The knowledge of a second or third language is a wonderful asset for anyone interested in getting a complete education. French as a second language is the second most frequently taught language in the world after English (DICKS 2000).  In Canada, French immersion is seen as one of the best methods of learning French if one is not able to move to a French speaking environment. French immersion is offered in most jurisdictions within the public school system, starting as early as kindergarten, or later French immersion starting as late as Grade 7.
  Much research exists on the subject. Most experts agree that French immersion is a relatively easy way for a child to absorb French as a second language (CPF Reports 2000/2001). Studies show that although English spelling skills may suffer in the first few years, the French immersion child typically catches up and develops English skills that match or exceed his/her English-stream peers (Chorney 1998). Knowledge of French provides an immense aid for English vocabulary, as roughly half of all English words have a Latin or French root. The following diagram attempts to encapsulate advantages of French immersion to our students.

French Immersion at BCI (Brantford Collegiate Institute)
The Ontario Curriculum French as a Second Language Core, Extended and Immersion 2000, defines the aim of French Immersion is "to develop and refine students' ability to communicate in French as well as to expand their knowledge of the language".  The BCI French Immersion program, despite its modest means has always striven to meet such an aim. We know that BCI immersion students have done well in language acquisition and many other aspects of academic life.

  For example, French immersion students represented only 15% of this year's graduating class, yet they made up 20% of BCI Ontario scholars and 28% of the members of the school honour roll.

In addition, 40% of the graduating French immersion students were Ontario Scholars.  Further research would easily show that this pattern has been true for quite a number of years.
 Over the past 10 years, more than 75% of student council presidents were students enrolled in French immersion. This is equally true for other aspects of student leadership at BCI.

Courses offered in French Immersion at BCI

The Ontario Curriculum French as a Second Language Core, Extended and Immersion 2000 further states that Schools may grant a certificate in French Immersion if the student has successfully completed the sequence of four courses in French Immersion and a minimum of six courses in other subjects taught in French.  The provisions for extended French are found in the same document. Schools may grant a certificate in Extended French if the student has successfully completed the sequence of four courses in Extended French and a minimum of three courses in other subjects taught in French.

BCI offers the following courses in French immersion:
 

Grade	Course code	Brief Description
9	FIF 1D1 CGF 1D1 ADA 1OF	French Immersion grade 9 Géographie du Canada Art dramatique
10	FIF 2D CHF 2D1 CHF2O1/GLCO	French immersion grade 10 Histoire du Canada grade 10 Ed. civique /carrière
11	FIF 3U CHW 3MF	French Immersion grade 11 World History to the 16th Century
12	FIF 4U CPW 4UF CGW 4UF	French Immersion grade 12 Canadian and World Politics Canadian and World Issues Geography

Students who enter the French immersion program at BCI can achieve one of two certificates, the Certificate of Extended French or the Certificate of French Immersion.
Under the new curriculum (French as a Second Language Core, Extended and Immersion 2000) Students can obtain a certificate of French Immersion if:

 " ... the student has successfully completed the sequence of four courses in French Immersion  and a  minimum of six courses in other subjects taught in French" (p. 3)