Underlying our school ethos is the aim to encourage children to enjoy coming to school, to feel safe and to be happy there

This in turn makes them receptive to learning and allows us to open their minds, to encourage curiosity and to develop their characters and personal abilities. Building on this, the objective of our teaching is for them to master skills in both languages and develop an understanding of both cultures through being exposed to the specific qualities and characteristics of both the French and English educational systems.

Learning

• Bilingual learning – Pupils are taught in French and in English, thanks to two teachers, one of whom is French speaking while the other is English speaking, and who work in close partnership in accordance with a specifically adapted calendar and curriculum.
• Oral based programme – The programme for Petite Section (Nursery), Moyenne Section (Reception) and Grande Section (Year 1) is oral based, taking into consideration the relevant communication and language skills, and from the French National Curriculum.
• Phonics lessons – Certain objectives have been included to cater for a multilingual audience living on British soil. Phonics lessons in English are introduced in Moyenne Section (Reception) and Grande Section (Year 1) through a specific programme adapted from the English curriculum.

We are not required to comply with the English Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. Since 2012, we have received an exemption from having to meet these in the areas of teaching and learning from the Department for Education. This exemption has been renewed in 2021.

Art, Dance & Sports

Art

Moyenne Section (Reception) and Grande Section (Year 1) music lessons, as well as Grande Section (Year 1) art sessions are led by a dedicated English teacher. Every year in May, an exhibition is held to display all pupils’ work.

Dance

All children have a weekly class of dance led by an experienced teacher who has graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance.

Pupils are taught physical expression through the use of their imagination and the teacher develops their sense of balance and coordination. During the year parents are invited to come and see a class.

Sports

From an early age we teach children to be aware of their bodies and to enjoy the pleasure of physical exercise both as individuals and as part of a team.

It is important for them to play at a young age so as to expend their energies and maintain a good health.

Every year in June, the school organises Sports Days by age groups.

Day trips

Being situated in the centre of London the schools are well placed to benefit from world-class theatres, museums, historical buildings, zoos, and many other attractions.

We are therefore very lucky that we can incorporate regular outings to a wide range of activities into our pupils’ learning process and awareness of the world around them. We also invite a variety of educators to visit the school to widen the children’s knowledge, such as artists, authors, illustrators and performers.

All knowledge expanding and stimulating for the children, and most importantly, fun for them!