French Immersion
French Immersion is a second language program available to students residing in the Alberni Valley. It is designed for non-French speaking students who wish to attain a high level of proficiency in both official languages. Students are immersed in the French language within the classroom where French is used for meaningful communication and for instruction in all subject areas.
The goal of French Immersion Program is to produce well-educated, functionally bilingual students. Students in the program achieve a level of learning in all subject areas equivalent to that achieved by students in the English program. French Immersion students develop strong communication skills in both French and English. They also develop a knowledge and understanding about the structure of language that may enable them to learn other languages more easily.
Early French Immersion students begin the program in Kindergarten (or in some cases grade one) and continue on through to Grade 12. All instruction is in French for the first three years (Kindergarten to Grade 2). Formal instruction in English begins in Grade 4 and represents 20% of instructional time through Grade 7. The percentage of French instruction decreases gradually as students proceed through the secondary grades.
What if Parents Don't Speak French?
Parents are not expected to speak French! French Immersion teachers communicate in English with parents. Parents can support their child by being interested in their learning, getting involved with the school, providing access to resources and supporting them with their work.
If you are interested in receiving more information about French Immersion, please contact Pam Chandler - District French Coordinator and École AES Vice-Principal - pchandler@sd70.bc.ca or +1-250-724-0623.
