THE LATE FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSION 2007

DESCRIPTION This program is designed for students whose experience with the French language has been limited to elementary Core French. The entry point of the Late French Immersion Program is at Grade 7. 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/l2_children.html)

RESEARCH More than 300,000 students are currently enrolled in French Immersion programs across Canada as compared to 75,000 in 1980-1981. More than 2 million English-speaking students are studying French as a subject in school. More than 25% of young Canadians aged 18-29 are currently bilingual.

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION Students acquire their French language skills in an environment surrounded by French posters, signs, books and other resources. The integration of subjects taught in French is also conducive to language acquisition.

NOVA SCOTIA The Late Immersion Program (Grade 7-12) began in 1985 in the former Halifax County-Bedford District School Board .

FRENCH IMMERSION CERTIFICATE Students receive a French Immersion Certificate at the end of grade 12 upon completion of course requirements. Upon completion, students should be able to: function in a French-speaking community accept a job where French is the working language pursue university or college education in French

LATE FRENCH IMMERSION WITHIN HALIFAX REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD As of September 2006, HRSB has 33 schools (junior high and senior high schools) offering Late 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 LATE FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM… • How is your child’s social and emotional development? • Does your child have a positive self-esteem? • Does your child have major perceptual or auditory problems? • Can your child adjust easily to unfamiliar situations?

THE LATE 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 represention.

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

Concours d'art oratoire SPEAKING . . . permits students to engage in meaningful & constructive dialogue. Concours d'art oratoire

READING . . . Jeunes lecteurs actifs P-6 (Active Young Readers)

WRITING . . . Écrivains à l’œuvre 4-9 (Writers in Action) This initiative is helping students across the province to develop strong written skills.

MATHEMATICS Students develop problem solving abilities using a variety of communicative strategies. It is important to note that French Immersion students follow the same curriculum outcomes as student in English programs.

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. The program is based on the foundations document for social studies. New curriculum document is being implemented p-2 this year. French immersion and English programs have the same document and resources.

SCIENCE Laboratory experiments Research and observations Collection and analysis of data Science Fairs

TRIP TO UNIVERSITÉ SAINTE-ANNE Each Spring, Grade 7 students participate in a 4 day trip where they are totally immersed in an authentic French environment. They interact in French with other HRSB Late French Immersion students, and enjoy an educational and enjoyable cultural event.

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

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

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

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

THE LATE 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 LATE 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 the French language (written and spoken). teaches the subjects according to the established Provincial guidelines.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT . . . is ongoing and collaborative (English & French).

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. Encourage your child to read in French.

USEFUL LINKS www.cpf.ca (Canadian Parents for French) http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/bgromick/ (To enroll or not to enroll . . . that is the question) www.caslt.org (Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers)