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Cycles of EducationWithin the
French National curriculum, preschool and elementary school cover ages 2.5 to
11. The primary grades are divided in three cycles as shown below:
Organizing
schooling into cycles provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate
children’s diversity, abilities and rate of development. All students do not
progress at the same rate in all subject areas. Creating cycles allow children
to be stimulated and challenged. Teachers can evaluate better their knowledge
and their work habits. Our Pre-school Program / Cycle I (2
½ to 5)
Beginning at two and a half years-old, children start their schooling in the first cycle: the maternelle. The three years of the maternelle (petits, moyens and grands, respectively) prepare them for elementary school, and the subsequent cycles. Preschool children enjoy their school time and begin forging special relationships with other children as well as adults in a warm, and caring environment. This is their first opportunity at real social integration, when the foundation for future learning is established through varied and rich experiences. Children learn how to listen, be responsible for their actions, follow simple rules, and share and take turns. They are immersed in the French language for the majority of their time and develop their vocabulary and expression through the use of songs, poems, stories and games. Learning centers and physical activities allow them to develop fine and gross motor skills. The kindergarten
class (the grands) belongs to both the first and the second cycle, as it
is a year of preparation for elementary school. The curriculum focuses on
reading, writing and mathematical readiness. Students develop further their
language skills as they start to “write” stories. They also learn letter and
sound recognition. Kindergarteners increase self-discipline, attention span and listening skills to prepare for elementary school. Science, art, music, physical education complete the curriculum. Our Elementary School Program (ages 6
to 11)
Based on foundations acquired in preschool, elementary schooling enables all students to gradually develop the necessary knowledge for further education. Children learn to integrate their knowledge, know-how and personal working habits that are vital during middle school. They also need to take on both the cultural background and constituent values of society, to take their first step toward intellectual self-sufficiency and to develop the capacity to situate themselves within a school structure. Cycle II: Basic learning cycle (K,
1st, 2nd grades)
In first grade, students begin to read and write in both languages. Reading skills transfer easily from one language to the other. Students develop vocabulary, sentence structure and start to apply simple grammatical rules. Using a hands-on approach in mathematics, they learn numeration, geometry and word problems. Their knowledge of the world around them expends through science, history, geography, and civics. They become computer literate and know how to use the library to do research. Art and music develop their sensitivity and creative capacities. Physical activities aim to reinforce the importance of physical fitness. Students can take responsibility for their actions and work cooperatively, establishing classroom rules. They learn good study habits. Cycle III: In-depth learning cycle (3rd,
4th, 5th grades)
Students are
fully bilingual and master both languages easily. They continue to develop their
skills in reading and writing. They reinforce their knowledge of grammar and
spelling. Mathematical concepts such as multiplication, division, fractions,
geometry and measurements are introduced. Scientific experimentation and
formulation of questions prepares them to propose rational solutions. Computers
are used to give reports and do research. American and European history and
geography give them the foundation to a better knowledge about and understanding
of human life. Students
become aware of each person’s responsibility in society. They reflect on human
values. They become responsible of their own schooling. Fine arts, music and
physical education contribute to the students’ development and equilibrium. Our
Parallel Program (6 to 11 years old)
We also offer
French as a Second Language (FLE or Français Langue Etrangère),
as a parallel to the grades described above. This class,
designed for non-French-speaking children, is offered to give students who have
not attended an immersion preschool the opportunity of a bilingual education.
After the yearlong integration program they are capable of meeting the demands
of the standard program. The parallel program allows children to become
bilingual without setbacks in the natural progression of their academic
education with about half of their study time spent in French learning
vocabulary, writing and reading. At the same time they continue their studies in
English. Students are regrouped with the immersion classroom for some subjects
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©French Immersion School of Washington 1999-2007 Last Modified: May 10, 2007 |
