Why learn French with FANS?
Providing your children with the benefits of bilingualism
Founded over 25 years ago, FANS (The French-speaking Association of the North Shore) is a parent-led, 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 the FANS bilingual program
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?
Quality.
The FANS French bilingual program at Killarney Heights Public School fosters raising our children as active global citizens.
Our children benefit from a modern bilingual education from Kindy to Year 6 within a high-achieving Australian public school, offering many extra-curricular activities to engage and stimulate children's interests and growth.
Australian.
Students are following the NSW school curriculum and school calendar within a public primary school, 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, while being welcomed by a diverse multicultural community that is passionate about giving their children a French bilingual education.
Community.
We are building lifelong friendships and putting down roots in stunning, safe surroundings. The FANS community offers regular family-friendly and parent-only events to encourage members to mix and have fun, while celebrating Francophone cultures and language. Our community is an ideal place to raise a family.
Killarney Heights is located in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, surrounded by native forests, endless beaches, and lush parks. Yet, our leafy suburb is only 15km from Sydney’s vibrant CBD.
Why FANS?
We are leaders in French-English bilingual education, located on Sydney's
beautiful North Shore
Experience
With over 25 years of experience, our program is accredited by Label FrancÉducation, a seal of quality awarded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and we are a founding member of AAFEBS, the Australian Association of French Bilingual Schools.
Modern approach
Our students follow the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) methodology to learn multiple subjects in both English and French, from Kindergarten to Year 6.
French for all
We offer two distinct programs:
🔹 The Francophone stream, for students already exposed to French at home
🔸The Anglophone stream, for students learning French as a new language
Australian
Experience Australian culture and follow the New South Wales (NSW) curriculum and school calendar while attending the French bilingual program at Killarney Heights Public School.
Not-for-profit
FANS is run by an elected committee and supported by dedicated volunteer parents, with all funds going towards a unique bilingual education.
Community
Our common values are openness, global mindedness, respect, and a quality French-English bilingual education for our children.
Social Events
Enjoy our inclusive events:
Welcome Wine & Cheese, Parent Trivia, Raclette Night, World Music Day / Fête de la Musique, French Second-Hand Book Sales, and the huge annual French Market.
Teachers of French
Our highly qualified, native French- speaking teachers work as a team with their NSW Department of Education colleagues to deliver the curriculum.
Benefits of Bilingualism
There are lifelong benefits to learning French
French is spoken by nearly 400 million people worldwide, is an official language in around 30 countries across 5 continents, and is one of the main
working languages of organisations like the United Nations, making it one of the most valuable global languages to learn.
Key
Milestone
Reaching new heights together
Key
Milestone
Reaching new heights together
Academic Skills
Learning languages can improve literacy, memory, problem-solving, and overall learning at school.
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Social
Learning another language helps children connect with more people and build friendships across cultures.
Family Heritage
Maintaining a family language helps children stay connected to grandparents, traditions, and cultural identity.
Attention
Bilingual children often develop stronger focus and listening skills by switching between languages.
Confidence
Speaking multiple languages encourages children to take risks, communicate more openly, and believe in their abilities.
Travel
Speaking another language makes travel more meaningful and helps children feel comfortable exploring the world.
Career Opportunities
Bilingualism opens doors to future jobs in business, health, education, tourism, diplomacy, and more.
Global Mindset
Learning another language encourages curiosity, empathy, and understanding of different cultures and perspectives.
Killarney Heights Public School
Our Primary school bilingual program is fully integrated within Killarney Heights Public School.
Provide your children with the benefits of bilingualism within an excellent
public primary school
Enrol your child in the FANS 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, family-friendly city. You’re in good company!
Welcome to the neighbourhood!
When choosing a suburb, 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, on the two main real estate listing websites:
Enrol now
Learn how to enrol your child in the FANS French Bilingual Program