Suzie Gagnon |
Languages
Core French is offered from grades 5 through 12, typically by classroom teachers at the elementary level, and then usually by specialist teachers in the high schools. Participation in a second language program is required by the B.C. Ministry of Education from grades 5 through 8, though completion of second language coursework up to Grade 11 is recommended for entry to university. The focus of the Core French program is on building oral language and vocabulary in the early years, while at the high school level, grammar points are studied in more detail and further oral and written proficiency develops.
When possible, and when demand is sufficient, Correlieu Senior Secondary also offers introductory Spanish, German, and Japanese courses. The provincial curriculum for second languages has been rewritten but continues to recommend a communicative-experiential approach. It is now aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Implementation is to begin in the 2011-2012 school year. This curriculum is available for viewing at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/welcome.php
French Immersion
French Immersion is available from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The accepted entry level for students into the Early French Immersion program is kindergarten or grade 1. K-7 is offered at École Baker Elementary, followed by grade 8 and 9 at Quesnel Junior School and grades 10 to 12 at Correlieu Secondary School. We maintain an enrolment of approximately 240 students in Immersion.
In the elementary portion of this program, students receive instruction in all areas of the curriculum in French from Kindergarten through grade 2. English Language Arts instruction is added incrementally beginning in Grade 3.
At the secondary level, Immersion students continue to participate in a French Language Arts (FRAL) course each year, as well as certain other required elements in French, such as Sciences Humaines (Social Studies) through grade 11, Sciences de la Nature (Science) through grade 9, and Arts Mediatiques 11 (Film and Television 11). Students completing this program develop oral and written fluency in French and are entitled to receive a French Immersion Dogwood (often referred to as a double Dogwood) upon successful completion of Grade 12.
For more information, please take some time to peruse the École Baker web site, the Canadian Parents for French web sites at www.cpf.bc.ca or www.cpf.ca, or contact École Baker Elementary at 992-8383 or Language Coordinator Suzie Gagnon at 250-992-0421.
School contacts:
| Ecole Baker (Grades K-7) Perry Lofstrom - Principal Jarret Atkins - Vice Principal 250-992-8383 |
Quesnel Junior School (Grades 8-9) Suzanne Bolin - Principal Marissa Knauf - Vice Principal 250-992-2131 |
Correlieu Secondary (Grades 10-12) Mike Adams - Principal Brian Cullinane - Vice Principal 250-992-7007 |