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.