French Immersion

French immersion is a highly successful approach to second language learning — an effective way for students to become functionally fluent in French while achieving all of the objectives of the regular school program. French is the language of instruction for a significant part of the school day; that is, several or all subjects, except English language arts, are taught in French. This program is designed for students whose first language is not French. The objective is full mastery of the English language, functional fluency in French, as well as an understanding and appreciation of the French culture.  – Alberta Education

The value of knowing a second language is widely acknowledged. It opens doors in the world of business, higher education, and travel, while at the same time broadening one’s understanding of other nationalities and cultures. Furthermore, a second language facility reinforces understanding of one’s first language and equips many to then learn a third and even a fourth language.

École Corinthia Park School’s French immersion program is designed to support students from French-speaking and non-French speaking families. Students’ academic growth in the French language is enhanced through cultural experiences within the classroom and community such as; Carnival, bilingual presentations, and exploring french cultural food, music and films.  Beginning in kindergarten, students are immersed in French, which is the primary language of instruction for all subjects, until grade 3 when English Language Arts classes are introduced. Once a choice is made to place a child in the program, it is important that the student remains in this program for the duration of the school year. 

Evidence shows that the more exposure to the second language, the higher the levels of second language proficiency. Students in French immersion programs demonstrate similar progress in catching up with non-immersion students’ English language skills following the introduction of English Language Arts to the early immersion curriculum in Grade 3.

What is French Immersion?

BGRD INFORMATION ON FRENCH IMMERSION

K-3 Immersion

What to expect in Kindergarten to Grade 3 in French Immersion

4-6 Immersion

What to expect in Grades 4-6 in French Immersion