Primary-Junior French as a Second Language

 

 

Bonjour!

Le programme primaire-moyen - français langue seconde (PJ FSL), a été développé pour les candidats qui souhaitent enseigner les cours d'immersion et français de base dans une salle de classe en Ontario.

We have a blended format version of this program as well - find out more about the differences. 

 

 

 

Application Process

Selection of Consecutive Education teacher candidates is based on the Queen's application requirements as well as the supplemental document(s) submitted to Student Services. There is a French language requirement you can find out about on our How to Apply page. Applicants must also meet the requirements for Primary-Junior.

Selection of Concurrent Education teacher candidates is based on their application made in December of year 4.

How to Apply

Overview

  • Offered to Concurrent Education students in their final year as well as Consecutive Education teacher candidates.
  • For Primary-Junior teacher candidates only.
  • 4 successive terms, starting in May and ending in August the following year. Queen's graduates are out into the job market early.
  • Teacher candidates in this program prepare to teach in French Immersion and Core French programs in Ontario schools.
  • By developing a critical understanding of and sensitivity to linguistic variation, teacher candidates prepare to teach students of diverse linguistic and social backgrounds.
  • Teacher candidates in PJ FSL will complete 21 weeks of placement, at least 3 of which are in French (Immersion, Extended, or Core), and 3 of which can be done outside a school setting and anywhere in the world as long as it is related to the program (Alternative Practicum).
  • Travel fellowships support education-related travel outside Canada such as for alternative practicum placements.
  • Candidates must meet at least one of the following requirements to take part in the program: 
    • 5.0 full-year undergraduate courses in French or completion of a degree in the French language OR
    • A French Bilingual/Immersion/Extended Certificate and original transcript from an anglophone secondary school or an original transcript if you have graduated from a francophone secondary school, OR
    • Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) You will need to achieve an overall classification of C1 (Advanced 1). Test results are valid for life, OR,
    • Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) You will need to achieve an overall classification of B1 (Intermediate 1). Test results are valid for life, OR,  
    • Test de connaissance du français (TCF) You will need to obtain a score of C1 (Advanced 1 in all four modalities: reading, listening, writing and speaking). Test results are valid for two years, OR
    • Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) You will need to obtain a score of C1 (Advanced 1 in all four modalities: reading, listening, writing and speaking). Test results are valid for two years.

Admission Requirements and Information

The following are the admission requirements for the BEd program. See the individual pages for admission information on the Technological EducationTechnological Education Multi-Session, and Indigenous Teacher Education Community-Based programs. 

Applicants are required to have an acceptable undergraduate degree (minimum 3-year General degree).  Preference is given to applicants with a 4-year Honours undergraduate degree.

Recommendations:

  • A minimum “B” average based on the grading scheme of the issuing postsecondary institution.
  • 1 half‑year course in Developmental Psychology (or equivalent) or 1 full‑year course in Introductory Psychology (or equivalent).
  • Completion of a 4‑year Honours undergraduate degree (20 full‑year courses). If you have less than 20 full-year courses, it is recommended that you take additional courses to add up to 20, as this can be an advantage for salary and advancement.

Notes on Policies:

  • Recommended courses provide a broader subject knowledge that will be helpful with a teaching career.
  • The recommendations listed in the Admissions Policies are suggested for admission. Having the recommended items may help applicants to be more competitive in the admission process, but applicants may gain admission without the recommended items.
  • Unless otherwise specified, throughout the Admissions Policies, a “course” means a university‑level or second‑year CEGEP course.
  • “1 full-year course” means a full‑year course or its equivalent (e.g., 2 half‑year courses).

Applicants With a Graduate Degree in Progress

  • If you are completing a graduate degree (e.g., MA, MSc) by spring, you may be eligible for additional admission points.
  • Indicate on your application that you are enrolled and the anticipated completion date. Provide a final transcript by June 30 showing that the graduate degree was conferred.

Applicants With a University Degree and a College Diploma/Applied Degree

  • If you completed 2, 3, or 4 years of a college diploma/applied degree program, you may be eligible to receive additional admission points by submitting an official college transcript, in addition to your university transcript.
  • If you have already received substantial university transfer credit for college courses or college credit for university courses, you may not be eligible for such consideration.

The Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) sets its own document and assessment requirements and policies, which may be different from the requirements noted in these policies.

Completing the BEd degree requirements does not guarantee a teaching certificate. All graduates who apply to the OCT must meet all of the OCT requirements.

Read more about current OCT licensing requirements.

In addition to the above, preferred status will be given to candidates who have completed at least one half-year undergraduate or graduate course in at least four of the following areas: 

  • English
  • Geography or Canadian History
  • Health and/or Physical Education
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • The Arts (visual arts, music, drama, dance)
  • Developmental Psychology or full-year Introduction to Psychology

The first 6 areas are incorporated in the content and pedagogy of Ontario Primary/Junior curriculum.

Official Transcripts 

  • All transcripts submitted must be official, bearing the institutional seal and/or original signature of the institution’s registrar. Photocopied or forwarded transcripts are not acceptable.
  • All transcripts, once received, become the property of Student Services and are not returned to you.
  • Your previous academic credentials must be obtained at an institution providing an academic environment and education that prepares students for potential success in advanced study at Queen’s.
     

    Official transcripts should consist of:

  • Postsecondary transcripts from each institution you attended.
    • Ontario transcripts: Request your transcript through the TEAS application.
    • Out-of-province transcripts: Request transcripts from the issuing postsecondary institution (including CEGEP, if applicable). 
  • NOTE: Out-of-province and high school transcripts are to be sent directly to educstudentservices@queensu.ca or:
    Student Services
    Faculty of Education, Queen’s University
    Room A112, Duncan McArthur Hall
    511 Union Street
    Kingston, ON K7M 5R7
    Attention: Jamie Kincaid

International transcripts

For the Bachelor of Education/Diploma in Education, applicants who obtained a degree from a foreign institution (from non-Canadian or American institutions) must have all international official transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES) (ICAP course-by-course assessment).

Note that it can take upwards of six weeks for WES to receive official transcripts from a foreign academic institution, after which point the WES evaluation can take a week or longer to complete. Applicants should begin the evaluation process as early as possible.

Ensure you are on the Canadian page (a maple leaf in the banner). Applicants are responsible for the costs associated with the WES evaluation and any translation required. Applicants must request that WES evaluations be sent directly to Student Services by the official transcript deadline.

If you have questions, please contact Student Services.

Queen’s University attempts each year to admit a student body reflective of the general population of Canada. The Faculty of Education has developed an admission policy regarding equitable representation of groups that are underrepresented in the teaching profession, and has reserved a number of equity admission places in the Bachelor of Education and Diploma in Education Programs. Those who complete the voluntary Equity Admission form will be considered both under the general admission procedure and under the equity admission policy.

Equity Admission Form

English is the language of instruction at Queen’s University and in the schools in Ontario where our teacher candidates carry out their required practice teaching. Applicants who are non-native speakers of English are required to provide evidence of oral and written proficiency in English in one of two ways:

  • Candidates must have studied full-time at least three full years (or the equivalent) at a university where the language of instruction and examination was in English in a country where one of the official languages is English. Time spent in ESL courses or in an ESL program is not counted toward this three-year requirement. Applicants who have attended university other than in North America must submit a letter directly from the university verifying that the language of instruction and examination was English.

Or

  • Candidates must have achieved the required level of proficiency on one of the three tests of English language listed below.

Each of the following language tests has a minimum score that must be attained before the applicant will be considered for admission to the Faculty of Education:

  1. The Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based (TOEFL iBT). The TOEFL iBT test code number 8573 must be used to ensure that the results are forwarded directly to the Faculty of Education. Required test scores: Minimum 24 on the Reading component, 23 on the Listening, 28 on each of the Writing and Speaking components, with a minimum 103 overall.
  2. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Request the Academic test. Required test scores: minimum 6.5 on both the Reading and Listening components, and a minimum of 7.0 on the Writing and Speaking components, with a minimum 7.0 overall.
  3. Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL). Select “Test Takers” from the top bar menu to access information, including test locations and dates. Required test score: Minimum 70 in all 4 categories and minimum 70 overall.

Candidates admitted to the program who are found to have an unsatisfactory command of the English language, either spoken or written, where their language skills interferes with their ability to communicate effectively in the classroom, may be required to take remedial work or may be asked to withdraw from the program.

Classes and Practicums

This program includes a concentration in PJ FSL that comprises of two complementary courses: an Educational Studies (EDST) course and a Program Focus (FOCI) course (cours donné en français). As well, the 3-week alternative practicum is an experience that is directly related to the area, and is approved by the FOCI instructor.

About Practicums 

You will complete 18 weeks of practicum with education professionals in publicly funded, Ontario classrooms: one component in the first summer (3 weeks); two components in the fall (7 weeks in total); one component in the winter term (4 weeks), followed by an alternative practicum (3 weeks - not counted in the 18 weeks); and one component in the second summer (4 weeks).

Candidates in the PJ FSL program will be placed for at least one practicum component in French (Immersion, Extended, or Core). 

Where Will I Be?

The practicum blocks take place in schools within the designated catchment area, which includes 26 boards spanning from Burlington to Cornwall. We follow the associate school model, where we aim to have our teacher candidates complete all regular practicum components in the same associate school.

When you are admitted to the program, you will identify 4 district school boards within the designated catchment area, with the potential to be placed within any of those 4 boards. We do our best to place candidates within a one-hour commute of their home address, but this is not always possible.

Due to the high demand for the local Kingston school boards and the limited spaces available in these boards, you should be prepared to be placed in any of your four school board choices. This means that while you will be in Kingston for your class blocks, you could be elsewhere in the province for your practicum placements.

Alternative Practicum 

The 3-week Alternative Practicum is typically completed outside the school system, and takes place in the winter term, after March Break. You can do the Alternative Practicum anywhere in the world as long as it is related to your program. There are travel fellowships available that can help you get there. 

Program Schedule

Summer 1

 (May-Aug.)

In-person learning

  • Early May intro to the program
  • Class Block 1 (June)
  • Class Block 2 (July)

Practicum

3 weeks Practicum (May)

Fall 1

(Sept. – Dec.)

In-person learning

  • Class Block 3 (Sept.)
  • Class Block 4 (Nov.- Dec.)

Practicum

7 weeks of Practicum (Oct. – Nov.)

Winter 1

(Jan. – April)

In-person learning

  • Class Block 5 (Jan.)
  • Class Block 6 (April)

Practicum

4 weeks Practicum (Feb. – March)

3 weeks Alternative Practicum (March)

Summer 2

(May – Aug.)

In-person learning

  • Class Block 7 (June)
  • Class Block 8 (July)

Practicum

4 weeks Practicum (May)

Below are examples of typical weekly schedules for the Fall and Winter terms. Because of the condensed nature of the program, courses change weekly and by term. 

PJ sample schedule

Map of Public District School Boards used by Faculty of Education

  1. Toronto District School Board 
  2. York Region 
  3. Durham 
  4. Kawartha Pineridge
  5. Trillium Lakelands (Lindsay area only)
  6. Hastings, Prince Edward
  7. Limestone
  8. Upper Canada
  9. Ottawa-Carleton
  10. Renfrew
  11. Simcoe (Barrie and Orilla only)
  12. Peel 
  13. Waterloo
  14. Halton

Catholic District School Boards

    1. Dufferin-Peel (Mississauga/Brampton only)
    2. Toronto
    3. York 
    4. Durham 
    5. Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland & Clarington 
    6. Algonquin-Lakeshore
    7. Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario 
    8. Ottawa
    9. Waterloo 
    10. Halton 
    11. Simcoe (Barrie/Orillia only) 
    12. Renfrew

Finance Your Studies

Tuition and Fees 

Find information about Tuition and Fees on the Registrar’s website (scroll down to the “education” headline and look under Consecutive & Concurrent (final year) heading. The Registrar & Financial Aid Services website has information on Expenses and Budgeting.  

Financial Aid  

  • Named General Bursaries for the Faculty of Education – there are numerous bursaries available specifically for Faculty of Education students.  


Contact Us

For more information regarding admission, please contact Student Services.