French Immersion Programs

  

French immersion programs

The goal of French immersion programs is to provide youth with the opportunity to become functionally bilingual, to be able to work in both official languages and to appreciate cultures other than their own.

French is used as the language of instruction for the same subject curriculum as English-only schools. Immersion programs meet all of the educational requirements of Saskatchewan Learning and are available throughout the province.

Who can register?

Immersion programs are designed for children whose first language is not French. Students  register in French immersion in kindergarten to grade 1.

Becoming bilingual

The success of immersion programs lies in the fact that children are exposed to a totally French environment at a very young age. Immersion programs generally offer instruction, in French only, from kindergarten to grade 3. This is significantly more French than is provided by core French programs. Students are also learning and using French while they are learning all the other subjects, which enhances their understanding and ability in French. In fact, the programs are so successful that they are modeled across the world!

Learning English in Immersion Programs

English, as a subject, is introduced from grade 4 onward. As immersion students are constantly exposed to the English language outside of School, their verbal English language skills are equal to any student's. They usually catch up in their reading and writing by grade 4.

The Immersion Difference - What Immersion Programs Have to Offer

• students can become functionally bilingual; they can communicate in both French and English they can continue their education in both languages,
• graduates can work in areas that require bilingualism,
• they learn to appreciate other cultures.

Helping Your Child even if you do not speak French 

If, as a parent, you don't speak French, you might be concerned about helping children with their homework. You're not alone. Both Saskatchewan Learning's French Education Branch and Canadian Parents for French can provide you with tips on how to overcome the language barrier to effectively monitor and share in your child's education. And you'll enjoy the full support of your children's teachers - they want to work with you to help your child succeed!

Information

There are 62 French immersion programs across the province. To find the French immersion school nearest you, please refer to Canadian Parents for French - Saskatchewan.