French Immersion (K-12)
THE LATE FRENCH IMMERSION ONLINE APPLICATION for the 2024 school year is now closed.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
WHAT IS FRENCH IMMERSION?
French Immersion is an intensive second language acquisition program common in all provinces of Canada, including British Columbia. Students study in French while following the regular B.C. Curriculum Prescribed Learning Outcomes. French Immersion is available to all students. Students of all linguistic backgrounds are welcome. Parents need not speak English or French to enroll their children in French Immersion. Surrey French Immersion programs are provided in schools which also offer the regular English program.
The French Immersion program gives the students an opportunity to experience a whole new world. With the age of information, communication technology and travel upon us, knowing another language will assist students in having more career doors open to them as they become adults in the community.
FRENCH IMMERSION GOALS
- To produce students who are able to understand and communicate in French and English.
- To allow students to develop linguistic and cultural knowledge of both Canada's official languages that supports a spirit of positive appreciation and respect.
- To foster the intellectual, physical, emotional, social and creative development of children.
- To develop awareness, appreciation, respect and understanding of the French and English cultures and values.
- To enable students to pursue further education and careers in either or both languages.
French is one of Canada's two official languages. It is also a "world" language or an "international" language because of its broad geographical distribution on the planet: French is spoken in five continents and is a language shared by 45 countries.
In Surrey . . .
- Students enter the program in kindergarten or in Grade 6.
- French Immersion teachers speak French fluently and are certified in British Columbia.
Early French Immersion
If you are interested in learning more about the Early French Immersion or Kindergarten Lottery Programs, please follow this link.
Late French Immersion
Late French Immersion is a language learning program offered in Canada for students who have not had any previous exposure to French. This program begins in Grade 6 and continues through to Grade 12. The program is designed to teach French as a second language to students in an immersive environment, where 80% of instruction is delivered in French and the remaining 20% is taught in English.
In the Late French Immersion program, students receive English language instruction beginning in Grade 3. This allows them to develop a strong foundation in their first language while preparing them for the immersive French learning environment that they will encounter in Grade 6. Once they enter the Late French Immersion program, students will find that the majority of their classes are delivered in French. This immersive environment provides a unique opportunity for students to develop their French language skills rapidly.
The Late French Immersion program is an excellent choice for students who are interested in learning a second language and who want to experience a different culture. Students who complete the program will have a strong foundation in both French and English, which will be a valuable asset in their future academic and professional pursuits.
Late French Immersion Locations:
| City Centre K.B. Woodward Elementary 13130 – 106 Avenue Phone: 604-588-5918 | Cloverdale/Clayton Sunrise Ridge Elementary 18690 – 60 Avenue Phone: 604-576-3000 | Panorama/Sullivan | South Surrey/White Rock Jessie Lee Elementary |
Secondary French Immersion (Grades 8-12)
Secondary French Immersion is an excellent opportunity for students to continue their French Language education in Grades 8 to 12. Students receive a minimum of 50% of their instruction in French in grades 8 to 10, which includes a rigorous French Language Arts program. Grade 11 students receive a minimum of 25% of their instruction in French, while in grade 12, they need to take at least one course in French Language Arts. This program is designed to help students improve their French language skills and gain a deeper understanding of French culture.
By the end of Grade 12, students completing the French Immersion program receive a bilingual graduation certificate. This certificate is a great asset to have, as it demonstrates a high level of proficiency in both French and English, which can be very advantageous in today's globalized world. In addition, students who complete this program often have a competitive edge in pursuing post-secondary education or employment opportunities that require bilingualism.
Overall, Secondary French Immersion is an excellent program for students who are interested in learning French and gaining a deeper understanding of French culture. It provides students with a strong foundation in the language and prepares them to be successful in their future endeavors.
Secondary French Immersion Locations:
| City Centre Kwantlen Park Secondary 10441 – 132 Street Phone: 604-588-6934 | Cloverdale/Clayton Salish Secondary 7278 – 184 Street Phone: 604-235-9836 | South Surrey/White Rock Panorama Ridge Secondary |
For more information on French Immersion programs, please contact the schools or Priority Practices (Languages Department) at:
Phone: 604-595-5325
E-mail: ci-office@surreyschools.ca
SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS
How can I help my child?
- Read aloud daily in the language of the home and talk about what is being learned at school. Children quickly transfer knowledge between languages.
- Encourage involvement in French and English activities outside of school: books, cultural events, music,
- educational television and summer camps.
Can I help out at school if I don't speak French?
- Talk with the teacher about helping in the classroom and in the school. Non-French speakers are welcome!
- Opportunities to participate include; field trips, cooking, reading, doing crafts with the children, helping in the library and being active in your school's Parent Advisory Committee.
Will Early French Immersion affect my child's achievement in mathematics and other subjects?
- French Immersion students perform as well as their English-educated counterparts in all subject areas. In fact, in Surrey, French Immersion students surpass the provincial average in writing and math in the Foundation Skills Assessment (a provincial test administered to all B.C. Grade 4 and Grade 7 students).
- Learning in an additional language contributes to the development of strong communication skills, flexible thinking and expands the cultural horizons of the students
