French immersion students learn the same curriculum as their peers in an English program; however some subjects are taught in French. It is based on the idea that students learn more French when they are required to use it to complete authentic tasks (i.e. Mathematics and Science). Over 30 years of research in Canada has produced overwhelming evidence that French immersion is a successful program.

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Students begin Grade 7 with approximately 75% of subject instruction in French. This percentage decreases in each grade, as more subjects taught in English are introduced. In general, the following table illustrates which subject areas may be taught in French in the LFI program.

Grade 7-8 (75% min)	Grade 9 (30% min)	Grade 10-12 (30% min)
French Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, Religion	French Language Arts, Science Social Studies, Religion	French Language Arts (3 courses), Social Studies Options (3 courses)

The LFI program differs from the Early French Immersion program as it begins in Grade 7 and it differs from the Core French and Intensive Core French programs as content (other subject areas) is taught in French. The following are descriptions of the other French programs offered at NLSchools.

• Early French Immersion (EFI)
  Students begin Kindergarten with approximately 90% of subject instruction in French. The percentage of French instruction decreases after the Grade 2 level as English Language arts is introduced in Grade 3. By Grade 9, EFI and LFI students study approximately the same percentage of French.

• Core French (CF)
  Students spend approximately 10% of the time studying French as a subject within the curriculum from Grades 4 to 9.

• Intensive Core French (ICF)
  ICF is an alternate method of organizing the Grade 6 curriculum so that students receive an increased amount of instruction in French for half of the school year.

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The LFI program was designed for non-French speaking families. Regardless of the language spoken at home there are a variety of strategies parents can use to support their children. Here are some suggestions that may be helpful:

• Listen to your child read in French
• Discuss content and illustrations of French resources in English
• View French media together
• Continue to support and show interest in your child's program
• Create an atmosphere conducive to study
• Participate in French cultural events where possible
• Initiate open communication with your child's teacher
• Provide a French-English dictionary for use at home

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• How will LFI affect achievement in English Language Arts?
  Achievement in English Language Arts wll not be negatively impacted by being enrolled in a French immersion program. English language skills are already well established and students will continue to develop literacy skills in both English and French. These language skills are transferred from one language to another and have mutual benefit for the development of both languages.

• Will the course content be similar to that of the English program?
  The outcomes and basic content are the same as the English program, as outlined by the Department of Education of Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Will there be extra homework?
  Homework will follow the regular pattern for subject areas taught in an English program. Homework will support learning and consist of work students may complete independently.

• Will my child's academic performance be affected?
  While many students experience little or no change in academic performance, there are students who may experience some differences. Students require time to adjust to both the language and the routines of intermediate school. Teachers employ various strategies to help ease the adjustment to programming such as using repetition, visual aids, gestures, study guides, hands-on activities and assist with organization.

• What if my child did not participate in Grade 6 Intensive Core French (ICF)?
  Participation in ICF may help ease the transition period during the first few weeks of LFI; however LFI was created for students who have completed the Core French program. Students from both programs experience success in LFI.

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LFI Registration takes place in February each year for the upcoming school year. Date(s) and times will be posted on the LFI Registration page in early February.

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Please take sometime to review more information on our French programs below: