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Grade 1 French Immersion parent letter

French Immersion Programs

In addition to elementary and secondary school programs and courses in French as a Second Language, the Langley School District offers students the opportunity to enrol in French Immersion programs in which French is used as the primary language of instruction. This highly popular program is currently offered in 4 elementary schools and 2 secondary schools.

French is one of Canada’s two official languages and also an international language spoken in 52 countries worldwide.  It is also an official language of many world organizations.  An important educational goal for the Langley School District it to prepare our students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.  Globalization has increased the need for knowledge of other languages for effective communication, better relations and a competitive edge for future career opportunities.  With over 220 million speakers, French is one of the very few languages spoken all over the world, ranked sixth most widely spoken language after Mandarin Chinese, English, Hindi, Spanish, and Arabic.

There are many reasons to enrol your child in French, including:images

  • Becoming functionally bilingual
  • Increasing opportunities for future employment
  • Gaining an appreciation for other cultures and languages
  • Allowing students to be more open-minded and globally aware
  • Improving social skills
  • Providing greater academic challenges

The District promotes and provides many scholarships, bursaries, and travel opportunities for French Immersion students.  French Immersion students tend to be actively involved in all aspects of school life (sports, fine arts, leadership, etc.).

 

Early Immersion

Located at: Belmont Elementary, James Kennedy Elementary

The Early French Immersion Program begins in Kindergarten with 100% of instruction provided in French for the first 3 years of school.  We do allow students the option of joining the Early Immersion program in Grade 1 if space is available.  English Language Arts is introduced in Grade 3.  As students progress through the intermediate grades, instruction is increased to a maximum amount of 20% by grade 7.

Late Immersion

Located at: Alex Hope Elementary and Noel Booth Elementary

The Late French Immersion Program begins at the Grade 6 level for students who have not had any previous learning in French.  At the Grade 6 and 7 levels, 80% of instruction is delivered in French.  Good work habits, a positive attitude, and resilience are important for success.

Secondary Immersion

Brookswood Secondary and Walnut Grove Secondary

At the secondary level, students who have participated in both Early and Late Immersion programs are offered the opportunity to continue their studies in French with the ultimate goal of earning a Bilingual Dogwood Graduation Diploma.  In order to achieve this, students must complete 2 courses in French at the Grade 11 level as well as French Language Arts 12 (FRAL 12).  During the Grade 8-10 years, approximately 50% of the instruction time is spent in French.

Course offerings include: Beaux Arts, Planification, Éducation physique, Sciences Humaines, Français Langue et Culture.