Border Land School Division

Border Land School Division is committed to fostering inspiring educational opportunities, meaningful relationships, and engaged citizens.

French Communication and Culture (FCC): grades 4-12

In Border Land School division, French Communication and Culture (formerly Basic French) is offered to all students in the English stream starting in grade 4 (grade 3 in some schools) and is mandatory until grade 8.  In high school FCC is an optional course credit.  The focus of French language instruction (FCC) for English program students has changed over the years. Today, the goal is to help students gain a basic understanding of the language so they can communicate simple needs or greet a person in specific settings. Students follow a communication project-based approach to learn the French language.  The focus has moved from a grammatical approach to a more communicative approach where they are encouraged to speak and use the language in everyday settings. Cultural components are included in the program as well.

The department of Education recommends 30-35 minutes of instruction in French per day.  (this can vary from school to school and from class to class).

Cultural components and experiences in French are included to enrich the students’ learning experience.

Where to find more information:

Manitoba Education:

http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/french/index.html

Grade level expectations outlined at Manitoba Education My Child In School http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/mychild/index.html.

French for Life:  http://www.frenchforlife.ca/parents.cfm

Canadian Parents for French:

 https://mb.cpf.ca/resources/for-parents/ 

French Immersion: (full program) Kindergarten -grade 8; (partial program) grades 9-12

FRENCH IMMERSION is a highly successful second language program designed for students whose first language is not French and who have little or no knowledge of French prior to entering the program. • French immersion is an official program of Manitoba Education that follows a program of studies parallel to the English program where students are expected to meet the same outcomes. Teachers are bilingual and communicate in French to provide a French atmosphere for the children.

Students are given the opportunity to become functionally bilingual, which means full mastery of the English language and a level of bilingualism enough to function in a French environment.  Students are able to work in both official languages and to appreciate cultures other than their own. The French Immersion program uses French as the primary language of instruction and communication in the school setting.

In Border Land School Division French Immersion is offered in the Altona schools (École Elmwood School, École West Park School, École Parkside, and some individual courses at Collège W.C Miller Collegiate). Students register in French Immersion in Kindergarten or grade 1.

French is used as the language of instruction for a significant part of the day. (100% in K and 75% or more in the other grades)

Time spent in a French environment is crucial for developing a deeper understanding of the language and the associated culture. Bilingualism is the goal of French Immersion. 

(Communication between the home and school remains in English.)

Throughout their academic program, students will be exposed to activities that will increase their appreciation of the French culture in Manitoba.

Where to find more information:

Manitoba Education

http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/fr_imm_pr.html

A Guide to French Immersion Schools in Manitoba

http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/schools/fr_imm.html

Grade level expectations outlined at Manitoba Education My Child in School (Immersion)

 http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/mychild/immersion/index.html,

French for Life:  http://www.frenchforlife.ca/parents.cfm

Canadian Parents for French: