1. THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM
Halifax Regional
School Board
INFORMATION
SESSION
2013

2. DESCRIPTION
The French Immersion Program has been designed for students who have little or no French language skills.
The entry point of the Early French Immersion Program is at the Primary level.
The program extends to Grade 12.

3. 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.

4. CURRICULUM
The French Immersion Program follows the same learning outcomes as defined by the Nova Scotia English Provincial Guides.

5. 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. (

6. LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Students acquire French language skills in an environment modeled by the teacher’s oral proficiency, literacy awareness and pedagogical knowledge of second language acquisition strategies. The integration of subjects taught in French is also conducive to language acquisition.

7. NOVA SCOTIA The Early French Immersion Program began in 1977.
The Late Immersion Program (Grade 7-12) began in 1985.

8. EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION (P-12)
Students receive a French Immersion Certificate upon completion of requirements.

9. FRENCH IMMERSION CERTIFICATE
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

10. EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION WITHIN HALIFAX REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD
As of September 2012, HRSB has 22 elementary schools offering Early French Immersion.

11. PERCENTAGE OF INSTRUCTION IN FRENCH (IMMERSION PROGRAM)
Primary- Grade %-100% (varies due to Music and Physical Education)
Grades %- 85% (formal instruction in English is introduced)
Grades %- 75%
Grades % (minimum of nine credits taught in French)

12. 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).

13. WHEN CONSIDERING THE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM…
• How developed are your child’s first language skills? • Does your child appear to be developing in terms of social and emotional growth? • Does your child have positive self-esteem? • Does your child have any major perceptual or auditory problems? • Can your child adjust easily to unfamiliar situations?

14. THE EARLY 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 representation.

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

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

17. READING . . . FOR COMPRENSION
Visualization
Questioning
Making Connections
Predictions
Analyzing

18. WRITING . . . WITH A PURPOSE Ideas Conventions Word Choice
Sentence Structure
Organization
Écrivains à l’œuvre 4-9 (Writers in Action)
This initiative is helping students across the province to develop strong written skills

19. ENGLISH INSTRUCTION . . .
begins in Grade 3 and students readily transfer acquired reading strategies and skills.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. SCIENCES
Students will construct knowledge and understanding of concepts in life science, physical science, and Earth and space science, and apply these understandings to interpret, integrate and extend their knowledge - (GCO 3 – Department of Education P-6 Learning Outcomes Document)

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

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

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

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

27. THE EARLY 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.

28. THE EARLY 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.

29. THE FRENCH IMMERSION TEACHER . . .
has an excellent command of French (written and spoken).
teaches the subjects according to the established Provincial guidelines.

30. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT . . .
is ongoing and collaborative (English & French).
Early Literacy
New Math curriculum
Oral Language development
CSI (continuous school improvement) etc…

31. 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.
Read to your child in English to foster a love of language.

32. USEFUL LINKS www.cpf.ca (Canadian Parents for French)
(Frequently asked questions about French Immersion)