The Spanish Bilingual Program
The West Coulee Station Spanish Program provides students with the opportunity to acquire the basic skills for speaking, reading, writing, listening and communicating in both English and Spanish at a young age. It is a program in which Spanish and English are used as the languages of instruction, beginning in kindergarten or Grade 1 and continuing to Grade 8. There is potential for it to grow until Grade 12.
Registration for the Spanish Program
- Students entering kindergarten or Grade 1 can register. Previous Spanish experience is not required and parents do not need to know the language.
- Students with previous Spanish language experience may start the Spanish 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.
Benefits of Learning Spanish
- Expands the intellect
- Teaches responsible citizenship
- Develops enhanced feelings of self-esteem and pride in having acquired an additional language
- Strengthens English literacy skills
- Encourages the joy of lifelong learning
- Promotes exploration, understanding and appreciation of the cultures of the Spanish-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.
Classroom Instruction in the Spanish Program
- In elementary, a 50/50 split in instructional time between English and Spanish allows students to build fluency in both languages. Children learn to understand and respond appropriately in Spanish in a range of everyday situations.
- Students who wish to take the DELE, an internationally recognized Spanish language credentialing exam, have the option to do so through the Instituto Cervantes.
Languages of Instruction in Elementary
From kindergarten to grade 6:
- Spanish Language Arts and Math are taught in Spanish
- English Language Arts is taught in English
- Other subjects are taught in English or Spanish or bilingually as determined by schools
