Core French Program
This is the basic French as a Second Language (FSL) program that is mandatory in Grades 5 through 8.
What are the goals of the program?
A focus on attitudes, culture and language in our elementary and secondary core French programs enable students to:
- develop a positive feeling towards French language and the francophone population throughout the world;
- increase awareness and understanding of the values, customs and other elements of the French culture, particularly as experienced in Canada;
- increase, within realistic limits, the ability to communicate effectively in French, enabling students to take advantage of vocational and leisure opportunities, or to meet post- secondary requirements.
Where is the program available?
Core French is available in all District 43 elementary schools, starting in Grade 5. The program is also offered in every middle and secondary school.
Early Immersion Program
The early French Immersion Program is available at the following elementary (K-5) and middle (6-8) schools:
Glen, Glenayre, Irvine, Kilmer, Mary Hill, Panorama Heights, Porter Street, Rochester Elementary schools;
Banting, Kwayhquitlum, Maillard, Maple Creek and Pitt River Middle schools.
The Early French Immersion program an alternative program that enables students to:
- Become functionally bilingual, that is:
- To be able and willing to participate comfortably in French and English conversations;
- To possess the requirements that would allow them to pursue further education appropriate to their abilities and interests, with French as the language of instruction;
- To accept employment where the working language is French;
Gain insight into the common attitudes and values of French-speaking communities.
- Achieve equivalent levels of learning in all subject areas, regardless of the language of instruction;
- Reach, by the end of Grade 4, a level in English Language Arts equivalent to students in the regular program.
Late Immersion Program
The late French Immersion program, located at Banting and Pitt River Middle schools and Dr. Charles Best and Riverside Secondary schools, is an alternative program that enables students to:
- Achieve equivalent levels of learning in all subject areas, regardless of the language of instruction;
- Become functionally bilingual, that is:
- to be able and willing to participate comfortably in French and English conversations;
- to possess the requirements that would allow them to pursue further education appropriate to their abilities and interests, with French as the language of instruction;
- to accept employment where the working language is French;
- gain insight into the common attitudes and values of French-speaking communities.
How much French will my child speak in the classroom?
French is used as the language of instruction for approximately the following percentages of the school day:
Grade 6:75% French (English may be used at the outset to establish routines. English is used only if necessary in exceptional situations after this. Exploration subjects are taught in English. English Language Arts are not taught in the first year of late immersion).
Grade 7:60-70% French ( English Language Arts and Exploration subjects are usually taught in English).
How much French do the children learn?
Similar programs throughout British Columbia and Canada, as well as research on District 43 classes by a Simon Fraser Universtiy team, have shown acquistion of French is rapid and that there is no loss in achievement levels in other subject areas. By Grade 8, late immersion students are intergrated in classes with early immersion students.
How do I enroll in the late French immersion Program?
Registrations are accepted at Pitt River Middle and Banting Middle schools until the closing date of March 15. No boundaries are in place for late immersion and students will be registered on a "first come, first server" basis.
Late French immersion is an alternative program and is offered pending the availability of space.
