THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM Halifax Regional School

THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM Halifax Regional School Board INFORMATION SESSION 2013

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.

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

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/l 2_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) receive a French Immersion Certificate upon completion of requirements. Students

FRENCH IMMERSION CERTIFICATE Upon completion, students should be able to: Ø Ø Ø 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 22 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).

WHEN CONSIDERING THE EARLY 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?

THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO. . . enable all students to communicate effectively in French using listening, speaking, viewing, reading, writing and other various means of representation.

LISTENING. . . uses teaching strategies that foster a positive classroom environment. helps the students achieve success in French while learning the core subject matter.

SPEAKING. . . • permits students to engage in meaningful & constructive dialogue.

READING. . . FOR COMPRENSION Visualization Questioning Making Connections Predictions Analyzing

WRITING. . . WITH A PURPOSE • Ideas • Conventions • Word Choice • Sentence Structure • Organization Écrivains à l’œuvre 4 -9 (Writers in Action) This initiative is helping students across the province to develop strong written skills

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

MATHEMATICS • Students develop problem solving abilities using a variety of communicative strategies.

SOCIAL STUDIES. . . enable and encourage students to examine isssues, respond critically and creatively, and make informed decisions as fellow citizens of an increasingly global community.

SCIENCES • Students will construct knowledge and understanding of concepts in life science, physical science, and Earth and space science, and apply these understandings to interpret, integrate and extend their knowledge - (GCO 3 – Department of Education P-6 Learning Outcomes Document)

THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO … enable all students to work and study purposefully, both independently and cooperatively.

THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO … enable all students to solve problems individually and collaboratively.

THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO … encourage personal development of skills, attitudes and values.

THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO … enable all students to express their ideas and feelings in various art forms.

THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO … enable all students to locate, evaluate, adapt, create and share information using a wide range of sources and technologies.

THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO … enable all students to 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.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. . . • is ongoing and collaborative (English & French). • Early Literacy • New Math curriculum • Oral Language development • CSI (continuous school improvement) etc…

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)