The Extended French Program begins in Grade 5 and continues up to Grade 12. The program provides students with the means to develop more advances French skills, enabling them to communicate effectively in speech and in writing, as they receive 1,900 hours of instruction by the end of Grade 8.
Elementary Extended French
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is pleased to offer the Extended French Program at 11 Elementary school locations. Elementary students should attend the Extended French School in their designated area. See the feeder school list and designated Extended French locations below:
For a list of maps of Extended French location boundaries, please click on the locations below:
Eligibility for Entry into Extended French
Entry into the Dufferin-Peel Extended French program begins in Grade 5. Students who wish to enter the Grade 5 Extended French program must be eligible to attend a Dufferin-Peel school.
Parents/Guardians who wish to enroll their child in an Extended French program after the Grade 5 entry point, can do so only if:
a) Space at the Extended French School is available, and;
b) The student was previously enrolled or currently enrolled in an Extended French Program, and/or;
c) The student can demonstrate appropriate French language proficiency.
Extended French Application and Registration Process
On January 14, 2020 the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board held a series of public information meetings in Mississauga, Brampton, Bolton and Orangeville for parents and guardians interested in enrolling their children in the board's Extended French Program for the 2020-2021 school year. The information sessions provided parents and guardians with an overview of our Extended French Program and the application process.
A summary of the information shared at the information session is provided below:
The Top 5 Things You Need to Know about the Extended French Application and Registration Process
Application packages for the Grade 5 Extended French program were distributed at the parent information session and are available for pick-up at all Extended French schools. Application submissions will be accepted at your designated Extended French School between February 4 and February 19, 2020 (3:00 pm deadline). Please note the following important dates for entry into the Grade 5 Extended French Program:
For more information about applying and registering to the Extended French Program, call 905-890-0708 ext. 24332 or 24374 or 24373.
Secondary Extended French
Secondary Extended French Locations receive students for the Elementary Extended French locations that feed into their boundaries. For a list of the elementary Extended French schools that feed into the secondary Extended French schools, please see the charts below:
Click here for approved Extended French Boundary map for Dufferin and Caledon.
Click here for approved Extended French Boundary
map for Brampton.
Click here for approved Extended French Boundary
map for Mississauga.
Transportation
Transportation is currently provided for students living within the approved boundaries of an Extended French school. Please note that transportation reviews take place on a yearly basis. Please contact STOPR for more detailed information about transportation to Extended French locations.
Why choose Extended French?
The Extended French program is open to ALL students
Various ministry documents such as the FSL Framework confirm that FSL programs are for all students. The FSL curriculum policy documents (Elementary/Secondary) outline program and planning considerations to meet the needs of all students. They prescribe the importance of supporting all learners in FSL and include information about appropriate instructional approaches [1].
There are many considerations and factors, which help parents and/or guardians, make an informed decision about the Extended French program for their child. These are:
- Enjoys and plays with language (rhyming and word games)
- Listens effectively (i.e. retell or explain a story in sequence)
- Displays strong communication skills (listening and speaking) in their mother tongue
- Follows directions and instructions
- Identifies and prints name, the alphabet and some words
- Demonstrates an awareness of individual sounds and sound patterns
- Cooperates with others and works /plays well in groups
- Perseveres and makes an effort when responding to challenges
- Looks for and acts on new ideas and opportunities
- Demonstrates a willingness to take risks
- Demonstrates curiosity and interest in learning
- Approaches new tasks with a positive attitude
- Regular attendance (known as a strong indicator for success)
These qualities encourage good learning habits in ALL subject areas.
How can I help my child in Extended French?
Many parents may have a limited background in French or may not speak the language at all. Parents do not need to know any French to support their children in Extended French. Instead, parents can give their children the most help by providing encouragement and positive support.
The FSL curriculum documents (Elementary/Secondary) state that parent can also:
- Encourage their children to talk, read, and write at home in their first language to strengthen their first-language skills, which are the foundation for learning French.
- Read aloud to their children either in their first language or in French.
- Encourage their children to write in French (e.g., shopping lists, stories, a letter).
- Go to the library with their children to borrow books, music, and DVDs in their first language and in French, and talk about them with their children.
- Join a local group to meet other parents and to find out about French resources and cultural opportunities in the community. [2][3]
For further information about parental support in FSL programs, parent(s)/guardian(s) can access the Canadian Parents for French website or can visit this ministry parent guide. Please click here an Extended French program FAQ page.
1. Including Students with Special Education Needs in French as a Second Language Programs, 2015
2. FSL Elementary curriculum (2013)
3. FSL Secondary curriculum (2014)
For more information about applying and registering to the Extended French Program, call 905-890-0708 ext. 24332 or 24374.
