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The uniqueness of Edmonton Catholic Schools' French Immersion Program lies in its longstanding commitment to and tradition of promoting Canada's official languages through a variety of program settings.
French Immersion is designed for students who have a heritage that is other than French. While the terms can be confusing, here is a definition of the programs available within Edmonton Catholic Schools.
Early immersion: Students register in kindergarten or grade one. The language of instruction is French, although students also have regular English Language Arts classes beginning in grade 2. Throughout the elementary years, at least 75 % of the day is in French. Particular attention is given to developing an appreciation of the French culture by offering yearly cultural events and/or entertainers. Nine schools currently offer Early Immersion.
Late immersion: Students register in grade 7, with little or no previous exposure to French. They are typically more motivated due to being involved in the program choice. After two years of intense basic instruction, the students are blended into regular immersion classes, writing the grade 9 provincial achievement tests along with their early immersion counterparts. Implementation of this program will continue in Sept. 2008.
Full immersion: One high school has this high school equivalent of the early immersion program, offering from 50% to 75% of the program in French.
Modified immersion: Two schools offer a high school program in which only two or three subjects are taught in French, typically French Language Arts and Social Studies.
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