Élémentaire / Elementary
A crucial time for developing the behaviours and tools required for unhindered learning
Smaller class sizes and innovative teaching methods allow us use an individualised educational approach.
Teachers monitor every student, adapt to their needs, supporting them in improving their progress by using content that supports and stimulates their learning.
We encourage every child to be original, creative and autonomous in their learning.
A crucial time for developing the behaviours and tools required for unhindered learning
Smaller class sizes and innovative teaching methods allow us use an individualised educational approach.
Teachers monitor every student, adapt to their needs, supporting them in improving their progress by using content that supports and stimulates their learning.
We encourage every child to be original, creative and autonomous in their learning.
Pedagogical organisation
Cycle 2
Fundamental learning cycles: CP, CE1 and CE2
Cycle 3
Consolidation cycle: CM1, CM2 and 6ème (Collège)
Cours préparatoire / CP – age 6
Cours élémentaire 1 / CE1 – age 7
Cours élémentaire 2 / CE2 – age 8
Cours moyen 1 / CM1 – age 9
Cours moyen 2 / CM2 – age 10
Pedagogical organisation
Cycle 2
Fundamental learning cycles: CP, CE1 and CE2
Cycle 3
Consolidation cycle: CM1, CM2 and 6ème (Collège)
Cours préparatoire / CP – age 6
Cours élémentaire 1 / CE1 – age 7
Cours élémentaire 2 / CE2 – age 8
Cours moyen 1 / CM1 – age 9
Cours moyen 2 / CM2 – age 10
Structure from CP to CM2
The aim of the Primaire (primary school) is to support every student in becoming an independent learner and to succeed while developing a sense of responsibility for themselves and for others. Students can experiment with our 3 languages of French, German and English in all aspects of reading, speaking, reading and writing while developing their artistic and sporting abilities.
The Élémentaire is structured into 2 cycles, Cours Préparatoire (CP) through to Cours Moyen Deuxième Année (CM2). There are defined objectives for each cycle which teachers use as a basis for their lesson planning while taking into account the attainment rates of individual students.
Our curriculum allows students to gradually develop their skills and understanding of the fundamental tools of French and mathematics and to structure and broaden their understanding of the world.
The common base of knowledge, skills and culture
The common base of knowledge, skills and culture advises students what they need to know and fully understand. It combines all of the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed for academic achievement as well as for personal growth and life as a future citizen.
Curriculum - five key areas
Introduction to multilingualism
Learning a foreign language needs an enquiring mind, a sense of one’s own nationality and culture while acquiring a deep respect for the nationalities and cultures of others
From the earliest age, our students evolve in an international environment. Learning languages is an excellent means of developing sensitivity to differences, curiosity and a desire to communicate.
Learning a language from a young age facilitates language acquisition in later life and improves capacity in other areas, such as abstract thought and mathematics.
Our students learn all aspects (listening, speaking, reading and writing) of 3 languages, French and German.
By the end of Primaire, the children are able to earn linguisitc certifications.
French
French plays a major role in our school, it is used to teach several subjects other than languages and is used for many of the examinations that our students work towards.
German
The language of our host nation – as a modern language: students are taught in four ability groups.
English
Taught as a modern language: students are taught in two ability groups.
PROGRAMME Deutsch + Élémentaire
Students with the prerequisite knowledge of German will join the Deutsch + Élémentaire programme. On this programme, students have 3 hours of lessons in German on subjects such as history, geography, science, art and “questioning the world”. At the beginning of every school year, these groups are reassessed in terms of student progress.
International American Section (IAS)
The Section Internationale Américaine is a bicultural linguistic programme established by the French Ministry of National Education in co-operation with the United States. The special feature of this programme is that it incorporates American culture into the curriculum as well as language.
The education delivered in the international section aims to facilitate the integration and immersion of foreign students into the French education system while providing those from the French system with an in-depth knowledge of English, notably by teaching certain subjects in English.
In this section, student are taught the non-linguistic subjects (DNL- discipline non-linguistique) of history and geography in English. A DNL is a subject taught in a different language to French; this supports students in applying their English language skills while focusing most of their attention on the subject they are learning.
My child does not speak French
Teaching and intensive support for accelerated French learning
Joining a French school if you’re not French could be discouraging for some families. Our school welcomes children of any nationality, irrespective of their native language.
For students who have little or no knowledge of French, we offer an enhanced learning programme called Français Langue de Scolarisation (FLSco – French language for Education). The children work in small groups that allow teachers to tailor their efforts to individual students. The children therefore make rapid progress.
The aim is to teach the French language to students as they learn to become students of the French school system, enabling them to make the best possible start to French school.
Sport
Throughout the school, physical education and sport aims to create level-headed, autonomous, physically and socially educated students in the interest of getting along together. Helping children and teenagers to explore wellbeing and to take care of their health. All are involved, including those with special educational needs and disabled students. Sports lessons are held once a week, either in the school yard or the gym. The children also use the swimming pool in CM2.
The school library
The school library (bibliothèque) contains a multitude of works in three languages. Students young and old are able to borrow books. From a young age, the library helps to develop a reading behaviour and an initial literary culture.
Students are encouraged to research subjects that interest them and have access to age-appropriate documents.
Fun spaces in a school setting
Several classrooms have an area aimed at improving school life and encouraging educational success by offering students the opportunity to indulge in fun activities when time permits.
A project-based pedagogy
Sport, cultural and artistic activities have a major impact on student wellbeing. Arts and culture are essential in developing creativity and sharpening critical thinking.
Our school is actively involved in a range of international projects run by the AEFE including Ambassadrices et Ambassadeurs en herbe (Budding Ambassadors), Kangourou des mathématiques (Mathematics Kangaroo)… as well as our own internal projects such as the reading rally which is a classroom ‘competition’ aimed at developing a love of reading and creating a buzz around books as well as many other projects that encourage student creativity throughout the school year.
After school
La garderie
Monday to Friday from 2.00 to 6.00 pm (in term time) at our premises.
After-school activities APS
The APS are an important element of school life and of our students’ learning. Our experienced coaches offer our students sports, cultural, artistic or linguistic activities in French, German or English.
After-school activities are held from 2.30pm to 4pm.
