French Language Program

Language Program

FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM

École Sister O'Brien School is a French Immersion Type B school.  Immersion is the most effective method known for teaching a second language.  The instruction time in French varies from 60% to 100% of the timetable.  The objective of this program is to have students, upon the completion of Grade Eight, functionally bilingual.  For the average person, this takes approximately 5,000 hours of instruction.  Over the course of the eight years of elementary school, plus Kindergarten, our students are exposed to over 5,500 hours of French.  We strive to immerse our students in the French language and culture.

(Kindergarten to Grade 2)

French instructional time varies from 90%-100%:

-Kindergarten: up to 100% in French

-Grade 1 & 2:  Instruction time is 90% (Religion taught in  English)

(Grade 3 to Grade 6)

French instructional time is up to 75%.

Students receive English Language Arts instruction and Religion in English.

(Grades 7 & 8)

French instructional time varies from 60% to 70%. Students receive English Language Arts, Science, Religion and Health instruction in English.

Considerable importance is placed upon the development of basic verbal and written language skills in both French and English.  Math computation, application and problem solving are also emphasized and are completed entirely in French.  It must be noted that all subjects taught in French have a dual purpose:

(a) to increase the child's French vocabulary.

(b) to enhance the child's knowledge base.

A Learning Assistance Teacher also offers aid to students who can benefit from extra assistance in the French language, and in other subjects, as the need arises.

LEARNING FRENCH - Some frequently asked questions.pdf

Supporting your child in French Immersion.pdf

Learn more about French second-language learning on the Canadian Parents for French website.