Language Programs

​The German Bilingual Program provides students with the opportunity to acquire the basic skills for speaking, reading, writing, listening and communicating in both English and German at a young age. It is a program in which German and English are used as the languages of instruction, beginning in Kindergarten or Grade 1.

Registration

• Students entering kindergarten or Grade 1 can register. Previous German experience is not required and parents do not need to know the language.

• Students with previous German language experience may start the German Bilingual program at other grade levels. In the case of alternate entry points, the student, parents and principal of the designated school will meet to determine a personalized plan for successful entry.

How to Register

• Registration for the 2021-22 school year starts on January 11, 2021.
• Attend a parent information session and/or view informational presentation. Details on your school's website, see links below.
• For families that are new to the CBE and not Canadian citizens​, please note you must first attend the CBE Welcome Centre for an initial assessment prior to registering for an Alternative Program.
• Bowcroft School may be at capacity and will need to engage in the L​ottery Process​, please connect with the Bowcroft school to find out their status. If the school is at capacity, registration package must be received prior to Teacher convention.​
  

Transportation

Please see Transportation for Alternative Programs​ for important information. Parents will want to carefully consider the transportation services to and from the alternative program they want to enrol their child in.

Benefits of Learning German

• Expands the intellect

• Teaches responsible citizenship

• Develops enhanced feelings of self-esteem due to pride in having acquired a tangible skill

• Strengthens English literacy skills

• Encourages the joy of lifelong learning

• Promotes exploration, understanding and appreciation of the cultures of the German-speaking world and contributes to multilingualism and multiculturalism

• Allows students to compete internationally

• Provides students with more choices for advanced education and career options

• Broadens students' cultural life through access to literature, art, music and theatre in another language

• Build fluency in both languages (English 50% & German 50%).

• Explore rich traditions and experience German culture first hand.

Benefits of the CBE German Bilingual Program

• In elementary, a 50/50 split in instructional time between English and German allows students to build fluency in both languages. Children learn to understand and respond appropriately in German in a range of everyday situations.

• The Canadian and German government have a Memorandum of Understanding (Youth Mobility Program), which enables young workers to obtain working visas for Canada or Germany easily. If you already speak some German, it might be fun to work in Germany for a couple of years!

Find a School

Every child in Calgary has a designated school based on their home address and the program they choose.

Find your designated school with our find a school tool along with the school's contact information and website address. Be sure to use the drop down arrow for 'Program Options' to select 'German Bilingual'.

Location​​​