French Bilingual Class
At Ngaio School, we are excited to introduce a French–English bilingual unit for tamariki in Years 0-3. In the class, children learn the New Zealand Curriculum in two languages, supported by teachers who are fluent in French, while remaining a full part of our Ngaio school whānau.
Relationships sit at the heart of learning at Ngaio. Our bilingual unit builds on our ROCKET values (Resilient, Open Minded, Curious, Kind, Empathetic, Trustworthy) and our Graduate Profile, so children grow as confident learners and communicators in both languages.
What will learning look like?
- Children learn the full New Zealand Curriculum, with maths, science, social sciences, etc. taught in French and English across the week.
- English literacy is taught alongside French so children build strong foundations in both languages.
- Children join the wider school for assemblies, sport, camps, kapa haka and learning te reo Māori.
- Teachers regularly report on progress in both languages, and families are partners in the learning.
Who can apply?
Any child who will be enrolling at Ngaio School and who has a basic level of French can apply for the unit. You do not need to speak French at home. Many children come to the unit with French from home, a French-language early learning service, or family connections overseas, and we welcome all of those backgrounds.
How places are offered
The French Bilingual Unit is a special programme within Ngaio School’s enrolment scheme. Places are offered in the following order, in line with the scheme:
- Children who live in the Ngaio School home zone and meet the programme’s criteria
- Children who live outside the home zone and meet the criteria, for any remaining places
If there are more eligible applicants than places in a group, a ballot is held.
Children who live in the Ngaio School home zone and are not offered a place in the unit are still entitled to enrol at Ngaio School in a mainstream class.
How to apply
Step 1: Find out more. Come to an information afternoon or contact the school office to arrange a tour.
Step 2: Apply. Complete the Ngaio School enrolment form and provide the relevant documentation.
Step 3: French language conversation. We will invite your child for a short, friendly conversation in French with our teachers. We use it to check that your child has the basic French they need to enjoy learning in the unit. It is not a test, and children do not need to prepare.
Step 4: Places are allocated. Places are offered in line with the enrolment scheme, using a ballot if needed.
Step 5: Outcome. We will write to you to let you know if your child has been offered a place, waitlisted, or not offered a place.
Step 6: Accept your place. Reply in writing within 10 school days to accept. If we do not hear from you, the place may be offered to the next family.