As CFIS students move into Grades 1 to 3, they move into the latter part of the Primary Program. In addition to the regular curriculum, CFIS teachers provide enrichment in many other areas. In Grade 1, there are dedicated assistants who read with children on a daily basis.

Core Courses

Language Arts

Learning to read in French requires phonetic development and thus is one of the main focuses in Grade 1. Vocabulary development, along with these decoding skills, are precursors to reading for comprehension. A variety of literature is then provided which allows students to explore interesting topics, to become familiar with different aspects of reading and with the writing process constitutes the basis of both the French and the English language arts program. English is formally introduced in Grade 3. CFIS teachers believe that students need some structured teaching in language skills, and therefore spelling and grammar are taught in both languages at all levels. CFIS has actively pursued an Early Literacy Program for students in Kindergarten to Grade  2 since this was initiated by Alberta Education.

Mathematics

Teaching for the understanding of math concepts is our focus at all levels. The use of math manipulatives promotes thinking, the mastery of basic facts, computation, problem solving and interpretation of data.

Science

As well as developing knowledge skills, the science programme promotes the development of observing, inferring, interpreting data, predicting, hypothesizing, and communicating. To attain these objectives, science must be fun and exciting. The School science program includes hands-on activities, a wide range of interesting topics aimed at encouraging students to question, to explain their findings and to explore other paths of discovery.

Social Studies

The aim of the social studies program is to promote a sense of belonging and acceptance in students as they engage in active and responsible citizenship. At the heart of Alberta’s social studies program are concepts of citizenship and identity in the Canadian context. It also includes multiple perspectives, including Aboriginal and Francophone, that contribute to Canada’s identity. The program also has a strong focus on Canadian and Alberta history.

Remediation

We believe that it is imperative to define areas of difficulty and provide assistance to students as early as possible (preferably in Kindergarten or Grade 1) in order to ensure greater success in learning through the immersion setting. In such instances, strengths and weaknesses are identified through formal/informal assessments in close collaboration with the teacher, the school administration and the parents. Remedial assistance in language and math is available to those in higher grades as well.

Enrichment

Enrichment is an integral part of our educational programs. Emphasis is placed on process skills and application of knowledge. This is done by using a repertoire of teaching strategies aimed at improving student performance in all areas of learning. As such, program planning is open-ended to provide opportunities for those in need of enrichment.

Bloom’s Taxonomy for categorizing the level of abstraction of questions are used in preparing material to touch upon increasingly difficult learning challenges for all students in order that they develop to their full potential. Emphasis is placed in all grade levels at becoming independent learners.

Visual Arts

We believe that artistic talents must be discovered and developed in the Primary grades. Artistic development, creative self-expression and cultural enrichment, are the major aims of our art program. Full-time art specialists and school-wide art projects contribute to meeting these objectives.

Music

Music as an essential element of human expression is a rich and diversified art form. Beyond its cultural merits, musical education also reinforces the learning of linguistic, listening, reading, analytical, creative, motor and social skills. For these reasons music is an integral part of CFIS’s educational program.

The main objective of the music program is to develop music literacy (i.e. the ability to read, write and think music) and to nurture the student's appreciation for quality music. All students from Preschool to Grade 6 receive music instruction from a full-time music specialist. Grades 1 to 3 focus includes:

• living a stimulating musical experience where the children discover at a more conscious level the different elements of music, i.e. pitch, rhythm, dynamics, expression, timber
• singing, listening, moving, creating
• learning French songs and rhymes
• introducing music literacy: reading and writing music
• developing fine motor skills by playing percussion instruments: non-pitched (drums…) and pitched (xylophones…)
• developing music appreciation skills by learning about musical instruments, major composers, and understanding musical form
• engaging in creative activities: composing, improvising, and moving

Performances - All students participate in performances throughout the school year at assemblies and annual concerts.

Technology and Computer Science

All students, Kindergarten to Grade 6, are given the opportunity to develop computer skills on a regular basis. Computer literacy is integrated into the daily application of the curriculum and all students receive formal instruction that includes word processing, keyboarding, internet, and programs aimed at reinforcing language, math and science skills. The computer library consists of both French and English programs that are constantly being updated and upgraded. All classes have access to interactive whiteboards and laptops.

Physical Education

Physical education is an integral part of our educational program. Through movement-centered experiences, physical education provides the basis in which an individual's development can be maximized in the psychomotor, cognitive and affective domains.

A wide variety of sports are introduced to the students at various levels with an emphasis on skill development and sportsmanship. Taught by full-time physical education specialists, our program has six major components: physical fitness, gymnastics, dance, outdoor pursuits, track and field and sports.

Get more information on our Extra-curricular Activities