School board to hold meetings for Extended French Program

December 13, 2013 · 0 Comments

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will hold a series of public information meetings for parents and guardians interested in enrolling their children in the board’s Extended French Program for the next school year.
The sessions are intended to provide an overview of the program, criteria for admittance and changes that can be expected from the regular program.
One of the sessions will be Jan. 14 at Holy Family Elementary School at 61 Allan Dr. in Bolton, starting at 7 p.m., and other will be Jan. 15 at St. Andrew Elementary School at 50 Meadow Dr. in Orangeville, starting at 7 p.m.
The Extended French Program starts in Grade 5, with half of the total instruction is in French. The program includes studies in French language arts, social studies, science and one of either visual arts, music, drama or physical education. The program leads into Extended French at the secondary school level, where French language arts, geography, history and world religions are offered.
Students in the Extended French Program usually attain a mid-range level of competency in the language. This means that after at least 2,670 hours of French instruction during his/her school career, the student should be able to read newspapers and books, with the occasional help of a dictionary, as well as watch and understand radio and television news and other programs. The student should also be able to participate adequately in conversation, demonstrate knowledge of the culture, society, customs, economy, government and institutions of a French-speaking community and, after a few months residence, and function quite well in a French-speaking community.
Parents looking for additional information can contact one of the schools offering the program, and are strongly encouraged to attend the information session at the school offering the program in their area, or go to the board’s website at www.dpcdsb.org