Keeping in touch with parents
In addition to reports, all students also
have a liaison book for weekly communication between home and school.
Non-native English speakers
For pupils whose mother tongue is not English and who require additional
support, we provide individual English as a Second Language tuition. This
ensures exam success is not compromised.
Integration into the local community
We make every effort to involve pupils in the life and culture of Bordeaux with
regular visits to theatres, art galleries, museums and a number of
community-minded
organisations (such as Banque Alimentaire and Fair Trade).
In addition, older
pupils,
keen to gain real-life experience, are assisted in
obtaining work placements with local organisations.
Duke of Edinburgh International Award Scheme
Pupils are encouraged to take part in the
Duke of Edinburgh International Award Scheme. Founded in 1956, the scheme aims
to
develop people aged between 14 and 25 mentally, physically, emotionally and
spiritually.
The Award is
equally about learning new skills, exploring cultural heritage and assisting
people within the community.
The skills of
initiative and autonomy developed are highly regarded by employers the world
over and will stand all participants in good stead throughout their working
lives.
Some activities can be completed at school, but the majority of activities
requires a commitment from the pupils to give up some of their own time.
Host family arrangements
Living with a local family
in Bordeaux in an ideal arrangement for Secondary School pupils whose parents
live a long way from the school. It is also the most effective way to gain
fluency and to absorb the French language and culture. The pupils become part of
the family and are soon chatting at the breakfast table, going shopping,
visiting relatives and helping at meal times.
Accommodation
is full board either on a weekly or full-time basis. All host families are
personally vetted and selected, some of whom have been hosting pupils for
several years, and with whom the school has built up very close relationships.
We aim to match
pupils to host families as far as possible, for example with children of similar
ages, hobbies and interests. We always consult the parents and introduce both
families before the pupil moves in. It is vital that the pupil is happy in their
host family and we devote a lot of care to this aspect.