The program – Language
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What is
the French Immersion Program?
The French Immersion program is offered to students with little or
no knowledge of the French language upon their entry into the program. A major
portion of the courses with the exception of the English Language Arts is
offered by teachers who are proficient in French. The immersion approach allows
for an active and practical acquisition of the French language through subject
matter.
The French Immersion program offers a special educational
environment where students "live" in French, French being the language
of administration and communication at the school level. The immersion
approach integrates language instruction and subject area content instruction.
In fact, in immersion the French language is both the medium and subject of
instruction. The program is planned in such a way that the French language is
learned through structure activities, interaction in groups of varying size,
games, songs and contests, to name a few.
Language of Communication and Goals of the Program
The language of communication in the school is French. School
assemblies are conducted mainly in French. Students are encouraged to
communicate with the teacher in French as their mastery of the language
increases. Communication between school staff members is in French.
Communication to parents and other community members is conducted in English.
English is used for progress reports and other written information directed to
the parents.
The French Immersion program aims to develop, in addition to the
mastery of the English language, linguistic competence in the French language.
Students are thus able to communicate in both languages on a personal and
professional level (Canadian Association of Immersion Teachers, 1994). In
addition, the immersion approach fosters an understanding of the French peoples
and their cultural diversity.
In
In immersion, students acquire the French language and at the same
time the learning outcomes which compromise essential learning as outlined in
the Department's 1995 document.
Time Allotment
In Kindergarten, instruction in entirely in French however, in the
event of a traumatic situation, an accident or any disruption of the child's
normal activities, the teacher will take the child aside and talk to him/her in
English or his/her own language, since the emotional well-being of the child
takes precedence in these circumstances.
In grades one to four, all subjects are taught in French except for
English Language Arts.
latest update : 2006-03-30 19:20:55