Intensive Core French January 2016

Agenda Welcome ICF Program Overview Questions

What is Intensive Core French?

Intensive Core French An alternate method of teaching French as a second language

Intensive Core French A literacy based program

Benefits of Second Language Learning Focus on literacy skills Facilitates learning of additional languages Development of cultural appreciation and diversity Enriched personal development opportunities Increased employment opportunities Enhances communication and problem solving skills

Intensive Core French Began as a research project in Implemented in Grade 6 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, authorized in Currently offerred at 54 schools at NLESD

Intensive Core French Newfoundland and Labrador English School District ICF enrolment : 54 schools 91 classes

Intensive Core French An increase in the hours of French instruction An increase in the intensity of French instruction French is the language of communication Themes based on student interest Maintains integrity of Grade 6 curriculum

How the ICF year works… French Block – half of the school year (5 months) English Block – half of the school year (5 months)

French Block Physical Education, Music, Math and Science delivered in English ~40% Remainder of time developing French language skills ~60% Variety of theme based communicative activities Many Grade 6 outcomes integrated in the French block

French Block continued… One hour of instruction in ELA per week Emphasis on development of French oral language skills Not a French immersion program – subjects are not taught in French

English Block ELA, Social Studies, Health, Religion, Art, Math, Science, Music and Physical Education are taught in English ~90% Development of French skills continue ~10% Cross-curricular integration of subjects that were not delivered in the French Block Application of previously learned processes are applied to other subjects

Cross-curriculum Integration Teachers consider connections between curriculum outcomes when planning Many learning processes are developed in French and English blocks, i.e. comparing, contrasting, analyzing, problem solving, writing process etc. Integrity of the Grade 6 curriculum is maintained

Literacy Development ICF provides another chance to develop literacy skills Listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and representing - skills developed in both blocks Second language transfer – literacy skills learned transfer from one language to another ICF students have increased opportunities to develop literacy skills

Notes from ICF research… In previous studies undertaken during the research phase… ICF students’ French communication skills were found to be similar to those of Senior High Core French students ICF students’ French writing skills were found to improve significantly

Other results… Social Development - Increased opportunities for responsibility and participation Personal Development - Increased opportunities to build self-esteem, confidence and initiative Organizational skills - Increased opportunities for autonomy (research, accessing information etc.)

Is the ICF Program inclusive? All students have developed French language abilities All students have the opportunity to achieve success ICF program provides equitable learning opportunities for all students

Students Feel Successful ICF students provide role models and are often leaders for French learning in the school Increasing the self-esteem of students improves achievement

What if we don’t speak French? Designed for non-French speaking families Reporting is done in English Suggested strategies for parents: Listen to reading in French Discuss content in English View French media together Continue to support child at home Communicate with the teacher Participate in French cultural events

Why consider ICF? Positive impact on the learning of French Enriched experience in literacy development Student interest, motivation and enthusiasm Parent satisfaction Teacher satisfaction Inclusive

Intensive Core French An enhanced educational experience…

Intensive Core French The ICF program has significant relevance for the teaching of French as a second language in Canada

For additional information… Gillian Blackmore Program Specialist (French Programs)