Celebrating French and African culture at École Glenbrook Middle School with Jackie Essombe, who is originally from Cameroon.

French Immersion

To apply for one of the French Immersion options, you can learn more about timelines and the online application process here: https://newwestschools.ca/our-schools/registration/registration-information-forms/

Canada has many languages, but two have official language status, English and French.  The French Immersion Program is designed to teach French to non-French speaking children and is offered across Canada. In French Immersion, students follow  the BC Provincial Curriculum: Building Student Success, but the language of instruction and communication is French. New Westminster offers both Early (K/1 entry) and Late (grade 6 entry) French Immersion.

Goals of French Immersion programs: 

  • students become functionally bilingual and can understand and communicate in French 
  • students develop linguistic and cultural knowledge and appreciation that fosters intercultural understanding 
  • students may pursue further education and careers in French 

FRENCH IMMERSION INFORMATION NIGHT

Parent information nights for all Programs of Choice are held in early January, as part of our Discover New Westminster Schools Week.

Here is the recording from January 11, 2023:

 

Early French Immersion (K/1 entry)

Early French Immersion (EFI) begins in Kindergarten (Grade 1 if space is available) and continues on through to grade 12. All instruction is in French for the first four years. English Language Arts is introduced in grade 4. Exploratory courses are offered in English at middle school. The percentage of French instruction decreases gradually as students progress through the secondary grades. Early French Immersion is offered at École Herbert Spencer Elementary (Grades K-5), École Qayqayt Elementary (Grades K-5) and École Lord Tweedsmuir (Grades K-5). Enrolment is limited to one kindergarten entry class at each French Immersion school annually. Catchment boundaries are in effect for this program (see EFI catchment areas or use the school catchment locator tool)

Late French Immersion (Grade 6 entry)

Late French Immersion (LFI) is offered at École Glenbrook Middle School starting in grade 6. These students also carry on in French to the end of Grade 12.  Similar to the Early Immersion Program, students study almost entirely in French in grade 6, with Exploratory courses and Career Education usually offered in English. English Language Arts is reintroduced in grade 7. Enrolment is limited to two grade six entry classes at École Glenbrook Middle School annually. No prior knowledge of French is expected or necessary.

Students from Early and Late French Immersion join at grade 8 and continue in French Immersion at the secondary level. The percentage of instruction in French gradually decreases as students proceed through secondary school.  

Frequently Asked Questions

    Applications are accepted during a specific window beginning in January for program entrance in September of that year. This means that a family interested in EFI Kindergarten would apply in January of the year their child is to begin kindergarten. A family interested in LFI would apply when their child is in grade 5. For specific information, visit our New Westminster Schools - Registration page.     
    Students will develop comprehension of spoken French first. Their ability to speak develops more slowly and begins with repetitive words and phrases. Student’s oral language, just like reading, may develop at different rates. Often, students can begin to speak spontaneously in grade 1. Late French Immersion students often communicate spontaneously as they progress through grade 6.      
    Please see this document for instructional time in French in both EFI and LFI. 
    Many students learn French in addition to languages spoken at home or in the community. Students may make connections between languages or draw on skills from one language to help communicate in the other.  
    You do not need to speak French to help your child in French Immersion.  You can support by 
    • communicating with your child’s teachers
    • helping your child do homework as they progress (talk through their thoughts, help with time management and organization) 
    • providing opportunities to experience French outside of school (community events or festivals, French books, games or tv shows) 
    If your child is having difficulties at school, the first step is to communicate with the classroom teacher and the school. Students requiring additional support in their learning receive support while in the French Immersion program.  
  • A Double Dogwood means that students completing the French Immersion program and meeting graduation requirements receive a Diplôme de fin d’études secondaires en Colombie-Britannique in addition to a British Columbia Certificate of Graduation. 
  • This document outlines course offerings and requirements for secondary students in French Immersion. 

Supporting your child in French – links for parents/caregivers