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French Immersion

French Immersion

  • Program, Program
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French Immersion at Foothills School Division is a  Kindergarten to grade 12 alternative program. 


First developed in Canada in 1965, the French Immersion program is based on decades of research into its effectiveness both in teaching a second language and in achieving the outcomes of the provincial education curriculum. Students graduate with bilingual life and career opportunities, including post-secondary credits, and DELF certification. 



French immersion begins with possibility

You don’t need to speak French for your child to be successful. You just need to believe in them.

It’s more than a language program


What is possible with 
French Immersion?

  • A Place to Belong
    Everyone is welcome in French Immersion.


  • Skills Beyond Language
    Learners grow in their knowledge of communication, culture, critical-thinking, and confidence.


  • Community Support
    Parents and students are supported and celebrated. Access to community partners.


  • A Bright Future
    Bilingual life and career opportunities.
      • Post-secondary dual credit courses.
      • DELF Certification.


  • Cultural Exploration and Appreciation
    Bi-annual trips to Montreal in Junior High and to France in High School


  • French Proficiency
    Students can write the DELF exam to earn an internationally-recognized diploma for French.


  • Resume Booster
    Graduates expand life and career opportunities in Canada and across the globe.


  • Life-long Learning
    Learning another language enhances how students engage in other subjects including English Language Arts, mathematics, social studies, and music.


Your Support Matters Most

Learning another language grows with practice and support. Simple connections have a great impact:
  • Celebrate effort
    Notice their progress.


  • Stay curious
    Ask about their day and learning.

  • Encourage perseverance
    Practice makes improvements, and challenges are a part of learning and growth.


  • Stay connected
    Talk with your child’s teacher to share questions and celebrate your child’s achievement.

Schools Offering French Immersion


Okotoks


High River




Immersing in the French language offers students significant linguistic, academic, and cognitive benefits. In addition, French Immersion studies:

  • strengthens English literacy skills
  • increases a student's feeling of self-esteem and pride
  • makes learning a third or fourth language much easier
  • develops listening and learning skills
  • enhances problem-solving abilities
  • increases cognitive abilities, making the student a more flexible and creative thinker
  • provides graduates with more choices for advanced education and career options
  • gives graduates a competitive edge in the job market anywhere in Canada and in many other countries
  • broadens students' cultural life through access to literature, art, music and theatre in another language
  • helps students to better understand the history, development and government of their country
  • offers a gateway to national and international opportunities

It is suitable for children with diverse learning needs, including those for whom English is a second language and students with special needs, where appropriate support is provided.FIEducators.png

French Immersion begins with a period of concentration on French language development so students can achieve a strong foundation in French. Here's the significance of French Immersion in each grade: 

  • Kindergarten, Grade 1 and 2: All subjects are taught in French
  • Grade 3: 80% French, 20% English (English Language Arts is introduced)
  • Grades 4-6: 70% French, 30% English
  • Grades 7-9: French Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies are taught in French; all other subjects are taught in English
  • Grades 10-12: French Language Arts and Social Studies are taught in French

The Alberta Education Programs of Study are the same for each subject, regardless of the language of instruction.

French Immersion is suitable for children with diverse learning needs and students with English as an additional language (EAL). 

  • Our French Immersion pathway begins in Kindergarten and Grade 1. 
    • Previous experience with French is not required. This program is designed for families who do not speak French.
  • We welcome students from other French Immersion or Francophone programs to join our schools anytime from Kindergarten to Grade 12. 

In addition to providing students with the opportunity to achieve proficiency in both of Canada's official languages, our program nurtures the cultural, social, intellectual, and emotional development of each learner. 



Questions?

Contact: Your French Immersion school of choice 


Faye Holt
Division Language Services Coordinator


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