French as a second language

Overview

In Alberta, French as a second language refers to courses in which the French language is taught as a subject. These courses provide opportunities for students whose first language is not French to develop basic French-language communication skills, and to build cultural understanding, intercultural competence and language learning strategies.

Learning environment

• Learning French is optional, and school authorities decide which courses are offered.
• French is taught as a subject area.
• French is used as the language of communication in the classroom.
• Learning activities are designed to develop French skills through engaging themes and hands-on projects that reflect students' interests and life experiences.

Benefits for students

Students in French as a second language courses:

• build a foundation in French that supports continued language development
• develop an understanding of the Francophonie and the role of the French language in Canada
• develop openness to, and respect for, other languages and cultures
• acquire skills that support future learning, travel, and career opportunities

Starting French as a second language courses

• French as a second language courses are optional. Programs of study are designed to begin in Grade 4 or Grade 10, but students may start at any grade level.
• Some school authorities have local policies requiring all students to learn an additional language, with French offered as one of the options.
• For more information about French as a second language course options in your area, contact your local school authorities.

Keep in mind

• All French as a second language courses follow the K to 12 curriculum and programs of study.
• Learning additional languages builds skills that support the acquisition of other languages in the future.

Resources

• ACCENT – Presents a bilingual directory of French-language resources for Alberta school communities.
• Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta (ACFA) – Represents Alberta’s francophone community.
• Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT) – Advances excellence in second-language teaching.
• Canadian Parents for French (CPF) – Supports bilingualism and French-language learning for children and youth across Canada.