Mother Margaret Mary Catholic High School offers a partial French Immersion program beginning in Grade 10 for students who have completed French Immersion through Grade 9. This program allows students to continue developing strong French language skills while gaining greater flexibility in their high school course selection.
The following questions and answers are intended to support families as they consider French Immersion programming at the high school level. They provide information about graduation credentials, course pathways, student supports, post‑secondary options, and how the partial program is delivered at Mother Margaret Mary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Program Overview and Eligibility
What is a partial French Immersion program at Mother Margaret Mary?
The partial French Immersion program at Mother Margaret Mary is a high school program for students who have completed French Immersion through Grade 9 and wish to continue developing their French language skills.
Students take French Language Arts and Études Sociales in French, while completing all other required high school courses in English. This model allows students to maintain and strengthen their French while benefiting from greater flexibility in course selection during high school.
What are the benefits of a partial French Immersion program?
Partial French Immersion allows students to continue developing French language skills through highly communicative courses such as French Language Arts and Études Sociales.
Students also benefit from greater flexibility in their schedules, as most other courses are taken in English.
Who is eligible to register for the partial French Immersion program?
Students entering Grade 10 who have completed French Immersion through Grade 9 are eligible to register for the partial French Immersion program at Mother Margaret Mary. French Language Arts 9 is required to continue into French Language Arts 10.
My child took French Immersion up to Grade 6, 7, or 8. Can they return to the French Immersion program for Grade 10?
No, French Language Arts 9 is the prerequisite to enter French Language Arts 10.
My child is currently in Grade 11. Can they register for French Language Arts 10?
Yes, students can register for French Language Arts 10; however, there may not be enough time for them to complete French Language Arts to the 30 level. Because Mother Margaret Mary offers a partial program, FLA will be available only once per year until there is greater demand for the course.
What happens if there are not enough students for the program to proceed?
Edmonton Catholic Schools carefully reviews enrolment for all programs to ensure they can be delivered with quality staffing, appropriate course offerings, and strong student support. If there is not sufficient enrolment to offer the French Immersion program at Mother Margaret Mary, families will be contacted directly and supported in selecting an alternative Grade 10 program.
Will the Division continue to support the first group of students through to graduation?
Yes. Edmonton Catholic Schools is committed to supporting the first cohort of students through to graduation, so families can register with confidence that the program will continue beyond the first year.
In a partial French Immersion program, will my child still receive a French Immersion diploma?
Alberta Education does not issue a separate French Immersion diploma. All eligible Grade 12 students receive an Alberta High School Diploma.
A student’s transcript will indicate the courses completed in French. For example, Études Sociales 30 will appear on their transcript instead of Social Studies 30.
Students graduating from French Immersion in Edmonton Catholic Schools will receive a Certificate of Completion from the school division, recognizing their completion of Kindergarten to Grade 12 French Immersion. This includes graduates of the Mother Margaret Mary French Immersion program.
Course Structure and Credits
What courses are offered in the partial French Immersion program?
Students in the partial French Immersion program at Mother Margaret Mary take French Language Arts and Études Sociales in French. All other high school courses are taken in English.
How many credits will my child receive in French?
Students in partial French Immersion may earn up to 30 credits in French, including:
French Language Arts | Études Sociales |
|---|---|
FLA 10‑1 or 10‑2 | Études Sociales 10‑1 or 10‑2 |
FLA 20‑1 or 20‑2 | Études Sociales 20‑1 or 20‑2 |
FLA 30‑1 or 30‑2 | Études Sociales 30‑1 or 30‑2 |
Total: 15 credits | Total: 15 credits |
Can my child take French Language Arts without Études Sociales?
No. Students in partial French Immersion are required to take both French Language Arts and Études Sociales. These courses are complementary and build upon each other.
What happens if students do not continue in the immersion program after Grade 10?
Students who decide not to continue in French Immersion may transition into the English high school program at Mother Margaret Mary, following regular course requirements.
What other program offerings are available at Mother Margaret Mary?
Mother Margaret Mary offers a wide range of academic programs, pathways, and extracurricular opportunities to support diverse student interests and post‑secondary goals. These include academic, faith‑based, career‑focused, and enrichment programming.
Families are encouraged to explore the Mother Margaret Mary Viewbook for a full overview of programs, courses, and student opportunities.
Student Support and Learning Needs
My child has learning needs. How will they continue to be supported in the French Immersion program?
At Mother Margaret Mary, students may register in French Language Arts 10‑1 or 10‑2, which will be offered as a combined class. Student learning needs will continue to be supported through Universal Design for Learning strategies and targeted accommodations when required.
Can students who require Knowledge and Employability programming register in the partial French Immersion program?
Students enrolled in Knowledge and Employability (K&E) programming will complete their courses in English and are not eligible to participate in French Immersion.
Assessment and Academic Outcomes
Will my child be academically prepared for standardized assessments in French Immersion?
Traditionally, students in French immersion perform as well as their peers on English exams.
Will students in the partial French Immersion program be able to write the DELF B2 exam?
Yes. Students in partial French Immersion will have the option to write the DELF B2 exam.
While the program structure differs from full immersion, French Language Arts and Études Sociales provide students with the skills required for the exam.
Post‑secondary Pathways and Opportunities
Will the partial program provide enough French courses for post‑secondary studies?
Yes. Post‑secondary entrance requirements vary by institution.
Campus Saint‑Jean accepts French Language Arts 30 or French 30 for admission. Students may also pursue diploma programs through the Centre collégial de l’Alberta, including business administration and early childhood education.
Degree options are available through the Faculté Saint‑Jean, including Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education, first‑year engineering, and other programs.
Each institution has specific entrance requirements. Ensure that you check requirements directly with the institution.
What opportunities are available for students in the partial French Immersion program?
Students can use and strengthen their French through a range of study and travel opportunities, including:
- Student exchange programs within Canada and France
- Alberta Education and Explore language programs
- Post‑secondary studies and bursaries supporting education in French
These experiences allow students to deepen language skills through immersion in francophone environments.
More Information:
Families with additional questions are encouraged to contact Mother Margaret Mary Catholic High School directly. School staff can provide support with program details, course planning, and registration.
Phone: 780‑988‑2279
Email: MotherMargaretMary@ecsd.net