Primary
SCHOOL (6 - 10 years)
page 3
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
October after settling in, in February 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 part of the statutory Primary School hours and 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.