Bowcroft School and the K-6 German language program has been Calgary’s best kept secret, but not for long. Bowcroft’s German language program has been growing steadily since its inception in 2002 and is making room for more students. Students are bussed from all across Calgary to its beautiful locale close to the Bow River and Bowness Park. At Bowcroft, learning German is for everyone! The program also has students learning German from all over the world, including Egypt, Korea, China and Jamaica, making it one of the Calgary Board of Education’s most culturally diverse language programs. This gives students a unique opportunity to share their personal stories from their home countries, promoting citizenship and respect for diversity in the classroom.
Learning German is an extremely valuable skill to develop. Not only is German one of the three working languages of the European Union, but there are over 130 million German language speaking people over the globe. Imagine the worldwide opportunities available to a student skilled in German and English. The ability to communicate in the working languages of North America and the European Union is invaluable asset in today’s global economy. The German Bilingual Program prepares its students to graduate with the A2 Frame of Reference proficiency certificate which is an internationally recognized for German language speakers.
Students at Bowcroft are exposed to a wide range of intellectually stimulating opportunities. Learning from the original works of Beethoven, Mozart and Bach and celebrations of German festivals such as Karneval and St. Martin’s Day Parade are both educational and fun. Students are also immersed in the rich technological history and culture of German language speakers. Every classroom is equipped for 21st Century learning with SMART Boards in every classroom and a large, sophisticated computer lab.
There is also an incredible sense of community at Bowcroft. A strong group of parents along with the Association for German Education in Calgary (AGEC) and Bowcroft Parent Action Council (BPAC) are all wonderful partners. They have done a lot at to create a community atmosphere by volunteering for class trips and helping organize parades and other cultural celebrations.
Bowcroft’s German program provides students with the tools and skills for the 21st Century and with such dedicated staff and volunteers, one thing’s for certain, the secret’s out!
The German Bilingual program is one of several CBE bilingual programs available to thousands of students across Calgary. Bilingual programs offer culturally expansive opportunities combined with enriched educational experiences. Through the study and celebration of heritage and language, students gain understanding and appreciation for the world around them. Students can study in French, Mandarin, Spanish or German. A bilingual education gives students the opportunity to acquire the basic skills for speaking, reading, writing, listening and communicating in English and a second language at a young age. With locations all over the Calgary for many of our programs it is easy to find a language school near you.
Upon completion of a bilingual program, students receive an official diploma that certifies their bilingual status that is recognized all over the world! An official bilingual diploma provides students’ with more choices to receive an advanced education in different country or language. Bilingual education can lead to improved ‘executive control functions’ which include improved focus and information screening.
Learning a second language teaches responsible citizenship and develops enhanced feelings of pride and self-esteem having acquired a new skill. It broadens students' cultural lives through access to literature, art, music and theatre in another language. It also promotes exploration, understanding and appreciation of the cultures of the world and contributes to multilingualism and multiculturalism.
Exposure at an early age is one of the three most important factors to helping students easily acquire a second or third language. The bilingual programs are structured so that your child learns in both English and a second language for an equal amount of time. Learning a second language takes time and practice and in CBE schools you can be sure they are in the best environment for that development.