French Immersion

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French Immersion Language Programs

The French Immersion program is designed for non-francophone students. Teaching and learning takes place entirely in French during the first years, with English-language added gradually.

The objective of the French Immersion Program is to have students be functionally bilingual by the time they graduate. Upon graduation, students will have acquired sufficient language skills to be able to pursue post-secondary studies or work in either official language.

The Cowichan Valley School District offers French Immersion beginning in Kindergarten or Grade 1 and continuing to Grade 12. The French Immersion program begins with 100% French instruction during the beginning years and gradually decreases to 25% in Grades 11 and 12. Students enrolled in French Immersion follow the same prescribed BC curriculum as they would in the English-language school program. Successful completion of the FI program entitles students to a bilingual Dogwood certificate.

Register Your Student

École Cobble Hill

3642 Learning Way
Cobble Hill BC V0L 1L2
Phone: (250) 733-2307

Ian Ziban, Principal
Grant Mellemstrand, VP

École Mt. Prevost

6177 Somenos Road
Duncan BC V9L 4E7
Phone: (250) 746-7187

Rhonda Cizeron, Principal
Sandra Buckland, VP

Cowichan Campus

2652 James Street
Duncan BC V9L 2X2
Phone: (250) 746-4435

Darcy Hoff, Principal
Penny Butler, VP
Lindy Thompson, VP

Quamichan Campus

2515 Beverly Street
Duncan BC V9L 3A5
Phone: (250) 746-6168

Claire Whitney, Principal
Darren Hart, VP

Program Overview & Registration

Core French

All students in BC, from Grades 5 to 8, are required to have second-language instruction. The Core French program is designed to enable students to begin to understand and communicate in French, as well as to experience francophone cultures.

If you are moving to the area and wish to continue in the French Immersion Program please contact one of the schools listed above.

French Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Does my child need to know some French before enrolling in the French Immersion program?
    A: No. Prior to entering the French Immersion program, students are not required to have any knowledge of the French language.
  • Q: As a parent/guardian, do I need to speak French?
    A: No. The French Immersion program is an additional language program designed for students whose first language is NOT French. Parents and guardians do not need to speak French in order for their child to be successful in the program.
  • Q: How can I help my child if I do not speak French?
    A: Parents and guardians play an important role in supporting their child’s success in French. The best way to help your child be successful in the program is to be supportive through activities such as:
    • Enriching your child’s first language. Reading with your child and inviting him/her to read with you will develop your child’s knowledge and vocabulary, as well as foster an enjoyment for language and literature.
    • Expressing an ongoing interest and participation in your child’s education.
  • Q: What will happen to my child’s English language skills if instruction is only in French during the first three years of school?
  • A: Research has shown that there is no negative impact on students’ English language skills. In fact, most studies have shown that learning an additional language enhances the development of the first-language skills. Many literacy competencies transfer between different languages. These competencies can include phonemic awareness, comprehension and communication strategies, as well as critical thinking skills. This is the reason why children who are literate in one language are likely to be successful in learning an additional language.
  • Q: Will my child learn the same things as students in the English program?
  • A: Yes. All programs, regardless of the language of instruction, must follow the same curriculum laid out by BC Ministry of Education. The BC curriculum is available in both English and French at www.curriculum.gov.bc.ca.