French French ImmersionImmersionA district program of choiceA district program of choice

What is French What is French Immersion?Immersion?

It is intended for non-francophone children It is intended for non-francophone children who wish to develop a high – level of who wish to develop a high – level of proficiency in both official languages. proficiency in both official languages.

The language of instruction and The language of instruction and communication in French Immersion is French. communication in French Immersion is French.

The goal is for for students to be able to The goal is for for students to be able to communicate and to achieve functional communicate and to achieve functional bilingualism. bilingualism.

Why learn another Why learn another language?language?

Increase your child’s respect and Increase your child’s respect and understanding of other cultures.understanding of other cultures.

Develop your child’s ability to develop an Develop your child’s ability to develop an appreciation for Canada’s cultural identity.appreciation for Canada’s cultural identity.

Develop your child’s listening skills.Develop your child’s listening skills.

Increase your child’s cognitive ability and Increase your child’s cognitive ability and his/her ability to problem solve.his/her ability to problem solve.

Increase your child’s knowledge of his/her first Increase your child’s knowledge of his/her first language. language.

A new language learner A new language learner can further develop can further develop

these skills:these skills:Risk takingRisk taking

Active participationActive participation

Self-motivationSelf-motivation

PatiencePatience

PersistencePersistence

CommitmentCommitment

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First language First language developmentdevelopment

Given their language awareness, students in French Immersion usually outperform other students in English (especially reading) later during their schooling. Reading achievement of students in French-immersion programs. Statistics Canada.

Language development is originally slower for students who are plurilingual or bilingual at first.

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English and French language English and French language instructioninstruction

(recommendations provided by the BC Ministry (recommendations provided by the BC Ministry of Education)of Education)

((Early French Immersion

Late French Immersion

CurriculumStudents follow the same curriculum than other students studying in English.

Entry point K-1 Grade 5

English instruction begins

Grade 4 Grade 6

French Instruction (%) in Grade K-3

100% none

French Instruction (%) in Grade 4 - 7

80% 80% (grade 6-7)

Parent connection Parent connection

It is not a requirement to be able to It is not a requirement to be able to communicate in French to help your child communicate in French to help your child studying in French Immersion. studying in French Immersion.

Do provide guidance and support to your child Do provide guidance and support to your child to ensure his/ her fulfillment in his language to ensure his/ her fulfillment in his language journey. journey.

All communication from school will be in All communication from school will be in English. English.