How does Basic French differ from Immersion?
There are two principal differences between Basic and Immersion French programs: the kind of exposure to French, and the amount of it. In Immersion, instruction is mostly in French. Subject areas, like math, music, and science, are taught in French. The second language is the medium and not the object of instruction. Basic French curriculum, on the other hand, concentrates on speaking, listening, reading, and writing in French. It teaches these language skills through themes designed to spark student interest. The other difference between the programs is the duration and intensity of exposure to French. By the end of grade 8, the average early immersion student has had over 4000 hours of instruction in French. Late immersion students accumulate between 1200 and 200 hours in French. A typical immersion student also gains between 1000 and 1500 hours in French high school courses. In comparison, a student who studies Basic French from grade 4 to grade 12 is exposed to a maximum of about 1
