Taren Point Public School is crossing cultural borders with the introduction of a French immersion program for Kindergarten pupils.
Children at the school learn French for one hour a week, but from this year, the school’s youngest grade has joined the revolution with this additional offering.
The parent-funded program enables participating pupils to be taught the Australian curriculum in French.
It is supported by non-profit association, the Francophone Association of Southern Sydney.
Principal Trent Bridgland says the school is the only one in the area to offer the program.
“We have received substantial community support in providing the program,” he said.
“After much planning, it has been fantastic to see it come to fruition.
“Feedback from parents has been extremely positive and we are looking forward to expanding the program next year.”
He said learning another language boosted pupils’ cognitive functioning, memory, listening, problem-solving skills, creativity and confidence.
“Taren Point Public School has always had an appreciation for the benefits of learning an additional language,” he said.
“Extensive research has been undertaken to best understand how it can be effectively introduced into the school curriculum and ensure the future sustainability of the program.”
The school also offers private French tuition in the morning, a French playgroup and a bilingual French program for preschool children.
The association is hosting a frog and snail French cultural market at the school on May 6.