B.I.S was re-accredited by the
Council of International Schools in June 2010
(www.cois.org)
and is recognised by the French Ministry of Education

Primary SCHOOL (6 - 9 years)



Becoming bilingual
 

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.

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 and acquire good working methods

• 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 d'association”), 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, Mathematics, Spanish, ICT, Science, Social Studies, Geography and History.
A combination of Art, Music, Drama, Dance and Mime reinforces our topic-based curricular programme through creative expression.   These programmes are taught twice a week by specialist teachers. Topical discussion improve listening, concentration, communication and coordination.

For those whose mother tongue is neither French nor English, additional individual support can be provided (at a cost).

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, to give them a feel for the environment.

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. Progress reports are sent home at the end of each term.  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 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 pupil takes an assessment in First Language and in Maths during the third week of September.  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. 
A child-minding service ("garderie") is available until 17.15 (details and costs available upon request).

Homework
Pupils are encouraged to take home reading books to enjoy with their parents, to reinforce their reading progress. We prefer to keep homework to a minimum, with little homework for pupils under 8 years old. Working in two and sometimes three languages all day can be demanding and the children need to relax and enjoy other activities after 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.  The council is a place where pupils feel free to express themselves.

ICT

ICT is an integral part of our curriculum programme in Early Learning and Primary.

ICT is a subject in its own right on the timetable.  ICT also plays an important role in many of our cross-curricular project activities, as a teaching tool and to compound learning skills.

There are computers and printers in all the teaching rooms, along with interactive whiteboards and laptops which are shared.

Digital and video cameras are used to record events and class activities in addition to their use as teaching resources. Video cassettes and DVDs are used frequently as visual aids in our multi-sensory curriculum programmes.

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.  For part of the morning, the children participate in various class activities including theatre, library in French and English, and ICT/cinema. They all join together half way through the morning for free playtime with structured English games and activities to follow.