Languages

English

Literacy development is a communal project, and the teaching of literacy skills is embeddede across the Ontario Curriculum.  However, it is the English curriculum that is dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills on which literacy is based - that is, knowledge and skills in the areas of listening and speaking, reading, writing and viewing and representing.

The English curriculum is based on the belief that language learning is critical to responsible and productive citizenship, and that all students can become successful language learners.  The curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills that they need to achieve this goal.  It aims to help students become successful language learners.

French

A vision for FSL (French as a Second Language)

That students in English language school boards will have the confidence and ability to use French effectively in their daily lives.

New 2013-2014 FSL Framework

This framework has been adopted to help Ontario schools maximize opportunities for students to reach their full potential in French as a Second Language. 

The Ministry of Education's commitment to improving the effectiveness of FSL is strengthened by an awareness and appreciation of the many proven benefits of learning an additional language. In Canada, where French and English have equal status as official languages, there are significant advantages to being able to communicate in both. Furthermore, the benefits of learning an additional language are widely acknowledged to extend beyond the obvious rewards of bilingualism.

A considerable body of research shows that second-language learning provides significant cognitive and academic benefits. It is known to enhance first-language and overall literacy skills and to provide a foundation for the learning of additional languages. There is also evidence that learning another language can help in the development of interpersonal and social skills. Research shows that people "who master more than one language increase their self-confidence and self-esteem and are more at ease with others".

Goals of the Framework

Goal 1: Increase student confidence, proficiency, and achievement in FSL.

Goal 2: Increase the percentage of students studying FSL until graduation.

Goal 2: Increase student, educator, parent, and community engagement in FSL

"The Government of Canada considers linguistic duality not only as a basis of Canadian identity, but also an essential tool for ensuring Canadians' openness to the world. Through second-language education, the Government offers young Canadians a boost toward wider professional horizons and a key to the international stage."  (Roadmap for Canada?s Linguistic Duality 2008-2013)

 Courses

*Courses offered in alternate years.

See the course calendar for full course descriptions or visit French Immersion for details.