Language Programs

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German Bilingual Program (K-6)

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.
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.
Previous German experience is not required and parents do not need to know the language.

How to Register

Registration for 2019-20 begins January 2019
Refer to designated school’s website for parent information session. Attend parent information session and/or view informational presentation.
Complete registration package and take to designated school.
Packages will be accepted starting Jan. 14, 2019.
Packages must be received by Feb. 12, 2019 at noon.

Please take your completed registration package to your designated school after you have attended the parent information session. Please refer to this school’s website for parent information session details.

For families that are new to the CBE and not Canadian citizens, please note you must first attend the Kingsland Reception Centre for an initial assessment prior to registering for an Alternative Program.

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!