Learning French on the up in Canada.

More New Brunswick students are taking an interest in learning French under the government's new approach to second language learning.

Enrollment in the Grade 6 late immersion program is up 19 per cent over last year. The increase is being attributed in part to the Grade 5 Intensive French (IF) program, which was put in place province-wide last year. Intensive French takes a new approach to learning French as a second language.

"We know from evaluations done with our IF teachers in June that they are seeing a new enthusiasm and interest in learning French because of the new approach," said Education Minister Roland Haché. "It is a positive sign that more students are taking an interest in learning another language, especially since the ability to speak more than one language is an essential skill in the worldwide economy."

The provincial government overhauled its French second-language programs last year to give anglophone students, particularly those in rural areas, better access to quality French language programs. It eliminated the former ineffective core French program and replaced in with IF for all non-immersion students. The provincial government also moved the early entry point for immersion to Grade 3.

All students in kindergarten to Grade 2 are now being introduced to French language, history and culture through a series of learning experiences linked to curriculum outcomes. After Grade 2, students have three options: immersion starting in Grade 3 and continuing through high school.