What is Early French Immersion?
· Begins in Kindergarten or Grade 1 and is intended to continue though Grade 12.
· Is based on research that young children learn languages more easily than older learners.
· Time allocations for French language instruction are as follows:
Kindergarten 100% of the time
Grades 1-6 75-80%
Grades 7-12 50-80%
The program is designed for students of parents whose heritage is something other than French.
How does French Immersion Work?
French immersion integrates language instruction and content area instruction. Students learn the French language, they learn about the French language and they learn through the French language.
¨ Learning the language enables students to read, speak, write and listen in French.
¨ Students learn about the language when they study French as a subject in itself.
¨ Student learn through language when they use French to solve problems, understand math or science concepts and create knowledge in those subject areas.
In French Immersion, students are given the opportunity to use the French language in meaningful and authentic situations for a variety of purposes. By interacting with a rich language environment, they satisfy their communication needs and make sense of the world that surrounds them.
Do students cover the same curriculum as students in the English program?
Yes. All courses in both languages are based on the same curricular expectations as mandated by Alberta Education. Research shows that after a brief adjustment period, students in French Immersion programs can complete academically with students who are taught in their first language.
How good will my child’s French be?
By the end of the Early French Immersion program, students will be reasonably expected to:
¨ Become functionally bilingual
¨ Participate comfortably in French and English conversations
¨ Be able to pursue further education appropriate to their abilities and interest, with French as the language of instruction
¨ Be qualified for employment where the working language is French
¨ Gain insight into the common attitudes and values of French speaking communities.
Once Parkside students reach Grade 5, they have the opportunity to complete an international French competency test that certifies their French proficiency levels. The diploma students receive upon successful completion is recognized throughout 160 countries.
Who may enrol in Early French Immersion?
Early Immersion is suitable for any child entering Kindergarten or Grade 1 with or without prior knowledge of the French language. As the program offers the same curriculum and assistance as any English program, students with varying knowledge and skills benefit from this second language programming.
Studies have shown that there is no reason why immersion programs should not be suitable for any child. High academic ability is not related to performance in French speaking skills. By the same token, children with learning difficulties will experience some problems in trying to cope with the French immersion curriculum — the same problems they would encounter in the English-stream program. Learning assistance should be provided to them, whether they are in immersion or in the regular English program. These children (except in rare instances) should not be denied the satisfaction and pride that come from becoming bilingual.
What are the benefits of Early French Immersion?
Learning French offers students significant linguistic, academic and cognitive benefits:
¨ increased verbal and non-verbal intelligence
¨ enhanced memory capacity
¨ improved literacy skills in English and Math
¨ fluency in both of Canada’s official languages
¨ increased feelings of self-esteem and pride
¨ superior problem solving skills
¨ greater flexibility in thought and divergent thinking skills
It opens doors to knowledge, communication, culture and travel and gives students an edge in the global job market.
Is my child going to lose out in English or in subjects taught in French?
Many years of testing and research show that French Immersion has no negative effect on the development on English language skills as measured by standardized tests. Some studies have even shown the enhancement of English language skills in some French Immersion students. Researchers also point out that this initial emphasis on vocabulary acquisition does not have long-term detrimental effects on other subject areas such as Math, Science and Social Studies.
Where can I find more information?
http://www.cpf.ca
http://www.caslt.org/research/executivesum.htm
http://www.ucalgary.ca/lrc/AdvantageForLife.htm
http://www.edc.gov.ab.ca
How do I register my child ?
Parents or guardians who wish to register their child in French Immersion should contact École Parkside School at 532-7429. Parent Info nights and registrations are usually held in April. Watch for our advertisements each spring for specific dates or contact the school for more information.
'When you learn another language you exercise your brain. You not only learn how to communicate in another language, you benefit from a whole set of skills and abilities!'
Alberta Learning
“I guess the most important reason for enrolling a child in French Immersion is summed up in two words– WHY NOT? Why wouldn’t you give your child every advantage, every opportunity they can have in their education, for their future? Giving them a bilingual education is a huge advantage in today’s world. The internet and technology has made our world more interconnected and competitive and multiple languages help.” S. West Parkside parent
Choose French Immersion Because it’s YOUR child!