Core French and French Immersion in Prince Edward Island: a guide for parents
Families on Prince Edward Island often ask how the French programs differ, when each starts, and how to help at home without speaking French. In English-language schools, children can learn French through Core French or through one of three French Immersion programs. Gradelings practises Core French from Grade 4 to Grade 9. French Immersion is not built yet, because its curriculum guides are not public.
Core French and French Immersion side by side
| Core French | French Immersion | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | French as a school subject, taught for part of the week alongside classes in English. The program is built around modules, each ending in a final task, with a focus on spoken interaction. | A program in which much of the school day is taught in French. Language arts, mathematics, science and social studies are taught in French. |
| When it starts | Core French begins no later than Grade 4, and Grades 1 to 3 are handled locally on a pilot basis. It continues through Grade 9. | Early (continuing) French Immersion begins in Kindergarten. Middle Immersion begins in Grade 4. Late Immersion begins in Grade 7. |
| Who it suits | Every child can learn some French. No earlier French is needed. | Families who want their child to become fluent in French and are happy to have much of the school day in French. |
| Name in the curriculum | Core French (for example 4FREA for Grade 4) | French Language Arts (French Immersion) |
| In Gradelings | Grades 4 to 9. Prompts are in English, with French words and sentences to read, choose and build. | Not available for Prince Edward Island yet. |
Programs differ by school district. Your school and district have the current details.
What Core French children learn
The Core French curriculum has strands for communication, culture, general language education and language. In Grade 4, children are beginning learners of French and practise listening, speaking, reading and writing, with a particular emphasis on spoken interaction. They share personal information, describe people and places, ask simple questions and learn about francophone communities.
What French Immersion children learn
By the end of Grade 9, Late Immersion and Middle Immersion students are expected to perform at the same level of French as their peers in Early French Immersion. From Grade 10 to Grade 12, all immersion students are in one French Immersion program.
Time in French
The department recommends about 10% of elementary time for Core French, with a 60-minute class every second day in Grade 4. In Grades 7 to 9, the time for Core French is 11 to 13% of the timetable.
Helping if you don't speak French
You don't need French to help. Ask your child to teach you a word each day, listen while they read aloud, and celebrate effort over accuracy. Mistakes are a normal part of learning a language.
How Gradelings fits in
Gradelings shows practice, not a report card mark, so ask your child's teacher how French is reported. French is off by default. A parent can switch on Core French for each child in Settings, under Subjects. French is not counted toward the Grade Champion trophy, and French lessons are read aloud in a French voice.
Ways to practise French at home
- Pick one new French word each day and use it at dinner or on the way to school.
- Label a few household objects with sticky notes in French.
- Listen to French songs or watch a short French video together and talk about what you noticed.
- Ask your child to read a page aloud in French, then retell it to you in English.
- Play a French game: count stairs, name colours, or spell a word out loud.
Browse the French lessons by grade: Grade 4.
Common questions
Core French begins no later than Grade 4. Early French Immersion starts in Kindergarten, Middle Immersion in Grade 4 and Late Immersion in Grade 7. Your school can tell you what is offered near you.
Yes. Middle Immersion starts in Grade 4 and Late Immersion in Grade 7. Entry rules and spaces differ by school, so ask your school or the Public Schools Branch.
English language arts is still taught alongside immersion, and research has generally found that immersion students do well in English. If you are worried, talk with your child's teacher.
No. French is a separate, optional set of subjects. Children earn their own French trophies instead.
No. It gives short, kind practice that matches the Core French topics. It doesn't replace a teacher, and its levels are not a report card mark.
Also see: PEI report cards explained.
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