Primary

Primary

Two languages, alternately.

Pupils benefit from a bilingual education with two teachers who work in close partnership.  From Year 1 (GS) to Year 6 (CM2), classes are in English 50% of the time and in French the other 50% of the time.  Each class year has one French-speaking and one English-speaking teacher, with specialty teachers in subjects such as PE, Language, and Music.

Our school has developed a unique, shared pedagogy that encompasses statutory elements of both the French and English curriculums.  The bilingual curriculum is enhanced by creating links between topics and by dividing subjects between two teachers with common themes. This is further enhanced by different teaching methods and practices from all over the world, which address critical thinking, collaboration, and risk-taking.

We also benefit from specialist teachers with a background in English as an Additional Language (EAL) and French as an Additional Language (FLE) to support beginners in either language.

Classes start at 8:45 am every day for Primary students. The school gates open at 8:15 am for an early drop-off with supervised time.  The school day ends at 3:15 pm from Monday through Thursday and at 3pm on Friday.  We encourage families to observe these times, thus ensuring a good and stress-free start to the day for all.

After-school activities are organised every day until 5pm for an additional fee. Onsite after school care until 6pm is also available for a fee.

Modern Learning
A teacher stands at the front of a classroom, addressing students seated at desks. The students are facing forward, and colorful decorations and educational materials are displayed around the room.

Modern learning is defined by the way we engage students through differentiated and challenging activities.

In the Primary section, we employ technology to enhance learning. Pupils sometimes use iPads in class to access resources or to showcase their work and comprehension through visually attractive presentations. Technology integration allows teachers to differentiate their instruction more effectively and lets students work at their own pace and collaborate on projects.

The use of technology as a tool empowers students to become digital citizens, engaging them in 21st-century skills to enhance their learning. Technology is always used under the supervision of teachers.

For more information on how technology is used to enhance education gradually and securely at Lycée Winston Churchill, read about it here.

Reading
A young child with brown hair is sitting on a chair in a library, engrossed in reading a primary-level book. Two other people, a child and an adult, are in the background, also deeply engaged with books. Shelves filled with various texts line the wall.

In Year 1, the main goal is to empower students’ phonics skills and develop their curiosity about writing. They learn that sentences are made of words and that each word is made of sounds. Through daily practice, they are encouraged to write and read by playing with words, rhythms, syllables, and sounds. To cater to all students, we offer a tailored reading programme as well as differentiated activities.

Reading is one of the most important subjects every child learns at school, including starting English in Year 1. Children are taught to read English using phonics, an approach that focuses on building words from sounds. We use a proven synthetic phonics programme called “Read Write Inc. Phonics” that ensures early success in reading, writing, and spelling. We also use the UK’s most successful reading scheme, Oxford Reading Tree, which is currently used in more than 80% of primary schools, and has helped millions of children from all over the world learn, and love, to read.

In Year 2, reading is taught through daily practice of sounds linked with illustrated texts. Students also learn to read by writing and by understanding the transcription of oral messages into writing.

Throughout the year, we hold reading competitions tailored to our students’ needs.

Mathematics
Two young boys are crouched on the floor engaged in a primary learning activity. One wears a red sweater, the other a blue one. They are focused on the task, with colorful hot air balloon artwork visible on the wall in the background.

Our Mathematics curriculum is based on the French system from the French Department of Education, adding elements of Singapore’s vaunted Mathematics instruction. The English and French teachers share the curriculum, allowing students to experience different approaches and ways of working. This gives them a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Students also learn to express themselves with ease using a precise mathematical vocabulary.

Participation in many competitions and international games is another way to strengthen our curriculum and build students’ confidence and joy of learning.

History and Geography
A young student in a maroon sweater sits at a desk, smiling and looking up at the primary teacher. The teacher, in a gray top, is crouched down, engaged in conversation. Other students are visible in the background of the classroom.

The History and Geography curriculum is divided between the two teachers. Links are made between English and French through literature, texts, and pictures so that both cultures are intertwined. This allows students to better understand and acknowledge diversity. Students learn how to research, make hypotheses, and write a synthesis. They also develop specific vocabulary in both languages, which helps them feel more confident when presenting their work in front of peers.

Science
Two young girls in a primary classroom: one peers through a microscope while the other smiles, observing. They are surrounded by colorful folders and educational materials. The girl using the microscope sports decorative hair clips, adding a touch of whimsy to their educational adventure.

The English and French-speaking teachers work in collaboration on projects that are ambitious and motivating for the students, helping bridge both languages. Each project follows set procedures to reach realistic conclusions. This allows the students to be active participants in their learning. Teachers deliver theory-based learning to serve as a tool for children to use in experiments aimed at reaching conclusions. As a result, students become practical researchers in an ongoing journey through science.

Literature
A primary teacher is reading a book to three young children in a classroom. The children, two wearing red uniforms and one in a purple hoodie, are sitting attentively around her. The bright classroom is filled with windows, books, and colorful decorations.

Our literature plan guides students through their journey from Year 1 (GS) to Year 6 (CM2), with shared themes that are studied across the Primary section. Teachers collaborate closely to engage students through these common motifs, which help teach vocabulary in both languages and make linkages between them. Detective stories, poems, legends, tales; there are many ways to use recurring concepts in different books to help students develop critical thinking and feel eager to read in both languages. Creative writing is also linked to the themes. Sometimes created on interactive devices, these projects foster imagination and analytical thinking to achieve excellence.

We choose culturally sensitive books with well-structured stories that are enjoyable and rewarding, and which offer a good model for children to consider when writing their own stories.

Differentiation is a key component of every lesson. Teachers adapt their approach for different students so that every student has the chance to perform to the best of their ability. We provide the best of British education through a distinctive enquiry-based curriculum, and encourage ambition and confidence in all our children.

Art and Music
Two young girls sit in a primary classroom, each holding a ukulele. One girl patiently teaches the other how to play as they focus intently. In the background, shelves lined with percussion instruments hint at more musical adventures.

Art and Music are taught by specialist teachers who bring their expertise to our primary students. Lessons and activities are designed to allow students to express their creativity in a comfortable setting and in two languages. From drawing to painting and collage, using a variety of techniques and materials, students can experience the joy of creating and unleash their imaginations.

Physical Education
In a lively primary school gym, boys play indoor soccer on the polished wooden floor. Clad in blue and yellow bibs, one boy skillfully dribbles the ball as others prepare to intercept. A netted goalpost stands prominently in the background, ready for action.

Weekly PE classes are taught in both languages and focus on creating healthy habits and a positive self-image from a young age while building knowledge of techniques around safety, collaboration, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Primary students working in their classoom
English as Second Language (ESL)
Primary students raising their hands to answer a question.
Français Langue Etrangère (FLE)

Watch to see how Jules became bilingual with us in just one year:

A woman with long brown hair and earrings, wearing a black turtleneck, stands outdoors and smiles softly at the camera. The background shows trees, buildings, and a cloudy sky. Minisha Bist Head of Primary School
Our team member with light hair stands outdoors, dressed in a dark shirt and light cardigan. They pose against a blurred natural backdrop of trees and greenery, bathed in warm, natural light. Virginie Helluy Professeur des Écoles, Primary Curriculum Co-Coordinator
Amidst the lush backdrop of trees, a person with light hair, a valued member of our team, stands confidently in a brown sweater layered over a blue and white striped shirt. Laurence Perry Primary Teacher and Co-coordinator of Primary Curriculum
A member of our team with long brown hair and a light green polka dot shirt smiles at the camera. The background features text and illustrations, hinting at an educational or formal setting. Giliane Benvenuto Professeur des Écoles
A member of our team with shoulder-length dark hair and a light jacket smiles at the camera, framed by a blurred cityscape and hints of greenery. Aliya Faruqi Primary Teacher
A man with a beard and short hair, wearing a brown checkered blazer and a white shirt, stands outdoors as part of our team. The background is blurred, hinting at greenery and a pathway. He looks at the camera with a slight smile. Sakhreddine Fenara Professeur des Écoles
A member of our team with short brown hair wearing a white sleeveless top stands outdoors. The background features blurred greenery, hinting at a natural setting. Their expression is neutral, and the lighting is bright and even. Sandrine Magnier Professeur des Écoles
A person with curly hair, wearing glasses and a headband, smiles warmly while standing outdoors. They are dressed in a yellow patterned top with a cardigan over it. The background shows a blurred view of trees and rooftops, embodying the vibrant spirit of our team. Sarah Mondou Professeur des Écoles
Part of our team, a person with shoulder-length black hair stands outdoors on a sunny day. They wear a colorful patterned shirt and a necklace, against a backdrop of blurred cityscape and sky. Simone Morgan Primary Teacher
A woman with long dark hair, wearing a blue and patterned top, smiles at the camera. Representing our team, she dons a blue lanyard labeled LIL STAFF. The backdrop features a cityscape interspersed with trees and buildings. Salome Singh Primary teacher
A woman from our team with shoulder-length blonde hair and a navy blue top smiles at the camera. The background showcases an outdoor setting with trees and a hint of a cityscape in the distance. Meryl Sebaouni Professeur des Écoles
A member of our team, sporting short hair and glasses, enjoys the outdoors in a dark sweater layered over a checkered shirt. The serene background features blurred trees and a clear blue sky, perfectly capturing the essence of a refreshing day. Kevin Ringuet Administrative Assistant

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