion? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Refer to French Immersion Registration for more information. |
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