THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM

Halifax Regional School Board

INFORMATION SESSION

at

École Shannon Park School

DESCRIPTION

The French Immersion Program has been designed for students who have little or no French language skills.

The entry point of the Early French Immersion Program is at the Primary level.

The program extends to Grade 12.

CANADIAN MADE! The origins of the French Immersion

Program date back to 1965 in St. Lambert, Montréal, Québec.

Research shows that the Immersion experience is the most effective way for children to become functionally bilingual without having adverse effects on their social, academic or personal development.

Research Many language concepts and skills learned

and developed in French are similar to those applied in English. Studies supported by CASLT (Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers) have shown that bilingual students “appear to have a number of intellectual advantages” such as the ability to think abstractly and problem solve at an earlier age.

(http://www.unb.ca/slec/hot_topics/l2_children.html)

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION Students acquire French language skills

in an environment modeled by the teacher’s oral proficiency, literacy awareness and pedagogical knowledge of second language acquisition strategies. The integration of subjects taught in French is also conducive to language acquisition.

NOVA SCOTIA

The Early French Immersion Program began in 1977.

The Late Immersion Program (Grade 7-12) began in 1985.

EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION (P-12)

Students receive a French Immersion Certificate upon completion of requirements.

FRENCH IMMERSION CERTIFICATE

Upon completion, students should be able to: function in a French-speaking community accept a job where French is the working

language pursue university or college education in

French

EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION WITHIN HALIFAX REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD

As of September 2012, HRSB has 25 elementary schools offering Early French Immersion.

PERCENTAGE OF INSTRUCTION IN FRENCH (IMMERSION PROGRAM)

Primary- Grade 2 90%-100% (varies due to Music and Physical

Education)

Grades 3-6 80%- 85% (formal instruction in English is

introduced)

Grades 7-9 60%- 75%

Grades 10-12 50% (minimum of nine credits taught in French)

SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES All students should have equal access to

special services where available. It is recommended that there is a close

working relationship among the Immersion teachers, the Resource teachers and the parent(s)/ guardian(s).

ENGLISH INSTRUCTION . . .ENGLISH INSTRUCTION . . .

• begins in Grade 3 and students readily transfer acquired reading strategies and skills.

CURRICULUM

The French Immersion Program follows the same learning outcomes as defined by the Nova Scotia English Provincial Guides.

THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSIONPROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO . . .

enable all students to communicate effectively in French using listening, speaking, viewing, reading, writing and other various means of representation.

THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO …

Promote French language instruction that allows students to

…work and study purposefully, both independently and cooperatively.

…to solve problems individually and collaboratively. …develop personal skills, attitudes and values. …to express their ideas and feelings in various art

forms. …locate, evaluate, adapt, create and share information

using a wide range of sources and technologies. …demonstrate a better understanding of their own and

others’ cultural heritage with a particular emphasis on French speaking communities.

THE FRENCH IMMERSION TEACHER . . .

has an excellent command of French (written and spoken).

teaches the subjects according to the established Provincial guidelines.

WHEN CONSIDERING THE EARLY WHEN CONSIDERING THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM…FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM…

• How developed are your child’s first language skills?• Does your child appear to be developing in terms of social and emotional growth?• Does your child have positive self-esteem?• Does your child have any major perceptual or auditory problems?• Can your child adjust easily to unfamiliar situations?

PREPARATION AND SUPPORT FOR PARENTS

French section of community libraries. HRSB website and French links. French language television. Extracurricular and community activities

which promote French language and culture. Read to your child in English to foster a love

of language.

USEFUL LINKS

•www.cpf.ca (Canadian Parents for French)

•http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/files/Downloads/pdf/registration/doe-french-immersion-faq.pdf

(Frequently asked questions about French Immersion)