Aims and Objectives

The goals of the French Immersion Program as outlined by the Ministry of Education are:

  • to become functionally bilingual
  • students completing the program are able to:
    • communicate easily in French and English
    • take post-secondary education/training in both French and English
    • undertake employment in French and English
    • understand and appreciate attitudes and customs other than their own

In addition to the national goals, the aims and objectives of Saskatoon Public Schools French Immersion Program as outlined in The Second Language Program report (1983) indicate that:

  • the increase in second language learning competence should not be accomplished at the expense of English skills
  • the increase in second language instruction should not entail a loss in general education or in the personal development of students. It is important to develop the whole child.
  • the main benefit of a bilingual education is educational, not political.

The curriculum is basically the same as in English-only situations. First consideration is given to a quality educational program.

Early Immersion

The Saskatoon Board of Education offers the Early Immersion program:

  • entry points are kindergarten or grade one (by September 30)
  • studies in the French language continue to the end of high school
  • percentage of instruction in the second language is as follows:
    • Up to 100%: Kindergarten to Grade 1
    • Up to 75%: Grade 2 to 6
    • 60 to 70%: Grade 7 to 8 (Here it's 75%)
    • 50%: Grade 9 to 12 (50% or more in SBE at least four subjects at each grade level except 12)

French Immersion Elementary Schools

École College Park || École Henry Kelsey || École Lakeview || École River Heights || École Victoria

French Immersion Collegiates

Marion M. Graham || Walter Murray|| Tommy Douglas

Late Immersion

Late French Immersion is a long term program which begins at Grade 6 and continues through to Grade 12.  All subject areas are taught in French except for English Language Arts.  In Grade 8, the Early and Late Immersion students join together into one program. The two groups become academically cohesive during the secondary years.

Saskatoon Public Schools is proud to offer Saskatchewan's only Late French Immersion Program at École Lakeview School École Henry Kelsey School, and École River Heights School. For more information check the program description. You can also view a series of short YouTube videos about our Late French Immersion program on YouTube by searching Late French Immersion Saskatoon.

 

FRENCH IMMERSION TRANSPORTATION

Two-way transportation is provided by Saskatoon Public Schools without cost for those elementary students who must leave their neighbourhood school to enroll in the French Immersion Program.

Transportation for secondary students is subsidized for those who live beyond 3 kilometres from their home to the nearest public collegiate which offers French Immersion. The subsidy is 50% of the cost of City of Saskatoon bus passes. Marion M. Graham Collegiate and Walter Murray Collegiate offer French Immersion.

Students living in the following areas of the city attend the French Immersion schools listed below.

Please call your local school for further information and to make transportation arrangements for your child.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about:

  • The French Immersion program
  • Student opportunities
  • Tutors

Please contact our Educational Consultant for French Immersion at (306) 683-8220.