Media Release: BRSD Celebrates Benefits of French Immersion Programs
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Battle River School Division (BRSD) is proud to highlight the benefits of its French Immersion programs. BRSD offers French Immersion to students from Maternelle (Kindergarten) to Grade 12.
Grade 6 students can begin learning French in BRSD’s Late French Immersion program, continuing right up to Grade 12. This program has been designed to teach fluency in both English and French to students who did not start Early French Immersion in Kindergarten or Grade 1.
French Immersion in BRSD is an immersive experience that fosters bilingualism, critical thinking, and cultural awareness while achieving all Alberta Education curriculum outcomes. Research has consistently shown the cognitive, academic, and professional benefits of being bilingual, including:
- Cognitive Development: Enhances memory, problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Academic Achievement: Heightens performance of bilingual students in literacy and other core subjects
- Cultural Awareness: Builds empathy and a deep appreciation of the French language, Francophone culture and cross-cultural understanding
- Future Opportunities: Opens doors in travel, university programs and bilingual careers
This bilingual opportunity equips students with essential language skills, opens doors to future professional opportunities, and provides opportunities to experience culture and practice language skills.
In March 2025, École Charlie Killam School (ÉCKS) French Immersion students experienced culture in Quebec. Mme Heydorn, Mme Basque and Mr. Wizniuk travelled with 18 Grades 7 to 9 students from March 21 to 26.
École Charlie Killam Assistant Principal Mme Sabrina Heydorn is impressed with this hands-on learning experience for French Immersion students.
“The immersion trip to the province of Quebec over Spring Break was a fun way to experience culture and history,” said Heydorn. “A few of the many activities that students participated in included a reenactment at the Plains of Abraham, a dinner with ‘la tourtière’ and ‘la tire,’ an improv show, a copper museum, laser tag and making maple syrup at ‘une cabane à sucre.’
“I am overjoyed that we were able to give our students this opportunity to use their French skills authentically in Montreal and Quebec City, while engaging in cultural activities and routine interactions such as ordering their food and speaking to each other.”
While some students started in French Immersion from early ages, some started in Grade 6 with the Late French Immersion program. This variety of skill level among the group allowed for peer-to-peer teaching and learning opportunities, allowing students to engage and interact, further enhancing collaborative learning and the cohesiveness of the group.
It is not too late to sign up for Late French Immersion! BRSD is excited to welcome Grade 6 students to Late French Immersion.
Please note that parents of students in French Immersion do not need to speak French to support their child.
Learn more about the French Immersion program at BRSD.
Late Entry French Immersion registration:
Sabrina Heydorn
Assistant Principal of École Charlie Killam School(780) 672-7785
sheydorn@brsd.ab.ca.