Why learn French with FANS?
Providing your children with the benefits of bilingualism
Founded over 20 years ago, FANS (The French-speaking Association of the North Shore) is a not-for-profit association located on Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches.
Our dynamic multicultural, multilingual community provides a modern French-English bilingual education within Killarney Heights Public School, while celebrating international francophone cultures with inclusive events.
Choosing FANS for your family
Most of us have been where you are right now, researching French bilingual school options for our children in Sydney. We understand that it’s a big decision, and we have all chosen FANS. Why?
Students are following the NSW school curriculum and school calendar, and are learning daily in both languages. Each class is taught collaboratively, with both Department of Education teachers and the qualified FANS native-speaking teachers of French working as a team.
Our families experience Australian culture and way of life. We are building lifelong friendships, and putting down roots in stunning, safe surroundings. Our community is an ideal place to raise a family.
The Northern Beaches of Sydney are surrounded by native forests, endless beaches, and lush parks. Yet, our suburb is only 15km from Sydney’s vibrant CBD.
We are leaders in French-English bilingual education, located on Sydney's
beautiful North Shore
Benefits of Bilingualism
There are lifelong benefits to learning French
Social
Bilingual children develop better communications skills, becoming more sensitive to the perspectives of others. People who speak other languages often develop more empathy and demonstrate a global mindset.
Brain function
The brain power required to be a bilingual speaker improves the cognitive function linked to critical thinking and problem solving.
Academics
Learning a new language has a positive impact on achievement in other subjects, such as in English language learning, maths, and science when they continue to learn and develop their native language.
Confidence
Bilingual children develop a strong sense of identity, building their self-worth and boosting confidence. They are proud to be able to speak another language and are thrilled to greet others en français with a Bonjour!
Attention
Bilinguals are good at focusing attention on information they’re gathering, as well as being advantaged in certain aspects of memory, such as generalising information from one event to a later event.
Travel
Travelling is much easier and more fun when there isn’t a language barrier. Speak with the locals and make more friends along the way. Having a cultural connection to a language also deepens our travel experiences.
Family heritage
Raising your children to be bilingual helps them understand the importance of their culture, and creates a strong sense of personal identity. It’s a great gift to your children. Being a model of bilingualism can help encourage your children to become bilingual, too.
Career
Bilingual people have a broader range of study and career opportunities. Speaking more than one language opens doors to new countries, new fields, and new contacts.
Killarney Heights Public School
Our Primary school bilingual program is fully integrated within Killarney Heights Public School.
Become a FANS member
Learn how to enrol your child in our bilingual program.
Catchment area
While many FANS families enrolled in the bilingual program live in Killarney Heights, others live in the nearby suburbs of Forestville, Frenchs Forest, Belrose, and along the Northern Beaches.
While it is preferable to live in the catchment area of the school to ensure enrolment at Killarney Heights Public School (KHPS), KHPS offers an out-of-area enrolment process for families enrolling in the bilingual program.
Please contact the school for more information about the out-of-area process and area limitations.
Logistics for overseas families
As an Australian public school, KHPS follows the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Education school calendar.
The school year begins at the end of January
The school year finishes at the end of December
There are four school terms of an average of ten weeks, with two weeks of school holidays in April (autumn), July (winter), and September (spring) separating each term.
Summer holidays begin on the weekend before Christmas and end after Australia Day, at the end of January.
Moving to Sydney's Northern Beaches
Most of us have been where you are right now, researching bilingual education options for our children while contemplating a big move to Sydney. We also made the best decision to move here, put down roots, and raise our families in this beautiful, safe, clean, family-friendly city. You’re in good company!
Welcome to the neighbourhood!
When choosing a suburb, we recommend you take into account commute times (at peak traffic), distance from work, housing budget, and lifestyle preferences.
Most housing listings for rent or for sale are managed by real estate agencies. Most available housing options can be found on the two main real estate listing websites:
Become a FANS member
Learn how to enrol your child in our bilingual program.