Ministry Policy Site

Policy Document: Graduation Credentials for Francophone and French Immersion Students

Issued February 2004, and in effect July 1, 2004. Current Policy.

This page sets forth the Ministry policy entitled "Graduation Credentials for Francophone and French Immersion Students".

SECTION 2: 2004 GRADUATION PROGRAM

This section applies to students who begin Grade 10 on or after July 1, 2004.

Please see Section 1 for details of this policy as it applies to the 1995 Graduation Program, which applies to students who begin Grade 10 before July 1, 2004.

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

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 determined, in part, through provincial examinations, and completion is recognized with a graduation certificate in French.

LEGISLATION/ REGULATIONS

See Ministerial Order 302/04, the Graduation Program Order

See also Ministerial Order 164/96, the Student Credentials Order.

POLICY

Francophone Students
It is possible for francophone students to 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 Ministerial Order 302/04, the Graduation Program Order.

French Immersion Students
French Immersion students will earn both a British Columbia Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma) and a Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires en Colombie-Britannique if they meet the graduation requirements as set out in Ministerial Order 302/04, 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.

PROCEDURES

Students complete courses and provincial examinations, as required. Schools report courses, credits and letter grades to the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education issues transcripts to students and certificates to graduates.