The Bilingual Program at Maryvale Academy is designed to provide non-francophone children from Grades 1 to 4 with the opportunity to develop proficiency in French as they continue to develop their English language skills. Students in the Bilingual Program receive instruction in English and in French for approximately equal periods of time each day.

Research confirms that the benefits of learning a second language are much greater than simply the ability to speak in another language. It affirms the importance of second language education with regards to intellectual potential, scholastic achievement and first language skills development.

Through direct language instruction and through the study of different subjects, students in the Bilingual Program develop strong fundamental skills in oral communication (listening and speaking), reading, and writing in French and English. The French portion of the program includes not only French as a second language but also the study of at least two other subjects taught in French. For example, Science and Art are taught in French in grades 1-4.

Instruction during the French portion of the program is carried out entirely in the target language, teaching French through French. This approach encourages students to make daily use of conversational French early on and to quickly gain confidence with the language. Through stories, prayers, discussions and songs, students are constantly picking up new vocabulary and growing in their understanding of the language.

The following sections outline the emphasis in the French portion of the program.

Oral Communication

Students develop the skills they need to interact effectively with others and to express themselves clearly and with confidence. Listening and speaking provides the foundation that will enable students to learn to read and write and therefore always precedes reading and writing in learning activities.

Reading

In order to assist students to become effective readers, the French curriculum focuses on developing the skills needed to process and absorb information in the grammar stage, and to analyze, as well as to think clearly, creatively, and critically in the logic/dialectic and rhetoric stages.

Writing

The basic skills related to the conventions of written language (grammar, spelling and punctuation), as well as the common conventions of style, form and presentation are considered essential because they must be mastered if students are to produce writing that is clear and precise and that communications their ideas effectively.