The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario wants parents to know they’re committed to French language education.
The school board says it is committed to the goals set out by the Framework for French as a Second Language. Currently they are offering a number of French language programs including core or intensive French, Extended French and French Immersion.
Lyne Gratton, the board’s Curriculum Consultant, says the benefits of learning another language are now widely acknowledged to be greater than just communicating in a second language. The board says technology is an important part of the process, with websites and software helping students develop accents from around the world.
FSL Consultant Sharon O’Brien says at their Fall New Teacher Induction Program session they had 19 teachers sign up to receive support technology in the classroom. The board also says 27 teachers received training last year in the Neurolinguistic Approach, which is aligned with the board’s goal of increasing student’s confidence, proficiency and achievement.
Students with the catholic school board also have the chance to participate in authentic French experiences, like trips to Quebec City and France. The French Cooperative Education Program has also now been introduced at the secondary level.