French as a Second Language
In September 2006, all grade four students began taking a second language. Most schools chose French. These students will continue with French until the end of grade nine. In high school, they have the choice to continue French, begin a new language or choose to discontinue learning a second language.
French as a Second Language (FSL)is offered in many schools in CBE. There are several schools teaching FSL beginning in Kindergarten or Grade One. As there is no Program of Studies developed by Alberta Education, the CBE created an FSL K-3 Guide which can be accessed in this site for all CBE staff.
Daily FSL instruction is the most effective environment for language acquisition retention. It also develops communication skills, linguistic knowledge and language learning strategies. Learning about the French culture is embedded in the FSL program with an emphasis on learning not only the French culture but creating empathy and an understanding of others.
