French Immersion Program
The Glennie School’s French Immersion Program offers students a unique educational opportunity. Established over 26 years ago, it accepts students in Year 7 regardless of their prior experience with the French language, and immerses them in French for three consecutive years.
Students learn the same Australian Curriculum content and skills as their non-French Immersion peers, however, up to 50 per cent of their subjects are taught in French.
The program is taught by highly skilled and qualified pluri-linguistic teachers who work closely with every student to build their confidence, language proficiency, skills, and self-efficacy. Subjects included in the program are:
- Mathematics (Year 7 and Year 8 only).
- Science.
- Humanities and Social Science (History, Geography, Business, and Civics and Citizenship).
- French.
- French Culture.
English, Health and Physical Education, The Arts and Technology, Wellbeing, and Religious Education sit outside the Program and are taught in English.
At the end of their final year, French Immersion students are offered the opportunity to travel to France for an immersive cultural and educational tour. Students have the chance to explore landmarks, sites, and monuments related to their Humanities and Social Science studies. They also spend time with French families and attend classes at Glennie’s sister school, Saint Paul-Bourdon Blanc, in Orléans.
The French Immersion Program strategically positions students for academic success. Learning through immersion provides maximum exposure to the language and helps develop lifelong skills, including:
- Adaptability.
- Divergent thinking and problem-solving.
- Organisation, self-discipline and concentration.
- Good work habits, perseverance, and resilience.
- Confidence and self-esteem.
- Teamwork.
By Year 9, French Immersion students are studying French at a Year 10 level. In Year 10 they commence Year 11 French and by the end of Year 11, will have completed the Year 12 French program. In Year 12, French Immersion students can complete French Extension or focus on their remaining Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) subjects. The French Immersion program is supported by the Glennie French Immersion Supporters Group (GFISG).
At the end of their final year, French Immersion students are offered the opportunity to travel to France for an immersive cultural and educational tour.