ICF Info

What is ICF?

Intensive Core French (ICF) is a method of organizing the Grade 6 curriculum so that students receive an increased amount of instruction in French for half of the school year. The program was introduced in 1998 to enhance the Core French program by creating a period of intensive exposure to French.

What does ICF look like?

ICF increases the hours and intensity of French instruction. Only French language skills are taught in French. All other subject areas are taught in English. The following table provides a sample of how the ICF year may be structured:

September - January (French Block)

P.E., Music, Math, Science are delivered in English
60% of the block students are developing skills in French
Grade 6 curriculum outcomes are integrated throughout the French block
There are a variety of theme based communicative activities
It is not a French immersion program - subjects are not taught in French

February - June (English Block)

90% of the block is taught in English (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Art, Health, Religion, Science, Social Studies, Music and P.E.)
10% is French language instruction
Cross-curricular integration occurs

What are the benefits of second language learning?

Provides a focus on literacy skills
Facilitates learning of additional languages
Develops cultural appreciation and diversity
Enriches personal development opportunities
Increases employment opportunities

Is the ICF Program inclusive?

All students have the opportunity regardless of ability to achieve personal success. Students who have previously experienced academic challenges have done well in ICF and have experienced the same or better learning in English subjects. This improvement may be due to increased time spent on literacy development, including the opportunity to re-learn reading and writing strategies.

What if we don't speak French at home?

The ICF program was designed for non-French speaking families. Regardless of the language spoken at home there are a variety of strategies parents can use to support their children. Here are some suggestions that may be helpful:

Listen to your child read in French
Discuss content and illustrations of French resources in English
View French media together
Continue to support and show interest in your child's program
Create an atmosphere conducive to study
Participate in French cultural events where possible
Initiate open communication with your child's teacher
Provide a French-English dictionary for use at home

How will ICF affect achievement in English Language Arts?

Achievement in English Language Arts will not be negatively impacted by being enrolled in an ICF program. English language skills are already well established and students will continue to develop literacy skills in both English and French. These language skills are transferred from one language to another and have mutual benefit for the development of both languages.

Will the course content be similar to that of the English program?

While the year is organized differently from Grade 6 English program, the Grade 6 curriculum is followed as determined by the Department of Education of Newfoundland and Labrador. Teachers plan for instruction considering the connections between curriculum outcomes and engage in curriculum integration practices. The integrity of the Grade 6 program remains intact.

What is curriculum integration?

Curriculum integration occurs in the English block of the ICF year. Teachers consider connections between curriculum outcomes in various subjects when planning for instruction. It is recognized that many learning processes, such as comparing, contrasting, analyzing, problem solving as well as the writing process are developed in the French block and therefore are not being introduced for the first time in the English block.

Will there be extra homework?

Homework will follow the regular pattern for subject areas taught in an English program. Homework will support learning and consist of work students may complete independently.

How is reporting done in ICF?

There will be a variation of reporting for ICF students. In the French block, evaluation will be provided for French, as well as for subjects taught in English (Mathematics, Music, Physical Education and Science). In the English block, the report cards will incorporate the other English subjects (Art, English Language Arts, Health, Religion, and Social Studies).