French Immersion FAQs
What is French Immersion?
French Immersion is the most effective method known for learning French as a second language or additional language. It is a Canadian-made educational program in which a child whose first language is not French, studies in French. French Immersion in Alberta is the delivery of the curriculum using French as the language of instruction. The goal is functional bilingualism. This means that at the end of high school studies, students will be comfortable conversing in French, will be able to take further education in a French setting or receive training and employment in French.
As a parent do I need to speak French?
No. You don’t need special skills to help your child learn French. The program is designed for children who normally do not speak French at home. It is not expected that parents will be able to speak or understand any level of French. Teachers are aware of this when they send home notices or assign homework. Reporting and all school-home communication is in English. All teaching staff are fluent in English and French.
The earlier children are exposed to language and literacy through activities like reading and writing, the more likely they are to do well at school. This is the case no matter what language they are exposed to in their early years. Even before they start school, children acquire thinking and communication skills that enable them to learn other languages and to succeed in school. They learn those skills by hearing and speaking the language of their home – whether it is English or Portuguese, Farsi, Urdu or Chinese.
How do I know if my child is suitable for the French Immersion program?
French Immersion is for everyone and all children will benefit from the immersion experience. Children who are enrolled in the French Immersion program demonstrate a wide variety of characteristics and thus their performance will vary. Before entering the program children do not have to demonstrate any particular abilities or skills. All students regardless of academic ability will learn French.
Will my child learn the same things as students in English classes?
The French Immersion curriculum follows the same guidelines of Alberta Education as the English program. Teaching and learning resources in French cover the same basic program as in English, although perhaps in a different sequence. Students work toward the same academic goals regardless of the language of instruction.
Will my child be behind in English if he or she takes French Immersion?
The goal is to develop proficiency, not just in French but in English as well – Canada’s two official languages. Studies show that if your child develops abilities in French, this will help them improve in English. There are many skills and abilities that transfer between different languages. Such as: - phonetic skills - comprehension strategies - higher-order thinking skills - familiarity with text formats, such as books, manuals, recipes and websites. Children who are literate in one language are likely to have an advantage in learning a second. It also explains why your child’s developing proficiency in French will not limit his or her growth in mastering English.
Evaluations of Immersion programs across Canada have indicated that although there are expected lags in English language skills for the first few years of the program for many students, Immersion students very quickly catch up and often surpass students in the regular program once English in introduced (typically in grade three). It is important that families support language and literacy skills at home by continuing to expose children to books in their first language.
What if my child experiences difficulties in French Immersion?
Students who may have academic difficulties, such as learning to read, may also have learning difficulties in a French Immersion Program. It is generally the actual academic skills that some students have trouble with, not the French language. In cases where your child is experiencing any type of difficulty, it is important to start regular communication with the classroom teacher about what supports are in place at school and how you may be able to support your child at home. Ongoing communication between the school and the home is beneficial to your child’s progress across subject areas and throughout the grades.
Contact Us
| École Connaught School | K-6 |
| Deni Neigum, Principal 403.526.2392 | |
| École Crescent Heights Secondaire | 7-12 |
| Agnieszka Desjardins, Vice Principal 403.527.6641 | |