|
Primary
SCHOOL (6 - 9 years)

Bordeaux International School welcomes approximately 15 nationalities into its
primary education section each year, with 50% of the pupils being French. This
fusion of world cultures is particularly stimulating for children of this age.
Classes are mixed nationality and the teaching is in both French and English,
with equal weight given to each language. The school is unique in that pupils
not only learn a second language but also learn in that language.
Teachers teach in their mother tongue only and pupils speak to them in that
language at all times. After
discussion with the head of section on future plans, parents are asked to
identify their child's first language for early language and literacy skills.
This enables a stable, smooth progression in both languages.
The full teaching team has contact time with every pupil
at some point during the school week, which is important for all-round
development. The teaching team participates in weekly meetings to discuss progress. There
is no host family option for this age group and pupils attend the school as day
pupils.
Objectives
-
To develop bilingualism in all pupils
-
To
facilitate mastery of the basic skills of reading, writing and arithmetic
equally in both languages
-
To foster a positive attitude towards learning
-
To achieve a balanced progression in all learning areas
-
To encourage pupils to take responsibility for their learning
-
To prepare pupils sufficiently for secondary education
-
To nurture
self-confidence, self-discipline, independence, social skills and respect for
other people and cultures
Subjects studied
French and
English syllabuses are
adapted to meet the needs of a bilingual international school, ensuring core subjects are
covered to the required standards in both languages.
Accredited by the French Ministry of Education (“sous contrat simple”), we meet
the French government’s requirements in French and
Mathematics
so pupils can progress to French “collège”. Key Stages 1 and 2 of the English
National Curriculum are followed to ensure pupils enter secondary education with
the standards required
by the British government.
Subjects include:
English, French, Spanish, ICT, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Geography
and History.
A combination of Art, Music, Drama, Dance and Mime
reinforces our topic-based curricular programme through creative expression.
Topical discussion, games and sports activities improve listening,
concentration, communication and coordination.
For those whose
mother tongue is neither French nor English, additional individual support can
be provided.
Teaching
approach
-
Creating a stimulating environment, keeping motivation alive and encouraging
enquiring minds. Emphasis is placed on communication, free expression and the
use of appropriate materials
-
Promoting active participation, encouraging positive and enjoyable learning
-
Basing our inter-disciplinary programme on group discussion and exploration of
ideas and personal values
-
Encouraging inter-curricular cooperation and active learning through
whole-school projects and subject themes
-
Ensuring that basic concepts are soundly established and then consolidated
-
Encouraging pupils to evolve at their own pace through differentiated tasks and
targets
Admission
Children are
accepted on their previous school reports. We recommend pupils spend one or two
days at the school before officially registering.
Communication and parental involvement
Parents’
meetings are held each term to discuss all aspects of the child’s education as
well as the programme itself. Each child is also given a home/school book for
daily communication between parents and teachers on homework and other issues.
In addition,
parents are encouraged to come into the school at the end of the day to look
through exercise books with their child and enjoy the creative displays of work.
A whole-school exhibition of project work is mounted at least once a year.
Each child has a year file containing their formal standardised tests, along
with ongoing
assessments on
their personal development and curriculum targets. Standardised tests in
literacy and language (first language) and Maths are given at the beginning of
the school year. Parents receive a progress report three times a year, in
December, April and June.
Class size and hours
We keep classes small (with a maximum of 12) and child-focused. Classroom and
themed project work is complemented with relevant cultural visits and school
outings to support the work being undertaken.
The school hours are 9am to 4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and 9am to
midday on Wednesday.
Homework
Pupils under the age of 8 are encouraged to take home
reading books to enjoy with their parents, to reinforce their reading progress.
Otherwise, very little homework is set. Having worked in two, sometimes three,
languages all day, the children need to relax and enjoy family activities after school. However, parents wishing homework to
be set for their child are most welcome to discuss the details with the head of
section.
Pupils above
the age of 8 have short homework exercises to consolidate their learning skills
and to prepare them for this discipline required in Secondary School.
Pupil-run school council
The children
are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves. The Primary School has a
school council of which all pupils are members. The aim of the council is to set
and maintain standards of behaviour among the pupils and to instil a sense of
respect and pride.
It is set up
and run by the pupils, with positions of responsibility, such as president,
secretary and mediator, rotating each month. All pupils participate actively in
discussions concerning their daily life in school. It is a great way for them to
learn the tools for social interaction and consideration for others’ points of
view.
Wednesday Club
Wednesday
mornings are compulsory for
children of 6+. French children from local schools eager to learn English join
us for Wednesday Club. This interaction with other children provides
opportunities for social contacts, which can be developed outside the school.
The children with English as their first language spend part of the morning in
French language workshops, such as theatre, art and production of the school
cyber journal. Those with French as their leading language work in theatre and
communication in English. They all join together half way through the morning
for free playtime with structured English games to follow.
|