French Immersion
Say "Bonjour" to French Immersion!
Say "Bonjour" to French Immersion programming for your child and give them the gift of a second language!
At Ardrossan Elementary, we offer a dual track program where parents can choose to register in French Immersion. This program is offered for ECS to Grade 6 students. We are happy to accept registrations for students in all grades, however students in grades 2-6 must have been following previous French Immersion programming. French Immersion students in ECS to Grade 2 will have an immersion experience with 100 per cent French instruction. Grades 3-6 will have between 75 -80 per cent of their instruction in French. It is an opportunity to discover not only a language, but also a culture! Vive le francais!
Rendez-vous Extraordinaire!
An outstanding week full of activities promoting French language and culture....quels
souvenirs!
Have you considered ECS French Immersion?
Frequently Asked Questions…
What is French Immersion?
- The French Immersion Program provides students with fluency in speaking, reading, writing, listening and communicating in French by the end of Grade 12.
- French is the language of instruction, beginning in Kindergarten continuing to Grade 3 when English is introduced.
- Check out Alberta Education’s What do I want my child to achieve in French ?
Why Should I Consider French Immersion for my Child?
Learning French offers students significant linguistic, academic and cognitive benefits:
- strengthens English literacy skills and listening skills;
- enhances problem-solving abilities;
- strengthens concentration, math, and the ability to filter out non-important information;
- provides students with more flexible, divergent, and creative thinking skills;
- delays dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later on in life;
- provides graduates with more choices for advanced education and career options;
- gives graduates a competitive edge in the job market anywhere;
- broadens students' cultural life through access to literature, art, music and theatre;
- helps students to better understand the history, development and government of their country;
- builds cultural awareness and empathy;
- increases a student's feeling of self-esteem and pride; and
- makes learning additional languages easier.
But, We Don’t Speak French at Home! How does that work?
- You are not alone. Most parents of French Immersion students do not speak French! In fact, it was non-French speaking parents who established French Immersion in the first place! Your child will do just fine whether or not you speak French at home.
- Check out Yes, You Can Help!
I Need More Information
If you would like more information on what French Immersion looks like at Ardrossan Elementary, contact Mme Helene Hewitt or Mrs. Kyla Harding to set up a time to meet. We are happy to answer any questions you might have.
Resource Links
- Handbook for French Immersion Kindergarten
- Canadian Parents For French
- Bilingual People Are Like Brain Bodybuilders
- How a Second Language Trains Your Brain for Math
- Bilingualism Delays Age at Onset of Dementia, Independent of Education and Immigration Status
- Bilingual Benefits: How Learning Another Language Keeps Your Mind Sharp No Matter Your Age
- How the Brain Benefits from Being Bilingual