Undergraduate Calendar 2011-2012

General Information - Second Language Training

The Language Centre is responsible to deliver all second language training for the Officer Cadets.

One of the objectives at RMCC is to develop in all Officer Cadets the ability to communicate in both official languages, English and French. An officer must be able to understand, communicate and give orders in both languages. Consequently, second language training is mandatory for all students who do not meet the standards set by the College to the classification tests of the Public Commission.

The Second Language Evaluation System measures three language skills: reading, writing and oral interaction. Each skill is assessed at five levels of language proficiency: X, A, B, C and E. Upon arrival at RMCC, students are tested in order to place them in a class appropriate for their level and ability. Small, homogeneous classes, usually composed of an average of eight students are created to give students the opportunity to progress according to their abilities, to interact and enhance their learning. Five 50-minute periods of instruction are given every week as part of the regular study program.

Once they have achieved the BBB level or better, the required standard for graduation, students are exempted from Second Language Training. However, they are strongly encouraged to maintain and improve their language skills, by engaging in further formal training in their second language. RMCC, being a bilingual institution, allows students to register in courses in the language of their choice.

Students who do not achieve the BBB level by the end of the first academic year will take an intensive ten-week summer course of about 250 hours.

To increase exposure to the second language and to underline the bilingual nature of RMCC activities at the college are conducted in both official languages. There are, for example, English weeks and French weeks during which students have the opportunity and are encouraged to work in their second language. As well, students are expected to spend a reasonable amount of time studying outside classroom hours. All publications, orders and routines are given in the language of the week to encourage practice to the extent permitted. First year Anglophone students and first year Francophone students share rooms in order to facilitate communication in both languages.