French Immersion at Cochrane High School
The French Immersion Program at Cochrane High School is designed for students coming from middle school immersion programs. To obtain the Rocky View Schools French Immersion Certificate of Achievement, students must complete:
- French Language Arts 10, 20, and 30
- Études sociales 10, 20, and 30
In addition to their immersion courses, students follow the regular program requirements to obtain a high school diploma. Students are encouraged to take at least one French Immersion course each semester.
We believe that:
- Students in the French Immersion program at Cochrane High School develop proficiency that enables them to live, work, and pursue post-secondary education in French.
- All students can become bilingual in an inspiring environment that promotes cultural and linguistic excellence. Successfully completing two courses in French up to the 30 level is a significant achievement. These students receive the Rocky View Schools Certificate of Achievement in French Immersion.
- In today’s world of growing interest in global affairs and international studies, students are fortunate to have the opportunity to learn one of the world’s most spoken languages and one of Canada’s official languages.
Benefits of Learning French
Learning French provides students with significant linguistic, academic, and cognitive benefits. It opens doors to knowledge, communication, culture, and travel, while giving graduates a competitive edge in the global job market. French Immersion students become fluent in both of Canada’s official languages, enabling them to communicate with a wider range of people both nationally and internationally.
Bilingualism is a valuable asset in fields such as education, healthcare, government, law, tourism, and international business. Proficiency in French can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries. With bilingual skills, students have the flexibility to study, work, or travel in more places—both across Canada and around the world. French is spoken in over 29 countries worldwide, making it a truly global language.
Withdrawing from French Immersion
- Students wishing to withdraw from the French Immersion Program must complete a withdrawal form, available in the Guidance Department.
- Once the form is completed, the student and their parent(s) must meet with the FI Administrator.
- Students who withdraw from the FI program and who reside outside Cochrane High School’s catchment area must either return to their designated school or go through the Out of Area Application process.
Program of Choice
French Immersion is a program of choice. To be considered a French Immersion student, students must complete French Language Arts up to the 30 level and Études sociales up to the 20 level in French.
In Grade 12, French Immersion students may complete Social Studies 30 in either French or English but must complete FLA 30 to maintain their French Immersion status.
Building Futures
Building Futures is another program of choice offered by RVS. French Immersion (FI) students who choose to attend Building Futures in Grade 10 will no longer be considered FI students, as they must complete both FLA 10 and Études sociales 10 to remain in the French Immersion program.