This work is one in a series that focuses on nine languages representing the bulk of the second language learning effort in Australian education (Arabic, Modern Standard Chinese, French, German, Modern Greek, Indonesian/Malay, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish). These languages were categorized as the Languages of Wider Teaching. This particular work describes the prominence of the French language in modern language teaching in Australia and the criticism this prominence has attracted; one of the tasks of this report is to address the place of French among other languages in Language Other Than English (LOTE) provision policy. Topics addressed include French in education; immersion and bilingual programs, and primary and secondary partial immersion programs; teacher training, curriculum, and materials. An attitudinal survey is described that examines the drop in enrollment for French language instruction between Years 10 and 11. Survey findings focus on the reasons for discontinuing and for continuing French. Students reported that the most important reason for discontinuing French was that other subjects were considered more important. There is some evidence to support the idea that students continue French studies for integrative reasons. Profiles of French in postsecondary education, French in specialist professional training (e.g., business, engineering), and Australia's French-speaking population are provided. Appendices contain references, a list of colleagues consulted, and attitudinal survey form. (Contains 127 references.) (JP)