First picture is a group photo of five Notre Dame students posing together in school uniform. Second photo is the front doors of the Notre Dame school building. Third photo shows three Notre Dame students posing at an art installation in school uniform.

Academics and Co-Curriculars

French as a Second Language and Extended French

In both of our French programs, students will communicate and interact with growing confidence in French, one of Canada’s official languages, while developing the knowledge, skills, and perspectives they need to participate fully as citizens in Canada and in the world.

Learning another language helps students to:

  • Strengthen their problem-solving, reasoning and creative thinking skills.

  • Develop their understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.

  • Increase their competitiveness in an increasingly global job market.

  • Enhance their first-language and overall literacy skills.

French as a Second Language

We offer Core French courses from Grade 9 to Grade 12, and students successfully completing all four courses from Grade 9 to Grade 12 will receive a Core French Certificate in their graduating year.

Extended French

At Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, we are delighted to offer our Extended French program, designed to provide your child with an exceptional bilingual education experience. Our program aims to foster a genuine appreciation for Canada's rich cultural and linguistic diversity, while preparing students with a global perspective in today's interconnected world. Our program encourages students to communicate and interact with confidence in the French language.

By the end of the four-year program, students will be able to:

  • Converse freely and confidently in French.

  • Engage with French music, media, literature and news with fluency.

  • Develop an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures

  • Thrive in a French-speaking community or work environment.

Students who have completed the Extended French, French Immersion, or a full-French language program from Grades 5-8 (but not limited to) will be able to apply for this program. Students will earn 7 OSSD credits in French. Graduating students, who successfully complete all courses offered in the Extended French Program will receive an Extended French Certificate with Specialization.