Primary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

ESL teachers create an environment where students new to English feel confident and supported in learning a different language. Our aim is to develop students’ oral and aural skills to gain confidence and understanding, and integrate smoothly into the main English classes. Once this stage is passed, the ESL teachers work in close collaboration with class teachers to pre-teach vocabulary on topics used in the main classes, or to follow up on class work with extra activities so the content is fully understood. Our aim is to integrate students as quickly as possible so they can cope in the classroom full-time.

Through task-based learning and technology (for instance, students can record themselves), we are able to differentiate learning to cater to students’ needs. Using online apps, we are also able to communicate with families and aid students in their learning outside of school.

After two years of learning English as an additional language, students have an opportunity to take the Trinity GESE* exam, which certifies their proficiency in spoken English.

* Trinity GESE qualification is a language/oral assessment and is listed on the UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), and is aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

Our FLE program is tailored to help non-native French speakers adapt in their main classrooms. Following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the interactive lessons focus on learning new vocabulary and speaking first. The main goal is to build students’ confidence in French and to help them access the vocabulary of the main French class. Progressively, grammar and reading are introduced to support and cater to their needs. Through games and engaging lessons, and in collaboration with the main class teacher, students are given the perfect platform to grow and feel confident speaking and reading in French.

The programme also helps groups of non-native students reinforce their writing and reading skills while learning new vocabulary. Every lesson is adapted to students’ levels and provides them with differentiated instructions. After two years of learning French as an additional language, students have an opportunity to take the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) Prim* exam which certifies their proficiency in the French language.

* DELF certificates are awarded by the French Ministry of Education for proficiency in French as a Foreign Language. The DELF Prim examination assesses four language skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking skills, and writing skills. It is targeted to primary school students.