High school students in French language schools are testing a new schedule this year that offers them a wider selection of courses and the ability to take more courses, says Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Gerard Greenan.
“The new scheduling model, which includes five 60-minute classes each day rather than four 75-minute classes, has many potential benefits for students,” said Minister Greenan. “It will increase the time they spend learning core subjects such as math and language arts. They will have a broader course selection and the ability to take up to ten more courses in high school. And for many students, the shorter class time will have a positive impact on their engagement in learning.”
The new model responds to a 2008 survey of students, parents and staff in La Commission scolaire de langue française (French Language School Board). They recommended a larger course selection, more time for core courses such as language arts and math, and the continuity of courses throughout the year.
Until this year, students took four courses each semester and they will now take five courses. To graduate, they will need more math and language arts. In the past they needed three language arts courses (330 hours) and now they will need five courses (462 hours) to meet the graduation requirements. Previously, they needed two math courses, or 220 hours. Now they will need three courses, or 277 hours of math to graduate.
Among the new courses being offered this year are applied math, statistics, performing arts and multimedia. All grade 10 students will take a new course in career education which focuses on vocational guidance, career choices and the labour market. New carpentry courses are being introduced at École Évangéline with the completion of the new $270,000 trades facilities at the school. Several new courses are being introduced next year such as biology, French and automotive technology.
Where students needed 20 of a possible 24 courses to graduate in the past, they will now need at least 25 of 30 possible credits.
Minister Greenan said the new model will address the needs of French language high schools. “With a smaller student and population base, it can be a challenge to provide a range of course offerings in these schools. The new model, along with the investments we are making in programming, will improve learning and the high school experience for our French language students,” said Minister Greenan.
The French language high schools in Prince Edward Island are, École Évangéline, École François-Buote, École La-Belle-Cloche and École Pierre-Chiasson.