Graduation Credentials for Francophone and French Immersion Students

Date came into force or revised

2004

Status

Current

Policy statement

British Columbia students enrolled in a francophone education authority and students enrolled in French Immersion programs are entitled to be issued British Columbia graduation certificates, in French and English, provided they meet specific requirements.

Rationale or purpose of policy

The Province of British Columbia acknowledges the right of francophone students to be educated in French. The Province also supports French Immersion programs so that students may reach high levels of proficiency in French, one of Canada's official languages. Proficiency is recognized with a graduation certificate in French.

Authority

• Ministerial Order 302/04, the Graduation Program Order (PDF)
• Ministerial Order 164/96, the Student Credentials Order (PDF)

Policy in full

British Columbia students enrolled in a francophone education authority and students enrolled in French Immersion programs are entitled to be issued British Columbia graduation certificates, in French and English, provided they meet specific requirements.

Francophone Students

Francophone students can earn two certificates, one in French, and one in English. Francophone students will earn both a Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires en Colombie-Britannique and a British Columbia Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma) if they meet the graduation requirements as set out in the Graduation Program Order.

French Immersion Students

French Immersion students can earn both a British Columbia Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma) and a Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires en Colombie-Britannique.  They will earn both if they meet the graduation requirements as set out in the Graduation Program Order.

French Immersion students who earn a Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires en Colombie-Britannique receive a French Immersion program designation on their transcripts.

Students should write Grades 10, 11 and 12 examinations in the language of instruction. School principals may allow individual students to write in either English or French, rather than the language of instructions, if the principal deems this to be in a student’s best interest.

Procedures related to policy

For students to earn both credentials, and have transcripts indicate that both certificates have been earned, the following must occur:

• French Immersion and francophone students complete courses and examinations, as required.
• Schools report courses, credits and letter grades to the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
• The Ministry of Education and Child Care issues transcripts, British Columbia Certificates of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma) and Diplômes de fin d'études secondaires en Colombie-Britannique.