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Langley School District French Immersion Program Information Evening. French Immersion is…. For students who do not speak French at home A long term investment (7 years to learn a language) Open to all children Well supported in SD #35. A French Immersion Graduate… .
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Langley School District French Immersion Program Information Evening
French Immersion is… • For students who do not speak French at home • A long term investment (7 years to learn a language) • Open to all children • Well supported in SD #35
A French Immersion Graduate… • has studied in French from grades K-12 OR 6-12 • has a bilingual Dogwood certificate • is functionally bilingual • qualifies for international certification
A functionally bilingual person can… • participate easily in French conversations • accept employment requiring French • pursue post-secondary education in French
Benefits...personal • Self-esteem & confidence • Cultural appreciation & global awareness • Communication skills • Academic achievement • Ease in learning more languages
Benefits...practical • Increased job opportunities • Ease of travel • Exchange programs • Eligibility for post-secondary bursaries • More people are bilingualthan not • Well-funded
Why French? • Canada has 2 official languages: English & French • A world language: • 9thmost widely spoken language • 3rdmost used language on the Web • Over 200 million speakers worldwide • Official working language of the IOC, NATO, UN, Red Cross & many global organizations • Related to Spanish, Italian & other languages
Early Immersion • Begins in Kindergarten • Language learning is easier for young children • Parent choice
Late Immersion • Begins in grade 6 • Is a student choice • Highmotivation because of student buy in • Middle school model favours Late program • Offers a new challenge for students who enjoy learning
Langley French ImmersionEnrolment 2010-2011 512 TOTAL: 1374 221
25% Gr.11-12 50% Gr. 8 – 10 80% Gr. 3 – 7 100% Kindergarten – gr. 2 How much of my child’s day will be in French? Note: Grade 3 to 12 English Language Arts is provided
Secondary Curriculum • Typically “required” courses are offered in French e.g. Social Studies, French Language, Planning 10 • Students still have elective courses • Gr. 11 – Social Studies 11 & Français Langue 11 • Gr. 12 – Français Langue 12
Research • … students who successfully complete a French Immersion program attain functional bilingualism while doing as well asor better than their unilingual peers in the content areas of curriculum, including English Language Arts. (BC Ministry of Education)
Research Results • Province-wide student assessments show that Gr. 10 French Immersion students doas well as or better thannon-immersion students in English language andMath skills.
Grade 8 students say… It’s easier to learn other languages… I actually look forward to French class! My speaking and everything has improved a lot. You can confuse people. We get 2 certificates for graduation. …becoming smarter than my parents.
Opportunities • Concours d’Art Oratoire – French Public Speaking Competition • Cultural activities • Exchange programs • Summer bursary programs (for senior students) • DELF: Diploma of proficiency
How can I support my child? • Stay in touch • Get involved • Learn the language with your child • CPF: Canadian Parents for French • Summer camps
Next steps: • Application on file? Up-to-date? • Late Immersion presentations for grade 5 students – January 2011 • Open Houses at each FI elementary school • (you can bring your child) – January 2011 • Registration begins February 1, 2011 • (first come, first served) • 24 hour response time
Open House dates: • Belmont (Early FI) January 25, 2011 9:00 – 10:00 am • James Kennedy (Early FI) January 21, 2011 (Kindergarten only) 9:00 – 10:00 am • Alex Hope (Late FI) January 26, 2011 1:00 – 2:00 pm • Betty Gilbert (Late FI) January 17, 201 1 1:00 – 2:45 pm • Noel Booth (Late FI) January 26, 2011 9:00 – 12:00 pm