French | York Region District School Board

"To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world." – Chinese Proverb

Subject Overview

The Woodbridge College French Department provides students with opportunities to communicate and interact in French, explore Francophone cultures, develop their self-confidence, and become lifelong language learners.

Learning an additional language can provide students with many benefits, including:

A competitive advantage in the job market.
Opportunities to travel and meet new people.
Openness to other cultures, as well as ways of thinking and seeing the world.
Improved cognitive skills, such as concentration, memory, planning, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.
A better understanding and application of their first language.
Enjoying Francophone TV shows and movies without subtitles.
Listening to Francophone music.
Reading Francophone literature.

Countries with French as an official language

Most spoken language worldwide

5th

Most used language on the Internet

4th

Programs and Courses

Core French

Students who complete all 4 Core French credits will obtain a certificate from the York Region District School Board (YRDSB).

Grade 9:

FSF1D or FSF1O* (mandatory)

*Open French (FSF1O) is offered for students who do not have the required minimum of 600 hours of Core French instruction in elementary school.

Grade 10:

FSF2D (elective)

Grade 11:

FSF3U (elective)

Grade 12:

FSF4U (elective)

French Immersion

Students are required to complete 10 French Immersion credits in order to obtain the French Immersion certificate. Cooperative Education can qualify as one French Immersion elective credit if students are working with a French-speaking community partner.

Grade 9:

French – FIF1DF (mandatory)
Geography – CGC1WF (mandatory)
Visual Arts – AVI1OF (elective)

Grade 10:

French – FIF2DF (mandatory)
Civics and Careers – CHV2OF/GLC2OF (mandatory)
History – CHC2DF (mandatory)
Launching and Leading a Business – BEP2OF (elective)
Visual Arts – AVI2OF (elective)

Grade 11:

French – FIF3UF (mandatory)
Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology – HSP3UF (elective)

Grade 12:

French – FIF4UF (mandatory)

See the French Courses Available at Woodbridge College

Courses

Staff List

Ms. R. Gooder (Department Head)

Ms. E. Delapa

Ms. D. Santos

Ms. V. Wolf

Resources

Website Name	Type of Resource
Bon Patron	Editing tool for written work
Linguee	English-French dictionary that provides examples within context
Word Reference	Online multilingual dictionary
Canadian Parents for French	Opportunities for students to learn and use French
French for the Future	Events and experiences for students to develop self-confidence, leadership, and passion for French and Francophone cultures.
FR+	Online platform for students ages 14 to 18 Geared towards different language levels Students can create, discuss, and explore content in French
MAJ, l'actualité pour les jeunes	Canadian news in French for teens Short videos and articles
Radio-Canada	Canadian news in French Articles
L'express Toronto	Canadian news in French Articles
TV5Monde	Games to improve vocabulary and spelling, while practicing French listening skills.
Purdue OWL MLA	Citing and formatting guide

Opportunities

Website	Description
Concours d'art oratoire	French public-speaking competition for students in grades 9 to 12. Students write and present a speech on a topic of their choice. Helps students grow confidence, develop public-speaking and communication skills, and improve pronunciation.
Dites-le en vidéo	French speaking and video-making contest for students in grades 9 to 12. Students create and submit a video on a topic of their choice; something they are passionate about. Students will receive a digital certificate for their participation and have the opportunity to win a cash prize.
Lance ton balado	French podcast contest for students in grades 9 to 12. Students, in groups of up to 3 people, create a podcast in their preferred style addressing a given topic. Students have the opportunity to receive a number of prizes.
National Essay Contest	French essay competition for students in grades 10 to 12. Students write a 750-word essay in response to a given theme; certain rules must be followed. Students have the opportunity to win 1 of 100 scholarships to continue their studies partially or completely in French after high school.

Immersive Experiences

Website	Description
Explore	Offers 2 youth language programs for students ages 13 to 15 and students ages 16 and older. Programs range from 19 to 33 days. Spring and summer sessions available depending on the program. Government-funded (some expenses apply) Students can stay on campus or with a local host family to discover another part of Canada while being immersed in the French language and Francophone cultures.

Career Possibilities

Advertising and Public Relations

Copywriter
Social Media Manager
Public Relations Specialist

Arts, Culture, and Recreation

Archivist
Curator
Historical Site Guide

Business Services

Entrepreneur
International Business Advisor
Bilingual Customer Support

Education

French Teacher
ESL Teacher
Professor

Entertainment and Media

Voice Over Artist
Subtitle Writer
Journalist

Financial Services

Financial Advisor
Insurance Broker
Banking Specialist

Government (Federal, Provincial, Municipal) and Public Services

Translator
Interpreter
Diplomat
Politician
Administrator
Immigration Officer
Public Policy Analyst/Strategist
Diplomatic Service Worker
Foreign Language Correspondent

International and Non-profit Organizations

UN Representative
International Aid Director
Non-governmental Organization (NGO) Staff

Law/Legal Services

Lawyer
Mediator
Paralegal

Marketing and Communications

Communications Specialist
Brand Manager
Marketing Consultant

Publishing

Author
Editor
Proofreader

Social and Human Services

Communications Operator
Crisis/Hotline Worker
Human Resources Specialist
Psychotherapist
Speech Language Pathologist

Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality

Tour Guide
Resort Staff
Flight Attendant
Travel Agent
Event Coordinator