ABOUT
Subsections: ABOUT THE PROGRAM |
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION
About the Program
The English-Chinese Bilingual Program provides the
opportunity for any students within the Edmonton Public
School system to learn both the English and Chinese
languages and to share knowledge of the Chinese culture
within the context of the Alberta curriculum.
This program is unique in North America, both because it is
a complete continuum of studies from kindergarten to high
school graduation, and it is accomplished all during regular
school hours.
A Brief History
In 1982, an experimental English-Chinese language program
was introduced at the kindergarten level in Edmonton Public
Schools. The success of this initiative led to the formal
establishment of the English-Chinese Bilingual Program in
1983. Each subsequent year led to the establishment of a
higher grade (Grades 1 to 6).
The Chinese Language Arts component was approved by the
Edmonton Public School Board in January 1989 to the Junior
High level (Grades 7 to 9).
In February 1992, Senior High levels (Grades 10 to 12)
satisfying International Baccalaureate (I.B.) standards for
Mandarin were approved. The lead class graduated from high
school in 1995.
From a start of 33 kindergarten students in 1982, the
program has grown to around 1800 students (Kindergarten to
Grade 12) today!
Why place children in the English-Chinese bilingual
program?
The English-Chinese Bilingual Program exposes children to
the richness of both western and eastern cultures, their
literature, customs, festivals and heritage.
English and Chinese are the two most commonly spoken
languages in the world. The ability to communicate in more
than one language is a valuable asset for future career
development, especially in education, business, commerce,
foreign and governmental affairs.
Who can enroll?
Kindergarten and Grade 1 Level: The English-Chinese
Bilingual Program is available to all children at the
kindergarten and Grade 1 levels. They are not required to
have any knowledge of the Chinese language. Children are
eligible for kindergarten this fall (September) if they will
be 5 years old on or before March 1st of the following year.
Elementary Level (Grades 2 to 6): Placement in Grades 2
to 6 is determined after an individual assessment of
language skills.
Junior High Level (Grades 7 to 9): Graduates from Grade 6
are welcome to continue their Chinese studies by selecting
the Chinese Language Arts option as one of their Junior High
subjects.
Senior High Level (Grades 10 to 12): Graduates from Grade
9 Chinese Language Arts are welcome to continue their
Chinese studies by selecting Mandarin for
credit in high school. International Baccalaureate (I.B.)
certificates are granted upon successful completion at
participating schools.
Other students with competent Chinese language skills are
asked to contact the school of their choice for an
assessment to determine appropriate placement in the Chinese
Bilingual / Chinese Language Arts continuum.
What are the benefits of studying a second language?
- Cultural awareness can best be learned through
exposure to a second language
- Opportunities to read and enjoy the literature of
other countries
- More sources from which to gain valuable information
and insights
- Improved communication skills in listening,
speaking, reading, and writing
- Comprehension skills are more easily mastered
- Creative thinking is enhanced in second language
students
- An experience that will make learning other
languages even easier
About the Association
The Edmonton Chinese Bilingual Education
Association (ECBEA) is registered under the Societies
Act of Alberta. It is also registered with Revenue Canada as
a charitable organization.
The ECBEA is a non-profit, non-partisan organization of
volunteers dedicated to promoting the learning and
understanding of the Chinese language.
Membership in the ECBEA is comprised strictly of
parents with children enrolled in the English-Chinese
Bilingual / Chinese Language Arts continuum in the Edmonton Public School
system.
The purpose of the ECBEA is to:
- promote the learning and understanding of Chinese
language and culture;
- assist in establishing new programs and expansion of
the English-Chinese Bilingual / Chinese Language Arts continuum of studies;
- coordinate student recruitment campaigns;
- serve as a collective voice on behalf of parent
members;
- liaison with Edmonton Public Schools on all matters
pertaining to Chinese bilingual education;
- promote Chinese language education through available
public media; and,
- provide volunteer support where required.
In short, the primary purpose of the Association is to
promote and ensure the long-term success of the
English-Chinese Bilingual / Chinese Language Arts continuum.
The Edmonton Chinese Bilingual Education Association was
nominated by Edmonton Public Schools for a District Team
Service Award in 1997... "to recognize the ongoing service
contributions made to the district by a group of parents and
community members...focus is on cooperation, participation
and excellence in performance by a team or group.
Achievement or contribution has brought distinction to the
district and the group."
Please mail your donations to:
Edmonton Chinese Bilingual Education Association
Box 220, #21-10405 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 3S2
An official receipt for income tax purposes will be issued
to you. Thank you.
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