French Immersion

Senior Kindergarten to Grade 12

French Immersion has been offered as an optional program in our Board since 1981 and is one of the most effective methods known for teaching a second language.

In PVNCCDSB schools, the French Immersion program is "Early Immersion". This means that 90% of instruction in Senior Kindergarten and Grade 1 is delivered in French. When English Language Arts (reading, writing, and oral communication) is introduced in Grade 2, the percentage of French instruction is decreased to 80%. From this point on, more English instruction is added while other subjects continue to be taught in French, following the same curriculum as the regular English program. By Grade 7, half of the instruction is in French and half is in English.

In Secondary School, students are required to compete a combined total of ten credits in French and/or in other subjects taught in French in order to receive a certificate in French Immersion

Early Immersion works well because it takes advantage of young children's inherent inclination to learn languages, and their natural ability for mimicry, memorization, and repetition; they face new challenges with enthusiasm and an open mind. As the teacher communicates with them in French, they go about the same activities as their peers in the English program - and easily pick up the vocabulary and rhythm of the language.

Research shows that success in learning a language is directly related to the amount of time spent hearing and speaking it. The Board's Early Immersion program offers students more time for learning French, and they naturally develop confidence and an ability to speak with native-like fluency.

For additional information, including:

Please click on this link to view: French Immersion Brochure

A Treasure Chest for French Immersion Parents has been developed by the Durham District School Board and made available to parents within the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board.  It has been developed to assist parents during the first few years of their child's education.  It is designed to be an easy language reference, and a way for both students and parents to become more proficient in French.