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FRENCH IN OUR ALBERTA SCHOOLS |
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WHAT DO I WANT MY CHILD TO ACHIEVE?
FRENCH FIRST LANGUAGE
After completing Grade 12, your child will:
Have achieved a high proficiency in and a positive attitude towards French as a first language. Identify with and be part of the francophone culture and community.
Have achieved a high proficiency in English.
Be able to pursue postsecondary education and work in French, in English, or in both languages.
Be better able to appreciate other languages, cultures and communities throughout Canada and around the world.
FRENCH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
French immersion
After completing Grade 12, your child will:
Have achieved a high proficiency in English.
Have retained his or her own cultural identity.
Be functionally fluent in French, that is:
Core French
After several years, your child will:
Have a good foundation in French from which to pursue fluency.
Have gained insights into and an appreciation of francophone culture.
Be better able to appreciate other languages, cultures and communities throughout Canada and around the world.
FRENCH FIRST LANGUAGE
Education is offered entirely in French from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
School environment, programming and extracurricular activities provide your child with a solid and dynamic focal point for the French language and francophone culture as an extension of family and community life.
English Language Arts is introduced in the elementary grades. If your child does not have a good grasp of English, assistance will be provided as required.
The language of communication between home, school and school board is normally French. For the parent who does not speak French, assistance is provided to help you support your child’s learning and school experience.
FRENCH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
French immersion
French is used as the language of instruction for a significant part of each school day: several or all subjects (except, of course, English Language Arts) are taught in French.
Begins with a period of concentration on French language development to give students a sufficient understanding of French to:
- learn to read, and
- learn other subjects such as math, science, social studies, the fine arts, etc. taught in French.
School and extra-curricular activities in French may be used to support the development of language skills and cultural appreciation.
The language of communication between home and school is English.
Core French
French is taught as a subject. (Alberta Education recommends 30-40 minutes of instruction per day).
French is used as the language of classroom communication.
French knowledge and skills are developed through the use of themes and projects geared to the interests, maturity, and life experiences of your child.
FRENCH FIRST LANGUAGE
Intended for a child:
- Of a parent whose first language learned and still understood is French; or
- Of a parent who received primary school instruction in French anywhere in Canada; or
- Whose sibling has received or is receiving primary or secondary school instruction in French anywhere in Canada.
(as described in Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms)
(And, in the same spirit, for a child of a parent:
- With francophone roots who wants to reintegrate the French language and francophone identity and culture into his or her child’s life; or
- Who wants his or her child to retain French language skills and francophone identity and culture [e.g., francophone immigrants who are permanent residents of Canada].)
FRENCH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
French immersion
Designed for a child whose family heritage is other than French.
Core French
Designed for a child whose family heritage is other than French.
AT WHAT GRADE LEVEL CAN MY CHILD BEGIN?
FRENCH FIRST LANGUAGE
French first language schools begin in Kindergarten or Grade 1, however eligible students may enter at any grade level.
If your child speaks little or no French, a variety of programs and strategies will be used to help him or her learn French and integrate the francophone culture into everyday living.
For links to the Francophone schools and school districts click here.
FRENCH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
French immersion
Many Alberta schools offers early French immersion beginning in Kindergarten or Grade 1.
Some Alberta schools also offer late French immersion beginning in Grade 6 or 7.
For a list of school districts offering French immersion click here.
Core French
In schools where it is offered, core French (often referred to in Alberta as “FSL”) usually begins in Grade 4, 7 or 10. Some schools begin as early as Kindergarten or Grade 1.
In some schools all students study core French at certain grade levels (typically Grades 4-6 or Grades 7-9).
For more information: Report of Current Research on the Effect of the Second Language Learning on First Language Literary Skills |
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WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
No doubt you have many more questions than we can answer here! Start with the following web sites:
Learning French as a second language: www.ab.cpf.ca www.cpf.ca Alberta Education
French first language education: www.fpfa.ab.ca Alberta Education
The following parent guides offer a wealth of information, inspiration, tips and ideas for supporting your child’s French language development. (These guides have been approved by Alberta Education.)
For French first language… Tu peux compter sur moi. Guide à l’intention du parent pour l’accompagnement de l’enfant dans son éducation en français langue première. Available through the Fédération des parents francophones de l’Alberta.
For French immersion… Yes, You Can Help!
WHO CAN I TALK TO?
- For advice, information, and support from experienced parents and experts, call or visit the following organizations.
- For information on what is currently available in your area, call or visit your nearest public, separate or francophone school board office. Alberta boards offering French immersion Alberta boards offering French first language education
- For information on how to bring French first language, French immersion, or core French to your area, contact:
| CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH, ALBERTA BRANCH (CPF Alberta) 211 – 15120 – 10a Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T5P 0R5 Phone: 1-888-433-6036 or in the Edmonton area call 780-433-7311 Fax: 780-433-7306 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.ab.cpf.ca and www.cpf.ca |
| FÉDÉRATION DES PARENTS FRANCOPHONES DE L’ALBERTA (FPFA) Room 203, 8627 rue Marie-Anne-Gaboury (91 St.), Edmonton AB T6C 3N1 Phone: 780-468-6934 Fax: 780-469-4799 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.fpfa.ab.ca |
| ALBERTA EDUCATION, FRENCH LANGUAGE EDUCATION SERVICES 10044 – 108 St., Edmonton AB T5J 5E6 Phone: 310-000 toll free and ask to be connected to 780-427-2940, or in the Edmonton area call 780-427-2940 Fax: 780-422-1947 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.education.alberta.ca |