1. French Immersion is… a program designed specifically for students who do not speak French at home a program designed specifically for students who do not speak French at home a long term investment (it takes about 7 years to learn a language) a long term investment (it takes about 7 years to learn a language) open to all children open to all children

2. A French immersion graduate… has studied in French from grades has studied in French from grades K or 6 - 12 has a bilingual provincial Dogwood certificate has a bilingual provincial Dogwood certificate is functionally bilingual is functionally bilingual

3. A functionally bilingual person can… participate easily in French conversations participate easily in French conversations accept employment with French as the language of work accept employment with French as the language of work take post-secondary courses with French as the language of instruction take post-secondary courses with French as the language of instruction

4. Benefits.... Personal: Self esteem & confidence Cultural awareness & appreciation Communication skills Academic achievement Ease in learning more languages

5. Benefits.... Practical Increased job opportunities Ease of travel Exchange programs Eligibility for post-secondary bursaries

6. Why French? Canada has two official languages: English and French Canada has two official languages: English and French French is a world language, spoken in 51 countries French is a world language, spoken in 51 countries French, along with English, is the official working language of the United Nations, NATO, IOC, Red Cross and many other global organizations French, along with English, is the official working language of the United Nations, NATO, IOC, Red Cross and many other global organizations A larger % of the world’s population speaks more than one language A larger % of the world’s population speaks more than one language

7. Early Immersion Begins in Kindergarten (or grade 1) Begins in Kindergarten (or grade 1) Late immersion Begins in grade 6 Begins in grade 6

8. Langley French Immersion Enrolment 2008-09 Total: 1446

9. Overview of Langley French Immersion Programs: K-12

10. What subjects are taught? The content of French Immersion programs parallels that of the English language curriculum. The content of French Immersion programs parallels that of the English language curriculum. From Grade 4 to Grade 12, English Language Arts is provided. Other courses may also be offered in English. From Grade 4 to Grade 12, English Language Arts is provided. Other courses may also be offered in English.

11. Secondary curriculum Typically “required” courses are offered in French Typically “required” courses are offered in French e.g. Social Studies, French Language, Planning 10 –Students still have room in their academic programs to choose elective courses Grade 11 – Social Studies 11 & Français Langue 11 Grade 11 – Social Studies 11 & Français Langue 11 Grade 12 – Français Langue 12 Grade 12 – Français Langue 12

12. Opportunities Concours d’Art Oratoire – French Public Speaking Competition (all levels) Concours d’Art Oratoire – French Public Speaking Competition (all levels) Cultural activities Cultural activities Exchange programs Exchange programs Summer language bursary programs (for senior students) Summer language bursary programs (for senior students)