Programs

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All DSBN secondary schools serve multilingual learners, and every educator shares responsibility for supporting students in ways that value their languages, cultures, and lived experiences.

Inclusive and Equitable Access

French language programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all students. At the DSBN, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to French language learning for every learner.

Why Learn French?

The ability to speak and understand French allows students to communicate with French-speaking people in Canada and around the world, to understand and appreciate the history and evolution of their cultures, and to develop and benefit from a competitive advantage in the workforce.

While the knowledge of any language has value, French is not only a global language but the home language of many Canadians and an integral part of the Canadian identity. Learning French equips students to communicate with French-speaking Canadians and millions of French speakers around the world.

Beyond communication, learning French supports overall academic success. Research shows that studying an additional language strengthens learning skills, enhances cognitive development, and builds confidence. It also expands future opportunities and helps students become globally minded, plurilingual citizens.

Through learning French, students can:

• Communicate confidently with French speakers locally and globally
• Develop a competitive advantage in the workforce
• Build cultural awareness and appreciation for diverse perspectives
• Strengthen their first-language literacy skills
• Enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity
• Grow in confidence as learners
• Support the learning of additional languages

Adapted from The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9-12: French as a Second Language (2014).

French as a Second Language (FSL) Programs

FSL programs are designed to provide students with different levels of intensity in the development of students’ French-language knowledge and skills, as follows:

Core French

Core French Programs are available at all 16 Secondary Schools from Grade 9 through to Grade 12.

French Immersion

Five secondary schools offer French Immersion programs within the DSBN, with transportation available for eligible students. In all French Immersion courses, French is the language of instruction.

To earn a French Immersion Certificate, students must successfully complete a minimum of 10 French Immersion courses between Grade 9 and Grade 12.

The following schools offer French Immersion Programs:

• A.N. Myer Secondary School, Niagara Falls
• Governor Simcoe Secondary School, St. Catharines
• West Niagara Secondary School, Grimsby
• Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School, St. Catharines
• Welland Centennial Secondary School, Welland

DELF – Diplôme d’études en langue française

The DELF is a diploma issued by France’s Ministry of National Education that officially certifies the French language abilities of non-native speakers. The diploma is earned by successfully challenging one of the four DELF levels. The diploma is valid for life and is recognized internationally.

Discover the rich histories, cultures, perspectives, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples while exploring issues that shape communities across Canada. Indigenous Studies helps students deepen their understanding of Indigenous experiences, build critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and engage thoughtfully with important topics at the local, regional, and national levels. Through meaningful learning and reflection, students develop the knowledge and confidence to become informed, respectful, and active citizens in an increasingly diverse world.

Explore a future in the skilled trades! Through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), students can earn Co-op credits, gain hands-on experience in a trade of interest, and build valuable skills and industry connections. With more than 140 skilled trades to choose from, OYAP gives students the opportunity to explore apprenticeship as a post-secondary pathway and even begin an apprenticeship while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Play, Explore, Discover!

Outdoor Education gives students opportunities to learn through experience, discovery, and hands-on exploration.

Specialist High Skills Major offers students the opportunity to build sector-specific skills, earn industry standard certifications, gain real-world experience from trade professionals and the opportunity to work directly with community partners.

Grade 8 students have the opportunity to get a head start on high school while building confidence before September and earning a credit along the way.
Online and Asynchronous format.

An opportunity for Low German-speaking students to work full-time while still earning high school credits through in-person classes, independent learning and teacher support.