Academics & Classes
October 15, 2022
OUR FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM AT
ÉCOLE SIR WILLIAM OSLER
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As teachers at École Sir William Osler, we believe that all children are capable of learning and it is up to the teachers to create a successful learning environment in which children feel safe, loved, and accepted for who they are. We have the opportunity to encourage children to set realistic learning goals, enjoying real-life, hands-on learning experiences. Through positive role modeling, we strive to create independent problem solvers and creative, critical thinkers.
In the French Immersion program, all subjects are taught in French, with the exception of English Language Arts, which starts in Grade 1. Students in Grades 1-6 receive one hour of English Language Arts per day.
English Language Arts (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, Viewing and Representing)
The new ELA curriculum identifies the four practices that ground all teaching and learning in ELA: Language as Sense Making; Language as System; Language as Exploration and Design; Language as Power and Agency. These practices name the valued ways of knowing, thinking, doing and being meaningfully rich in English Language Arts.
Students explore various topics and activities such as: reading to self, reading to others, listening to reading, practicing writing, and word study. Other activities such as: setting goals, reading strategies, Home Reading program, journal writing, spelling, literary genre study, author study, and class books production are also included.
Students explore various topics and activities such as: reading to self, reading to others, listening to reading, practicing writing, and word study. Other activities such as: setting goals, reading strategies, Home Reading program, journal writing, spelling, literary genre study, author study, and class books production are also included.
French Language Arts (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, Viewing and Representing)
The new FLA curriculum is based around three competencies: Understanding the meanings of ideas and information (listening, reading, visual interpretation); Communicating needs and intentions (oral, writing, visual representation); Identifying as a learner in French Immersion.
The role of the French language in FLA is as a tool for communication, a tool for cognitive development and as a way for developing personal and social growth.
During FLA, students are exposed to a variety of texts (oral, written, visual and multimedia). They are given opportunities to participate in discussions. Students self evaluate not only their learning, but also their development of their identity as a French language learner. Students develop sociocultural referents through songs, poems stories, oral language and community. Students explore various themes and topics to enhance vocabulary development, spelling, and oral and written grammar.
Mathematics
Mathematics in French Immersion is taught in French. Through a variety of educational games, hands-on activities and opportunities to share and practice, students explore the four strands of mathematical learning (Number Sense, Patterns and Relationships, Shape and Space and Statistics and Probability).
Number Sense, which can be thought of as intuition about numbers, is the most important foundation of numeracy.
Patterns is about recognizing, describing, and working with numerical and non-numerical patterns.
Shape and Space involves visualization, mental imagery, and spatial reasoning. These skills are central to the understanding of mathematics.
Statistics and Probability is the interpretation of data and making predictions.
Social Studies
Social Studies involves the development of inquiry and research skills and methods, historical thinking and geographical thinking. The skills and competencies include: active democratic citizenship; managing information and ideas; critical and creative thinking; and communication. The units of study are as follows:
Kindergarten: Me; The people around me; The world around me
Grade 1: I belong; My environment; Connecting with others
Grade 2: Our local community; Communities in Canada; The Canadian community
Grade 3: Connecting with Canadians; Exploring the world; Communities of the world; Exploring an ancient society
Grade 4: Geography of Canada; Living in Canada; Canada's north; Living in Manitoba; History of Manitoba
Grade 5: First Peoples; Early European colonization (1600-1763); Fur trade; From British colony to Confederation (1763-1867)
Grade 6: Building a nation (1867-1914); An emerging nation (1914-1945); Shaping contemporary Canada (1945-present); Canada today- democracy, diversity and the influence of the past.
Science
The practices of science and technological design support students in acquiring a better understanding of how scientific knowledge is produced and how solutions to practical problems are designed. Students engaging in scientific inquiry and design activities simultaneously use knowledge, skills and attitudes, which deepens their understanding of concepts and provides exposure to the many approaches that are used in science and technology. The units of study are as follows:
Kindergarten: Trees; Colours; Paper
Grade 1: Characteristics and needs of living things; The senses; Characteristics of objects and materials; Daily and seasonal changes
Grade 2: Growth and changes in animals; Properties of solids, liquids and gases; Position and motion; Air and water in the environment
Grade 3: Growth and changes in plants; Materials and structures; Forces that attract or repel; Soils in the environment
Grade 4: Habitats and communities; Light; Sound; Rocks, minerals and erosion
Grade 5: Maintaining a healthy body; Properties of and changes in substances; Forces and simple machines; Weather
Grade 6: Diversity of living things; Flight; Electricity; Exploring the solar system
Health
In Health, students learn about healthy living choices, and the importance of good nutrition, exercise, sleep, dental hygiene and their social and emotional well-being. We use programs such as Kids in the Know (personal safety program) and Second Step (skills for learning self-regulation, emotion management, problem solving and empathy). Family Life education begins in Grade 4.
Technology in the classroom
Technology is used as a tool to support learning. Students are provided with the opportunity to use various forms of technology in the classroom. Every classroom is equipped with a SMARTBoard which is an interactive whiteboard that allows for students to come together and explore and expand ideas. Students also have access to IPads where they can explore a variation of education apps and learn to demonstrate and share their thinking and skills.
Please feel free to contact the school to find out more information about our
French Immersion program.
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