Mille Mercis – Expanded access to LU French Programs benefits French Immersion students

Laurentian University’s decision to allow French Immersion students with the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) B2 qualification to apply directly to its French-language programs came as good news to the Rainbow District School Board.

“We commend the Laurentian University Senate for expanding its admission criteria by recognizing the DELF certification,” said Chief Executive Officer Bruce Bourget.

Each year, more than 100 Grade 12 students in the Rainbow District School Board’s French Immersion Program successfully challenge the Diplôme d’études en langue française. DELF is an official international diploma that recognizes the French language proficiency of candidates for whom French is a second language.

“French Immersion students who have the DELF qualification and meet course and program requirements will now be able to pursue their university studies in the French language here at home,” said CEO Bourget. “This will open more pathways to students, increase the workforce’s bilingual capacity, and further strengthen our community and our country’s economic prosperity.”

He added: “It will also give French Immersion graduates in Rainbow Schools an opportunity to further refine their French-language skills for career opportunities and life aspirations.”

Brenda Carr, Principal of French as a Second Language Programs in the Rainbow District School Board, has been advocating for recognition of the DELF B2 qualification. “On behalf of our French Immersion students, I extend mille mercis to Laurentian University for listening to local voices. This change will not only offer more options to our French Immersion students, it will also contribute to the vibrancy of the French language locally.”

She added: “Our French Immersion students have been challenging the DELF with tremendous success for many years. The decision to recognize the qualification speaks to the quality of the French Immersion program offered by the Rainbow District School Board. It is also a tribute to our French Immersion students who continue to make us proud.”

French Immersion students in Rainbow Schools learn to communicate and interact effectively in an inclusive classroom environment while studying various subjects in French and exploring the French-language culture. This enriches their vocabulary, develops their problem-solving skills, and increases their opportunities to speak French in meaningful contexts. Students also develop strong fundamental skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

The program, offered in Kindergarten to Grade 12, is designed for English and French speaking parents/guardians so they can support their child to become bilingual. Learning a second language enhances career choices, develops thinking and communication skills, builds confidence, and provides a greater appreciation of diversity in our global society.

DELF is based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which defines language proficiency along six global levels. At each CEFR level, proficiency is measured across four competencies: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The DELF represents international recognition of French-language skills in a way that supports future learning and career aspirations.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.