Intensive and Enhanced French
The Intensive French (IF) approach to teaching French as a second language is offered in either Grade 5 or 6. French instruction is delivered in a concentrated block of time. IF enables a wide spectrum of students to benefit from the advantages of a communicative experience in French. IF is a literacy-based approach to teaching French as a second language that is incorporated into Basic French. Enhanced French (EF) is designed for the students who have completed Intensive French. Teachers follow the same teaching approach used in IF and will continue to instruct with similar techniques, activities and strategies.
On the National Scene
The Canadian Association of Teachers of French (CASLT) in collaboration with the provinces and territories introduced an array of new resources to assist administrators, schools, departments of education, and representatives who oversee the FSL programs & projects in their schools and school divisions.
These IF resources include:
- Intensive French Tool Kit for Administrators (including sample newsletters, parent surveys, letters to parents, useful web links, advertising inserts, information about testing, sample report cards, etc.)
- Interprovincial IF Teaching Guide
- Units for the Enhanced French Teachers
- A compilation of research articles on the IF approach
- Intensive French Bookmarks for Students
- All About Intensive French Fact Sheets
- Benefits of Intensive French Fact Sheets
- Frequently Asked Questions About Intensive French Brochures
Resources can be ordered through the CASLT website.
On the Provincial Scene
Le Bureau de l'éducation française has created a Framework document for the teaching of Intensive French and Enhanced French in Manitoba (
88 KB).
A Steering Committee for Intensive French (SCIF) has also been established with representation from BEF and the local school divisions offering Intensive French. The goal of the committee is to share new information in relation to IF, and to address present and future needs and challenges related to IF in Manitoba.
Under the Categorical Grant for French Language Education*, the Department will provide $225 per Full Time Equivalency (FTE) in Intensive French and Enhanced French for all applicable grade levels.
School Divisions in their initial year of IF and EF have received funding in the amount of $7,000 per class for teaching resources and cultural activities. These funds are made available through the French Second Language Revitalization Program (lien au site http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/languages/index.ht ml).
* Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth, September 2006. Grants for French- Language Education, Français Program, and Basic French Courses, additional Expenditures Report, July 1st 2006 to June 30th 2007. Winnipeg: Bureau de l'éducation française Division, 20 pages.
On the Local Scene
Both the Louis Riel and the St. James- Assiniboia School Division offer either IF or EF classes at Shamrock, Windsor, Athlone and Bruce Middle Schools.
For more information
Visit the CASLT website for:
Articles on Intensif French
Parents FAQ’s about Intensive French ()
Administrators and teachers interested in possibly implementing Intensive French in their schools may contact Linda Romeo at 945-6025 or at linda.romeo@gov.mb.ca.